WASHINGTON — Barnes & Noble is set to embark on a substantial growth phase in the upcoming year, with plans to launch 60 new stores throughout the United States by 2026, according to reports from USA Today.

These new store openings mark a notable turnaround after nearly 20 years of declining numbers. Having already unveiled numerous new locations in 2025, Barnes & Noble’s executives are optimistic that this positive trend will persist into the following year, thanks to consistently strong sales.

Although the specific sites and timelines for these new stores are still under discussion, Barnes & Noble confirmed to USA Today that the decision to expand stems from ongoing growth in their current outlets.

“Barnes & Noble is experiencing a remarkable period of expansion as our strategy of empowering local booksellers to manage their stores has been incredibly effective,” the company stated. “In 2024, we opened more bookstores in a single year than we did throughout the entire decade from 2009 to 2019.”

If you’re looking to shop for books, toys, games or gifts, a list obtained by USA Today says the company plans to open new stores in Ohio, Texas, Florida, Illinois, Colorado, Washington, California, Virginia, Georgia and Washington, D.C., with several openings scheduled between now and June 2026.