Barnes & Noble is returning to Santa Monica with the grand opening of a new bookstore on Wednesday, August 28. The store, located at 1318 on the Third Street Promenade, will open its doors at 10am, with author Olivie Blake cutting the ribbon and signing copies of her books.
The announcement of the new store followed months of rumors, cryptic window signs, and social media teasers. Barnes & Noble previously occupied a two-story space at the Promenade’s northeast corner, serving the community for 22 years before closing in January 2018.
“This is an exceptionally attractive building that in the past was a stunningly beautiful bookstore, and will now be so again,” said Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt. “The opening in Santa Monica is emblematic of the renaissance of physical bookstores.”
The new location holds a rich history, having previously housed the iconic Midnight Special Bookstore before becoming an Athleta store. The company said the opening represents a resurgence for Barnes & Noble, which has seen significant growth by giving local booksellers more control over their stores. The company reversed years of decline and opened more new stores in 2023 than it did in the entire decade from 2009 to 2019. Barnes & Noble plans to open over 50 new stores in 2024.
“Our entire team has transferred here from nearby Barnes & Noble bookstores, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge and decades of bookselling experience,” said Store Manager Sarah Abel. “We are thrilled to have so many diverse literary backgrounds on board to make our store a staple of the community. We all believe in the power of a good book and cannot wait to help our customers find the right one for them.”
The Santa Monica store is one of four new Barnes & Noble locations opening in August, alongside stores in New Mexico, Kentucky, and New York. Previous grand openings have drawn enthusiastic crowds, often wrapping around the building as the ribbon is cut.
For updates and event details, customers can follow @bnstamonica on social media.
matt@smdp.com
