Barnes & Noble to Share Space, and Shelves, With Seattle’s Historic University Book Store
After more than a century as a cornerstone of Seattle’s literary community, the University Book Store is turning a new page—by sharing its iconic U District space with retail giant Barnes & Noble.
The transformation will take place at 4326 University Way NE, the longtime home of University Book Store, which first opened in 1900. According to a job listing on the Barnes & Noble website, the new store is scheduled to open in June 2025 at the same address, confirming speculation that had swirled following signs of change at the location.
In a statement to KUOW, a spokesperson for University Book Store confirmed the transition, clarifying that the store is not closing. Rather, the bookstore will retain full control of its operations—with one notable exception: Barnes & Noble will assume management of the trade books department.
A New Chapter in a Shared Space
In publishing parlance, “trade books” refers to books aimed at the general public—everything from best-selling novels and biographies to cookbooks and contemporary nonfiction. It’s the core of what most customers think of when they browse the shelves of a traditional bookstore. That means Barnes & Noble will now oversee a significant portion of the store’s day-to-day book sales and inventory.
However, the University Book Store will continue to operate independently in other areas, including its longstanding textbook business. Boon Boona Coffee, the café inside the store, will also remain in place.
A formal announcement was expected next week, but the news surfaced early when KUOW inquired about a job listing that pointed to the store’s future.
A Historic Institution Enters a New Era
Founded by students at the University of Washington, University Book Store is one of the oldest and most revered college-affiliated bookstores in the country. It has long served as a hub not just for textbooks and school supplies, but for literary events, local author readings, and Seattle’s vibrant book-loving community.
The move to bring in Barnes & Noble reflects broader trends across the industry. The national chain has been undergoing a significant rebranding effort in recent years, revamping stores and taking a more indie-style approach under CEO James Daunt, who previously led the UK’s Waterstones. The result has been a surprising resurgence for the chain, with new stores opening across the country—even as many independents struggle with high costs and shrinking margins.
What’s Next for Seattle Readers?
While some loyal customers have expressed concern over a big-box chain moving into a beloved indie space, others see the collaboration as a strategic lifeline—allowing the bookstore to retain its historic identity while bringing in new foot traffic and resources to compete in a rapidly changing retail landscape.
The blending of legacy and corporate might raise eyebrows, but it also signals a novel experiment in hybrid bookselling—one that could become a model for other college towns and literary institutions navigating the future of brick-and-mortar retail.
For now, Seattleites can expect the shelves at 4326 University Way NE to offer a wider range of books—and perhaps a new kind of bookstore experience—starting in June.