Barnes & Noble sets Blu-ray bait in Manhattan
PHYSICAL: Flagship store includes advanced sampling system
By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 6/17/2009
JUNE 17 | PHYSICAL: Barnes & Noble is opening a new flagship store in Manhattan, which is set to hold the city’s largest Blu-ray Disc selection, according to the company.
The 55,000-square-foot storefront, kicking off business June 19 on the Upper East Side, will feature more than 400,000 book, music, DVD/Blu-ray and magazine titles. Barnes & Noble likely eyes an opportunity for a new media superstore in Manhattan, considering the void left by the just shuttered Virgin Megastore.
Barnes & Noble will additionally be rolling out an advanced sampling system for its DVD/Blu-ray, audiobook and music items. People will be able to view a three-minute clip of more than 7,000 DVDs by swiping discs’ barcodes under a scanner.
Beyond a massive Blu-ray section, the new flagship Barnes & Noble additionally touts that it will hold the largest music selection in Manhattan. There also are sizeable arts, cooking, travel, literary fiction and children’s book sections.
“The new Upper East Side Barnes & Noble has combined the best elements of our bookstores and provided them to customers in a dynamic and engaging way,” said flagship store manager Amy Fitzgerald. “The new space will quickly grow into the premier community center and events space for families and book lovers on the Upper East Side.”
To celebrate its grand opening this month, customers will receive a free Barnes & Noble bag with purchase. There also will be widespread product sales.
