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cover of episode Science of Success: How Barnes & Noble Is Redesigning the Bookstore Chain

Science of Success: How Barnes & Noble Is Redesigning the Bookstore Chain

2024/4/26
logo of podcast WSJ’s The Future of Everything

WSJ’s The Future of Everything
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Barnes & Noble, once a threat to independent bookstores, is now trying to emulate their success. The company's CEO, James Daunt, is leading a transformation, combining the scale of a large chain with the charm of independent shops. This involves significant changes to the physical spaces and how the books are presented.
  • Barnes & Noble's transformation aims to combine the strengths of a large chain with the appeal of independent bookstores.
  • CEO James Daunt's experience in the independent bookstore sector informs this strategy.
  • The changes involve redesigning physical spaces, book presentation, and customer engagement.

Shownotes Transcript

What does the brick and mortar bookstore of the future look like? For Barnes & Noble, it looks more like the indie bookstores they once threatened to put out of business 20 years ago. The company recently redesigned their national chain of over 500 bookstores, shedding the big box personality in favor of a look reminiscent of local bookshops. On this week’s Science of Success, WSJ columnist Ben Cohen speaks to Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt about the look, feel and idea behind Barnes & Noble’s new indie design.

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Further reading:

That Cool New Bookstore? It’s a Barnes & Noble.)

New CEO Wants to Make Barnes & Noble Your Local Bookstore)

Barnes & Noble’s New Boss Tries to Save the Chain—and Traditional Bookselling) 

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