The world's largest retail bookstore chain cut the ribbon on Wednesday at its new store near the busy corner of Diversey and Clark Street.
"I think it's a really fun addition to this block," customer Colleen Dempsey said. "We got Trader Joe's, Starbucks, Stan's Donuts. We just lost the Foxtrot on the corner but I think it really does bring back something to this street."
The new store opened next to its former location that closed in 2008 occupying 8000 square feet in a recently shuttered Urban Outfitters.
"You can expect any genre. We've been able to fit everything from every interest area in the store including a full kids section," Barnes & Noble Lead Bookseller Rebecca Woods said.
The company said it's experiencing a period of tremendous growth, opening more stores across the country and in the Chicago area.
Three other Chicago-area locations are opening this summer in Wicker Park, Oswego and Northbrook.
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The new openings may signal a shift towards readers who want physical books in their hands.
"There's absolutely a reemergence of people wanting to hold a book," Barnes & Noble Senior Bookseller Ryan Trimble said. "I think something similar to Barnes & Noble, it's something that never fully went away."
The Lincoln Park location is the only Barnes & Noble open in the city, since the Clybourn store shut down last year.
The newest location will be open seven days a week.
Author Jeneva Rose was part of the ribbon cutting event, according to the store's website.
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