The anticipated opening of the Barnes & Noble store in Wicker Park has experienced further postponement, with the new date set for October 30, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Cited were "unforeseen site conditions and some permitting issues" as reasons for this delay, stated Janine Flanagan, the company's vice president of store planning and design, in an emailed statement.
The pushback hasn't seemed to dampen the book retailer's ambitious expansion efforts. Barnes & Noble has signaled strong growth with projections to open 50 new stores in 2024, including four in the Chicago area as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times. Recent June openings, such as the grand opening in Lincoln Park where more than 100 people lined up, show a consistent buzz around the brand's physical locations.
Preservation of the bank's historic architecture is a priority for the bookstore chain in its setup of the new Wicker Park location, with Simon Vodopianoff, Director of Store Planning, affirming the intent to work closely with the city to ensure this, as per Hoodline Chicago. While residents show eagerness towards the refurbished space, local independent bookstore owners hold reservations, concerned about the potential impact on their business, with the proximity of venues like Volumes Bookcafe existing as neighborhood staples.
