America’s largest bookstore is helping to turn a page in Kimball Junction as it prepares to open a new location in a former big box storefront vacated last March.
Barnes & Noble is expected to bring a new anchor store to the Redstone Center later this summer — its first location in the Wasatch Back. The bookstore will move into the space once occupied by Bed, Bath & Beyond, the third-largest commercial building under the Redstone arch.
“We’re always striving to expand and/or establish bookselling communities, especially in areas where they may be lacking,” said Braeden Boyle, associate manager of communications. “As we were not currently represented in this market, we had already been on the lookout for the right space in Park City, and were thrilled when we finally found a fit. The more bookstores, the better.”
Park City has two booksellers: Dolly’s Bookstore and Atticus Coffee & Teahouse. Both are independently owned and located on Main Street.
Barnes & Noble is seen as an option to help diversify the offerings in the Redstone area where there are several restaurants as well as health and beauty businesses. It will join other popular chains such as Home Goods, PetCo, Backcountry and Red Rock Brewery.
The bookstore will occupy a 21,366-square-foot storefront near the center of the shopping plaza.
Home Goods is the largest tenant in the shopping center with 24,710 square feet followed by Metropolitan Theatres’ Redstone 8 Cinemas at 22,593 square feet, then Barnes & Noble, and the University of Utah’s Redstone Health Center.
There are three other vacancies in Redstone, according to a Colliers International map of the property.
The Kimball Junction Barnes & Noble is projected to employ a team of around 25. The retailer has six full-time positions listed online including assistant store manager and lead bookseller.
There are also a few barista positions open for the B&N Café that will be housed in the new store. Readers can enjoy free WiFi, Starbucks drinks, bakery items and other specialties.
The bookstore has nine locations in Utah, mostly along the Wasatch Front. The Sugarhouse and Midvale stores are the closest spots for Summit County residents who want to browse in person.
There are also plans to open a new Barnes & Noble in Sandy this spring as well as a second store in Murray over the summer, Boyle said.
A grand opening date hasn’t been announced yet, but a local author will host the ribbon-cutting ceremony. There will also be locally tailored events throughout the month including author discussions and signings, children’s story times, face painting and more.
Barnes & Noble has around 600 retail stores in all 50 states. The retailer experienced a turnaround post-COVID and said it planned to open 50 new stores this year due to significant growth from rising sales.
There has been renewed interest in reading since the pandemic started in 2020 thanks to powerful memoirs like Michelle Zauner’s “Crying in H Mart,” fantasy books such as Rebecca Yarros’ popular Empyrean series and the explosive growth of anime and manga series including “Jujutsu Kaisen,” “Demon Slayer” and “One Piece.”
U.S. print book sales have remained healthy.
Across the street, Outlets Park City recently announced Ulta Beauty and Bullfrog Spas would open later in 2024.