Barnes & Noble Announces Major Expansion with 60 New Stores, Including Middletown Location

The bookstore chain is betting on a resurgence of physical retail as it plans to open dozens of new locations across the U.S. in 2026.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Bookstores are making a comeback nationwide, with major chains like Barnes & Noble planning to open around 60 new stores in 2026 as foot traffic and reader demand surge. One of those new locations will be in Middletown, New York, at the Galleria at Crystal Run mall, featuring over 19,000 square feet of books, toys, games, vinyl, gifts, and a café.

Why it matters

After nearly two decades of more store closures than openings, Barnes & Noble is doubling down on physical bookstores as community hubs, betting that the resurgence of in-person shopping and events will drive growth. This expansion comes as the book retail industry has seen a renaissance, with both major chains and independent shops benefiting from renewed consumer interest in physical books and in-store experiences.

The details

Barnes & Noble plans to open around 60 new stores across the U.S. in 2026, including a spacious 19,000-square-foot location at the Galleria at Crystal Run mall in Middletown, New York. The new Middletown store will feature a wide selection of books, as well as toys, games, vinyl, gifts, and a café. An official opening date has not yet been announced, but is expected soon. The company's strategy of giving more autonomy to local booksellers and enhancing in-store experiences has played a key role in reversing its previous trend of more store closures than openings.

  • Barnes & Noble opened its first new store in Washington, D.C. in January 2026.
  • The new Middletown, New York store is expected to open in late 2026.

The players

Barnes & Noble

A major American book retailer and one of the largest book chains in the United States.

Galleria at Crystal Run

A shopping mall located in Middletown, New York, where the new Barnes & Noble store will be opening.

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What’s next

An official opening date for the new Middletown Barnes & Noble store has not yet been announced, but is expected soon.

The takeaway

The planned expansion of Barnes & Noble, including the new Middletown location, signals a resurgence of physical bookstores as consumer demand for in-person shopping and community experiences grows. This marks a turnaround for the industry after years of store closures, underscoring the enduring appeal of brick-and-mortar book retail.