Despite the struggle for over a decade to compete with online retailers, the bookseller Barnes & Noble is now planning to open 30 stores this year, expanding their real-estate footprint. Thanks to the pandemic forcing many people to be stuck at home, more consumers are returning to printed materials, and demand for discount and bargain shopping is rising.
Other big-box retailers following suit include Burlington, which plans to open 87 new stores, and Ross, which expects to add 92 new stores. T.J. Maxx and Marshalls plan to add 104 new locations this year and another 1,500 in the coming years.
Big-Box retailers are conducting more extensive research on potential locations before signing leases. Using more intelligent technologies and sales tracking statistics will help their growth build at a steadier pace.
Many of the new Barnes & Noble locations will be smaller, with an increased focus on creating spaces where shoppers can linger.
