Barnes & Noble Opens New Store in Waterford Lakes10/30/2024

Author James Ponti to Host Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Book Signing at the Grand Opening at 9AM on Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Orlando, FL - October 30, 2024 - Barnes & Noble is thrilled to announce the opening of its new Orlando bookstore on Wednesday, November 6^th. The new Barnes & Noble is located a very short distance from its previous location, still within the Waterford Lakes Town Plaza (331 N. Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32828), in the space formerly occupied by Forever 21, next to Target and the Express Outlet.

The new Barnes & Noble will officially open to the public at 9AM ET on Wednesday the 6^th with author Kristen Harmel cutting the ribbon and signing copies of her books. The bookstore showcases the highly lauded bookstore design seen in the most recent Barnes & Noble store openings, featuring all the best books, toys, games and gifts that customers have come to expect from the nation's premier bookseller.

Additionally, Barnes & Noble has partnered with Sub Pop Records to offer a free collectible tote bag to customers who purchase any Sub Pop CDs or vinyl records, while supplies last. On the day of the grand opening, two lucky Sub Pop purchasers will be surprised with a free limited edition color variant vinyl LP.

"When our previous lease ended in 2021, we were determined to find a new home nearby," said James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble. "Happily, we have secured a new storefront just a few doors away from our previous bookstore. We look forward to welcoming back our longtime customers who we hope have missed us as much as we have them. This beautifully designed new Barnes & Noble is a dramatic improvement on the old store."

Barnes & Noble is enjoying a period of tremendous growth as the strategy to hand control of each bookstore to its local booksellers has proven so successful. The bookseller is experiencing strong sales in its existing stores and has been opening many new stores after more than 15 years of declining store numbers. In 2023, Barnes & Noble opened more new bookstores in a single year than it had in the whole decade from 2009 to 2019. The bookseller expects to open over 50 new bookstores in 2024.

The Waterford Lakes location is one of thirteen new Barnes & Noble bookstores set to open in November, alongside new locations in NY, FL, UT, NH, IN, UT, KS, CA, NJ, WA, and Washington DC. Each grand opening has drawn enthusiastic crowds that wrap around the building, filling the store as the ribbon is cut.

"I am incredibly excited to open a new Barnes & Noble in Waterford Lakes," said Store Manager Joe Nimrod, Barnes & Noble bookseller of 15 years. "We can't wait to start up events again, including our very popular Storytimes and Book Clubs. The enthusiasm from the community has been palpable - customers have been over-the-moon to learn of our return!"

Customers can discover more about upcoming events and news by following @bnwaterfordfl on social media.

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