Barnes & Noble has announced plans to open a new location at the Hyde Park Shopping Center, raising concerns among local independent booksellers. The community’s small, literary-focused shops are urging residents to support local businesses to safeguard the unique character of Hyde Park. Owners warn that the national chain may divert foot traffic and sales from established independent bookstores in the area.
According to the Hyde Park Herald, the new Barnes & Noble will occupy a portion of the former Treasure Island Foods space and is expected to open in late February 2024. The store will feature general-interest titles curated by staff as well as a café. This marks a return for Barnes & Noble in the area after the company operated the University of Chicago campus bookstore for nearly thirty years before transitioning operations to Follett in 2024.
Independent booksellers have expressed their discontent regarding the arrival of a large chain. Courtney Bledsoe, owner of Call & Response, stated that Hyde Park is home to “an abundance of amazing independent bookstores.” Keewa Nurullah, an organizer in the community, voiced concerns that the chain could draw revenue away from local shops, potentially leading to a scenario where the chain establishes itself before eventually leaving the market. Ann Kienzle, who owns Play Toys and Books, noted that there would be “a tremendous overlap” between the inventories of local stores and the new Barnes & Noble.
Hyde Park’s Independent Book Scene
The Hyde Park literary landscape is enriched by long-standing establishments such as the Seminary Co-op and 57th Street Books. The recent addition of Call & Response, which opened in spring 2024, has further diversified the area’s offerings, focusing on titles by Black authors and hosting community events. These independent stores emphasize that their community engagement and curated selections provide a distinct advantage over larger retailers.
Retail history in Chicago reveals mixed reactions to the arrival of big chains. In recent years, Barnes & Noble has opened several locations across the city, often prompting local sellers to respond with innovative strategies. For instance, when a large Barnes & Noble opened in Wicker Park, local businesses initiated cross-promotions and discount programs to encourage consumers to consider independent alternatives. Such responses serve as a potential model for Hyde Park booksellers who are already strategizing their approach.
Community Initiatives to Support Local Stores
Local organizers are proactively working to bolster support for neighborhood shops. The Circulate initiative, which promotes shop-local efforts, has scheduled an event at Call & Response in February to highlight South Side sellers. Community gatherings, author talks, and targeted promotions are among the tools independent bookstores plan to utilize in order to remind local residents of the value of shopping at small, community-focused stores.
Citywide campaigns aimed at supporting local businesses are also underway, with various chambers and business groups promoting neighborhood-focused messaging. According to WBEZ, these efforts aim to strengthen the ties between consumers and their local shops. For now, Hyde Park’s independent booksellers are committed to leveraging community connections, personalized recommendations, and engaging events to retain their loyal readership and encourage continued patronage of local bookstores.
