Barnes & Noble Opens Northville, Michigan Superstore Changing America's Concept of the Neighborhood Bookstore

Business Wire, March 28, 1997

NEW YORK, NY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 28, 1997--

Store to Open on April 9 at 17111 Haggerty Road

Barnes & Noble Inc., the nation's largest bookseller, introduces an exciting new world to Northville book buyers with the opening of its new store at 17111 Haggerty Road, on April 9, 1997. Transforming America's concept of the neighborhood bookstore, Barnes & Noble superstores are adding a new vitality to the world of books and attracting readers in record numbers.

A portion of the Northville store's Preview Reception sales will benefit First Book, a national non-profit organization dedicated to distributing books to people who, for economic and other reasons, have little or no access to books. In partnership with the local First Book Chapter, Barnes & Noble will host a book party at a later date where children from the Livonia Public School Head Start Program and the Ready to Learn initiative at WTVS-TV will visit the store to choose a book of their very own.

Barnes & Noble's authoritative selection of more than 175,000 titles offers customers an extensive choice on every imaginable subject. Whether a customer is interested in looking at the classics or cooking, archeology or business, current fiction or world history, they'll find a larger selection than they've ever seen before. The 28,200 square foot store combines this unparalleled selection with experienced booksellers and innovations in ambiance and service, creating a place where customers will feel comfortable spending their leisure time.

The store's staff of approximately 65 knowledgeable book lovers from the Northville community, will ensure that the store's title selection reflects the community's tastes and interests. The scope of the store's overall selection includes works from more than 10,000 publishers, including small independent publishers and university presses. In addition, customers will be introduced to the works of first time novelists through Barnes & Noble's Discover Great New Writers program. This dedicated section represents the company's commitment to supporting the works of newly published novelists, showcasing more than 100 titles each year.

"Bookselling is a local business," said Steve Riggio, Chief Operating Officer of Barnes & Noble, Inc. "Barnes & Noble operates under the philosophy that each store is unique to its community. While some 50,000 titles are common to all of our stores, the balance is carefully crafted so that each store reflects the lifestyles and interests of its customers. Before a store opens, our buyers spend considerable time studying the community and its local publishers and authors. After the store opens, our store manager has the responsibility to further adjust the selection to meet their customers' needs."

With an ongoing schedule of events, Barnes & Noble superstores are often seen as community centers. The Northville staff is busy at work creating a calendar of events to interest a wide range of customers. From children's story hours to Mystery Night; from book discussion groups to poetry readings; from author signings to tax seminars, the store will feature events to pique the interest of every member of the family.

The store will also feature a Barnes & Noble cafe which will serve Starbucks coffee, cappuccino, espresso and the full-leaf teas of The Republic of Tea in a classic bistro setting. Cold drinks will also be available, as well as a variety of reasonably priced dessert items.

Barnes & Noble's expansive children's department is a wonderland highlighted by a selection of unforgettable characters of children's literature. The department features more than 15,000 titles including all Newbery and Caldecott Award winning titles, as well as time-honored classics and new arrivals. Two children's event areas, including Winnie-the-Pooh's Enchanted Forest, are dedicated to story hours, performances and special author appearances -- often a visit from special guests such as Clifford the Dog or Madeline. On Sunday April 13 the store will host special guest Corduroy Bear at 3:00 p.m.

The music department stocks over 20,000 different CDs and cassettes, with especially comprehensive selections in classical music, opera, jazz and blues. "Our music selection is geared to our bookstore customers. We sell more Mozart than Madonna, more Beethoven than Boyz II Men," said Riggio. The department features the Muze electronic music catalog, a touch-sensitive customer kiosk that features information on the actual location of CDs in the store. Listening stations will also be available for customers to preview selected CDs.

"We're more than a bookstore -- we're really a meeting place for the Northville and Metro Detroit communities," said Amy Stanton, store manager for the new Northville Barnes & Noble. "Barnes & Noble is dedicated to providing our customers with great service and the best selection in an interesting and welcoming environment. When we combine that with our calendar of free and exciting events, I'm confident that we will satisfy the needs of the community." Barnes & Noble Northville will be open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.