Old Orchard Barnes & Noble To Reopen 2-Story Store In Interim Space

SKOKIE, IL — Bookseller Barnes & Noble is set to open a new location next month at the Westfield Old Orchard shopping center — nearly a year after its former store ended a 27-year run at the mall amid the redevelopment of its building.

A grand opening of the new two-story, 20,000-square-foot store is planned for Nov. 16, according to representatives of the New York-based bookstore chain. The company's former location was about 45,000 square feet.

“Old Orchard was one of the busiest of all the Barnes & Noble bookstores and it was very sad to close the store last year, CEO James Daunt said in a statement. "This said, the building was very dated and having it torn apart gives us the opportunity to build a new store.”

The new location, inside the former Tom’s Price Furniture and opposite from the Cheesecake Factory, will also feature a Paper Source store on its first floor, according to mall and company representatives. According to its website, the Chicago-based paperie operates about 130 stores across 25 states.

"Paper Source is such a great Chicago brand and will beautifully complement the bookstore," Daunt said.

Unlike the old Barnes & Noble, the new location will not include a Starbucks since it is an interim space that will operate until a permanent space is available amid renovations and development at the mall.

“Our history in Old Orchard was rich, marked by the people we serve and the stories we shared,” said Barnes & Noble Vice President of Stores Amy Fitzgerald. “Our booksellers, led by Store Manager Mary Mateer, are looking forward to celebrating this holiday season in our new location with friends and booklovers, new and old.”

The reopened Skokie location is one of 16 Barnes & Nobles stores scheduled to open during 2022, with another 30 locations in development for next year, company officials said.

Meanwhile, the retailers redeveloped former location has been taken over by Bloomingdale's, which is set to shutter its approximately 200,000-square-foot anchor location as it opens a smaller 50,000-square-foot location called "Bloomie's" at some point prior to Thanksgiving. The Old Orchard location is the brand's second location in the U.S. and first in the Midwest.

Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen said in a statement that the announcement of Barnes & Noble's return and the Bloomie's opening is great news for the village and entire region.

“I applaud the Westfield team’s efforts to adapt and find creative solutions to the changing retail environment and their commitment to Westfield Old Orchard’s continued growth as a premier retail, dining and entertainment center," Van Dusen said.

Mall representatives said several other businesses are due to open before the holidays, including new food options from The Capitol Grille, Molly's Cupcakes, and clothing brands Levi's and Psycho Bunny. Recently opened businesses include Tory Burch and Alo Yoga.

“Holiday shopping is a booming time for customers and retailers alike, and we are looking forward to welcoming North Shore shoppers into the center with our new retailer and dining additions,” said Westfield Old Orchard Senior General Manager,

Serge Khalimsky, the mall's general manager, said he looked forward to providing more information about the mall's retail offerings as the holiday shopping season gets underway.

“Barnes & Noble has been a staple at the center for many years, so we are thrilled for its return in time for holiday shopping," Khalimsky said, "and we are honored to be the home of the Midwest's first Bloomie’s location."

Related:

• Bloomingdale's Store At Skokie's Old Orchard Mall To Close In October
• Westfield Old Orchard Owner Adds New Stores, Considers Residential Development
• Old Orchard Parent Company Plans Sell-Off Of American Mall Portfolio
• Westfield Old Orchard Declared 'Blighted' As Sales Taxes Hiked 1 Percent
• Old Orchard Barnes & Noble Store Closes Amid Redevelopment