Chicago Welcomes New Barnes & Noble Stores in 2026

Chicago book lovers have reason to celebrate! In 2026, Barnes & Noble is expanding in a big way, bringing new bookstores to both the city and suburbs. This exciting development highlights a revitalization of Chicago retail while giving communities across the city fresh spaces to explore, discover, and connect over books.

A Massive Flagship Store in the Loop

At the heart of the expansion is a 30,000+ square foot flagship Barnes & Noble at 150 N. State Street, located in the former Old Navy space. This will be the largest Barnes & Noble store in Chicago and will bring a full-scale bookstore experience back to downtown’s State Street shopping corridor. Locals and visitors can look forward to browsing expansive book selections, enjoying community spaces, and finding the perfect spot for reading, studying, or meeting friends.

This Loop flagship reflects Barnes & Noble’s commitment to creating vibrant retail experiences while supporting Downtown Chicago’s shopping district and cultural scene.

Hyde Park and Suburban Locations

In addition to the Loop store, Chicago will welcome a second city location in Hyde Park at 1524 E. 55th Street, opening in early 2026. For North Shore and Western Suburbs residents, Barnes & Noble is opening:

  • Oak Park – Inside the former Borders at Lake & Harlem, giving the neighborhood a nostalgic yet modern bookstore experience.

  • Skokie – A relocated and expanded store within Westfield Old Orchard Mall, offering a bigger, more engaging space for book lovers.

These locations are designed to provide community-centered spaces, accessible shopping, and curated book selections tailored to each neighborhood. Whether you live in the city, on the North Shore, or in the Western Suburbs, there will be a Barnes & Noble nearby to explore.

What This Means for Chicago

The arrival of these new stores signals a revival of physical retail in Chicago and its suburbs. For book enthusiasts, it means more opportunities to browse, learn, and connect locally. For communities, it adds energy to key shopping corridors in the Loop, Hyde Park, Oak Park, and Skokie.

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Ranked as a top 1% team in the Chicagoland market, Cory Tanzer and the Cory Tanzer Group specialize in the Chicago, North Shore, and Western Suburbs real estate market. With deep local market expertise and a proven track record, Cory and his team help clients buy and sell with clarity, confidence, and results.