Barnes & Noble expands footprint through acquisitions and new store openings

Barnes & Noble has reached an agreement to acquire Joseph-Beth Booksellers, including its two locations and bistros in Lexington, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, Ohio. This acquisition marks the third independent bookstore brand acquired under CEO James Daunt, following the purchases of Denver’s Tattered Cover and the Bay Area’s Books Inc. Joseph-Beth owner Robert Langley stated the sale was necessary to ensure the longevity of the brand, which has faced challenges from the rise of Amazon.

Parallel to these acquisitions, Barnes & Noble is undergoing a significant physical expansion across the United States. The company has opened or scheduled 28 new locations this year, aiming for a nationwide footprint of more than 720 stores. Upcoming openings include sites in Florida, Texas, California, and Pennsylvania. The company attributes this growth to a strategy of decentralizing control by giving local managers more authority over their individual stores.