Barnes & Noble opened a new store last week at University Town Center in Sarasota, Fla. The Business Observer reported that the store, designed by B&N CEO James Daunt, made its debut "with safety precautions in place as well as curbside and cafe pickup.... Customers will experience distinct bookrooms for browsing by genre; more books and displays catering to the local market; young reader and toddler sections; and the latest new books and releases."
"We are so excited to finally bring a bookstore to this community in Sarasota," said store manager Dominique Rosenbloom. "Customers have been requesting one for decades and we are thrilled to be able to answer the call. This new store is surrounded by windows that let in the Florida light while you browse for books, giving it a bright, warm and inviting feeling.... I have a whole collection of book-themed face masks, and I can't wait to show them off to customers."
B&N v-p of stores Frank Morabito commented: "We are so thrilled to open a new store in an area of Sarasota that could really use a new bookshop. Sarasota has been a strong market for us for decades, and we think customers in this area of the city will love having one of our new Barnes & Noble stores in the area."
When the new 14,000-square-foot store opened last Wednesday morning, "a line of 100 shoppers were waiting outside to check out the books, the vinyl records, and the Starbucks in the café," the Bradenton Herald reported. "Even after the initial rush, a line of 10 to 12 people stood outside throughout the day, respecting social distancing rules and waiting their turn to enter."
"We have missed everyone," Rosenbloom said. "We had so many people wanting to get into the store and they were very patient.... Everyone has been positive and loving the layout of the new store."