5 stars? For a Barnes & Noble?? That's awfully generous of you, Mallory. What made this specific B&N so special to deserve 5 stars?
Well, first of all, this B&N is massive, taking up two floors in an outdoor Cincinnati shopping mall. Second, the curation is excellent, the shelves are fully stocked, and the bookish merch is outstanding. I smartly didn't bring my credit card with me when I stopped in when I was in the area- otherwise, I would have spent a fortune!
Most B&N do not tempt me to spend good money on new books. I utilize libraries and need to read what I already own before I buy more. I am also trying to declutter. But this B&N is designed in such a way that I wanted to buy all the things! I love cottagecore- there's a curated area here of all things cottagecore. I love Jane Austen - there are many, many Jane Austen books and merch available here. Etc, etc.
The staff seems eager to help, the natural light from all the windows make for a good shopping experience, and the bathrooms are perfect for those who also suffer from a bookstore-induced need to... use the facilities. I do wish the heavily discounted/last call book section was bigger for those of us who like to buy a large hardcover coffee table book for like, $5. But that's just my two cents. I would definitely stop here again! read more