Business

SNEAK PEEK: INSIDE ASHBURN’S NEW BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSTORE

The Burn takes you inside a new prototype B&N Bookstore, just like the one opening in Ashburn this spring.

barnes noble

As most area book lovers know, Ashburn is getting a new Barnes & Noble Bookstore at One Loudoun. But this isn’t just any old Barnes & Noble — it’s one of four prototype stores the company is opening around the country, trying to reimagine and reinvigorate the bookstore experience in this digital day and age.

Picture a full-fledged restaurant and bar serving wines and local beers called the Barnes & Noble Kitchen. Imagine employees who answer in-store questions instantly via text, and kiosks where you can order books and merchandise sent directly to your home. They’re hoping it’s the bookstore of the future. That being said, Barnes & Noble will also have plenty of book aisles to browse and chairs to curl up in as you page through your literary finds.

barnes noble one loudoun

While Ashburn’s Barnes & Noble is still under construction, we wanted to give you an idea of what we can expect. So The Burn gathered images from one of the other prototype stores — specifically Eastchester, New York, which opened in November. While the B&N at One Loudoun might not be identical when the doors open in Spring 2017, you can bet it will be pretty close.

Below are photos from the new concept Barnes & Noble, as well as the menu from the Barnes & Noble Kitchen.

barnes noble
Image: John Labbe for Barnes & Noble
barnes noble
Image: John Labbe for Barnes & Noble
barnes noble
Image: John Labbe for Barnes & Noble
barnes noble
Image: John Labbe for Barnes & Noble
barnes noble
Image: John Labbe for Barnes & Noble
barnes noble
Image: John Labbe for Barnes & Noble
barnes noble
Image: John Labbe for Barnes & Noble
barnes noble
Image: John Labbe for Barnes & Noble
barnes noble
Image: John Labbe for Barnes & Noble
barnes noble
Image: John Labbe for Barnes & Noble
barnes noble
Image: John Labbe for Barnes & Noble
barnes noble
Image: John Labbe for Barnes & Noble

barnes noble menu barnes noble menu barnes noble menu

8 Comments
  1. Soley 7 years ago

    I’ve always wanted to work at a Barnes and Noble for some reason. Kinda sucks that now there’s one after I moved..

  2. Rose Nzueni 7 years ago

    I am the Area Sales Manager for the Springhill Suites & Towneplaces Suites in Sterling, VA. We are so glad that there is a Barnes & Nobles opening up in our area. I would love a chance to discuss any upcoming hotel needs that you may have and how I can assist. Perhaps, you need to host trainers? meeting space? feel free to reach out to me.

  3. Linda 7 years ago

    I was bummed to find out the opening of the one here in Ashburn is getting pushed back again – to September – is what I’ve heard now!

  4. Dh Dean 7 years ago

    A 2nd time? Can’t imagine this is due to a liquor law? Virginia is more relaxed about that than the state of Maryland.

  5. Enver Masud 7 years ago

    Construction has come to a halt. There’s a big, deep hole in the middle of the floor.

    • The Burn 7 years ago

      Yes. We’ve heard there have been issues but no real details yet. We’ll keep asking.

  6. Kimberlie 7 years ago

    Looked at one of the web sights for the upcoming store. Menu is ridiculously over priced. Caeser salad $17, grilled cheese with soup…$14.

  7. Chris 7 years ago

    Perhaps they have discovered this prototype is not working in other locations. This does not look like the cozy, inviting atmosphere that I associate with B&N. This prototype is cold, sterile, uninviting, and I predict very noisy given the high open ceiling and the hard floors. And look at the seating! Benches with no back on them? How is that good for relaxing with a good book (digital or not)! I think they should have spent more time gathering feedback from actual customers before they decided to move forward with this style. Bring back the cozy chairs, the quite nooks, the noise abating carpet, and keep it staffed with real people I can speak to if I need help. If I want an on-line experience I will stay home and order more nook books! I am hoping the delay will result in a more traditional B&N design.

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