Inside the reopened Barnes & Noble in the Galleria
photo by markertphoto.com
Barnes & Noble was the first bookstore chain to invite readers to enjoy its merchandise in the store, providing comfy chairs and in-store Starbucks coffee shops. After shutting its longtime Galleria storefront, it has reopened in a new space right across from its old one with a concept intended to entice readers to linger even longer.
The new store features its own full-service restaurant and café, expanded lounge areas, tech-savvy additions, and a modern-industrial design that incorporates high ceilings, modern lighting fixtures, Mid Century–inspired wood furnishings, a concrete floor, and a café counter outfitted with white subway tile.
The 100-seat Kitchen restaurant and café features a chef-driven menu with offerings such as lemon-ricotta pancakes and slow-cooked beef short ribs, and a craft beer list highlights local brews from Summit, Indeed, and Surly. Its dining area is composed of a seated dining area, a lounge, and a series of tabletops outfitted with power outlets and free wi-fi, appealing to power-lunchers and laptoppers alike.
New tech upgrades include kiosks that pinpoint exactly where a book is located within the store, an easy-pay option that allows shoppers to check out anywhere in the store, and new digital reading tablets that are available for test drive.
Can’t wait to dive into that new bestseller you just bought? Instead of heading home with your purchase, the new store encourages readers to sit back, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy it immediately. Or if you need some time to make up your mind, the store allows shoppers to peruse reading materials over a latté or sandwich. (Just be careful not to spill.)
View more photos of the new Barnes & Noble on the TC Style blog.
