More than a year after the Barnes & Noble on Chicago Ave. closed down, a new one will be making its way back to downtown Naperville.
The original location shut down because the landlord did not renew the lease. When word went around about the popular bookstore shutting down, the community was in complete shock. Yet, with the new one coming to the city, there are hopes that this one will stay.
Current knowledge
The current knowledge about the new Barnes & Noble includes its location, estimated opening day and configurations.
An email interview with the City of Naperville revealed some specific details about the store.
“The store is opening in the former Williams Sonoma location at 9 W Jackson Ave. It is a 2 story building. The space is approximately 12,600 square feet. There is no cafe proposed,” the City of Naperville said.
NCC student Andrea Peguero Gonzalez, ‘25, expressed her thoughts on the possible cafe absence.
“It is a bit sad, but I understand that it is probably due to space concerns,” Peguero Gonzalez, ‘25, said. “I think the cafe would also have lots of competition being located near a number of competing locations too.”
Additionally, a Barnes & Noble representative could not be reached for an exact date for its opening. However, Janine Flanigan, Barnes & Noble Store Planning & Design vice president, told the Patch’s Lisa Marie Farver that it is expected to be operational in April 2025.
Community anticipation
Several emotions are coming from community members, with many patiently waiting for its return. One of those excited customers includes NCC’s Oesterle Library student assistant, Olivia Wegner, ‘25.
“I loved visiting the old brick-and-mortar store when it was still up, and so I’m glad that they have made the decision to reopen, even if it is in a different location,” Wegner, ‘25, said.
For various people, this site wasn’t solely an ordinary retail book shop. While sharing her optimism for the new Barnes & Noble, Wegner, ‘25, explained the significance of having one in the city.
“I think it’s important for a store like this to exist in downtown Naperville because it encourages people to read,” Wegner, ‘25, said. “With the news of them opening another store, this will hopefully bring a surge of people talking about reading. It encourages book clubs, casual reading and it may even bring in some new faces to start reading.”
Peguero Gonzalez, ‘25, also chimed in with what she would like to see from this specific store.
“I hope it keeps the variety while not compromising on layout or ‘browsability,’” Peguero Gonzalez, ‘25, said. “The first location was very walkable and open, which encouraged people to walk throughout the store to browse. If the store is too tight, it might make the shopping experience less pleasant.”
What’s next
With an opening day slated for April of this year, community members are eager to see the popular bookstore come back to the city. Although it’s coming back, many customers will miss its previous spot in the downtown area.
“I have been living in Naperville for over a decade, and I have so many memories of visiting the old location with my family and friends,” Peguero Gonzalez, ‘25, said. “I feel like it was one of the most memorable stores of downtown Naperville, especially since it was so big, and you could see it in the distance as you drove up from Washington Street!”
In the meantime, patrons can visit the nearby Anderson’s Bookshop while Barnes & Noble prepares for its comeback.
