Barnes & Noble plans to open a new store at the Hyde Park Shopping Center, prompting local independent booksellers to raise concerns about the potential impact on their businesses. The national chain will occupy a portion of the former grocery space, with an expected opening in late February 2024. Local shop owners argue that the arrival of a large retailer could divert customers from smaller, community-focused bookstores that contribute to the unique character of Hyde Park.
According to the Hyde Park Herald, the new Barnes & Noble will feature a selection of general-interest books, staff-curated titles, and a café. The chain previously operated the University of Chicago campus bookstore for nearly three decades before the university shifted operations to Follett in 2024. This history is significant to local owners who fear a repeat of past patterns where national retailers undermine local shops before eventually leaving.
Local Businesses Voice Concerns
Independent booksellers are vocal about their apprehensions. Call & Response owner Courtney Bledsoe expressed concerns that a Barnes & Noble could siphon customers away from the area’s existing independent bookstores. Similarly, local organizer Keewa Nurullah stated that residents worry the chain could take revenue from small shops and then depart, leaving the community at a loss.
Owner of Play Toys and Books, Ann Kienzle, highlighted the overlap between the inventory offered by independent shops and what the new Barnes & Noble is likely to provide. This sentiment reflects a broader concern that the chain’s entry could disrupt the delicate ecosystem of Hyde Park’s literary scene.
A Flourishing Independent Book Scene
Hyde Park is home to a rich tapestry of bookstores, including long-standing establishments like the Seminary Co-op and 57th Street Books. The neighborhood has also welcomed newer shops, such as Call & Response, which opened in spring 2024 with a focus on Black authors and community engagement. These independent stores pride themselves on their curated selections and community programming, elements that large chains often struggle to replicate.
As Barnes & Noble expands in various neighborhoods across Chicago, reactions from local communities have varied. When a new location opened in Wicker Park, independent sellers responded with promotional initiatives to encourage support for local businesses. This approach serves as a model for Hyde Park’s booksellers, who are already considering similar strategies.
Community-focused groups are mobilizing to support local shops amidst the impending arrival of the chain. The Circulate initiative is organizing events to highlight South Side sellers. According to Block Club Chicago, the first event will take place at Call & Response in February, showcasing the importance of local businesses.
Citywide campaigns promoting shop-local efforts have gained traction this season, with various chambers of commerce and business organizations pushing messages aimed at supporting small businesses. Hyde Park’s booksellers are determined to leverage their community ties, host engaging events, and offer personalized recommendations to encourage residents to continue supporting local bookstores.
As the opening date approaches, the tension between national chains and independent bookstores remains palpable. Local owners are striving to maintain their presence and significance in a rapidly changing retail landscape, hoping to keep the literary soul of Hyde Park alive and thriving.
