What Barnes & Noble Is and How to Shop There

Barnes & Noble is a bookstore chain with physical locations in most U.S. states and an online store at bn.com. You can walk into a store to browse and buy books, magazines, gifts, and café items, or you can order online for delivery or in-store pickup. The store also sells e-books and audiobooks through its Nook app and website.

You do not need an account to make a single purchase. You can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card at checkout. If you shop online, you will need to enter a shipping address and payment method before your order goes through.

Barnes & Noble locations vary in size. Some are large stores with a café, reading areas, and events; others are smaller. You can find store locations and hours on bn.com or by calling the store directly.

Key Takeaways

  • You can shop in person at a physical store or online at bn.com without creating an account, though an account makes tracking orders easier.
  • Barnes & Noble Plus membership costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year and gives you a discount on most purchases and free shipping on online orders.
  • You can return most items within 14 days with a receipt, or within 30 days if you have a membership.
  • The Nook app lets you read e-books and listen to audiobooks you buy from Barnes & Noble on your phone or tablet.
  • Many stores have a café where you can buy coffee and snacks while you browse.

Barnes & Noble Plus Membership and Discounts

Barnes & Noble Plus is an optional paid membership that costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year. Members get a 10% discount on most books, magazines, and café items in stores and online. You also get free standard shipping on online orders over $35, and early access to sales and special events.

You do not need membership to shop. Without it, you pay full price. With membership, the 10% discount applies automatically at checkout if you are signed into your account. The membership renews automatically each month or year, depending on which plan you chose.

You can cancel membership at any time through your account on bn.com. If you cancel, you lose the discount on future purchases, but you keep any books you already bought.

How to Order Online and Pick Up in Store

You can order a book on bn.com and pick it up at a nearby store instead of paying for shipping. At checkout, select "Pick up in store" and choose which location you want. The store will hold your order for seven days. You will receive an email when it is ready.

Go to the store during business hours with your order confirmation email or the order number from your account. Give this information to the cashier, and they will bring your items to the register. You pay at that time if you have not already paid online.

If you do not pick up within seven days, the store will return the items to inventory and you may be charged a restocking fee, depending on the item type. Check your order confirmation for the exact pickup important date.

Returns and Exchanges at Barnes & Noble

You can return most items within 14 days of purchase if you have a receipt, or within 30 days if you are a Barnes & Noble Plus member. Items must be in resalable condition — unread books, unopened merchandise, and unused gifts may have access to. Opened e-books and audiobooks cannot be returned.

To return an item in store, bring it and your receipt to any Barnes & Noble location. The cashier will process the return and refund the original payment method. If you do not have a receipt, the store can look up your purchase if you used a credit or debit card, or if you were signed into your account.

For online orders, you can start a return through your account on bn.com. The site will give you a prepaid shipping label. Pack the item, attach the label, and drop it at a UPS location or UPS drop box. Once the store receives and inspects the return, the refund posts to your original payment method within a few business days.

Nook E-Books and Audiobooks

Nook is Barnes & Noble's platform for e-books and audiobooks. You buy titles on bn.com or through the Nook app, then read or listen on your phone, tablet, or e-reader. You own the book permanently once you buy it — you do not rent it.

The Nook app is free to read on iOS and Android devices. You sign in with your Barnes & Noble account, and your purchases appear in your library. You can read offline if you read the book to your device first.

E-book prices vary by title and are usually lower than paperback prices. Audiobooks are typically more expensive than e-books. Both can go on sale during promotions. You can sample the first chapter of most titles before you buy.

In-Store Café and Events

Many Barnes & Noble locations have a café that serves coffee, tea, pastries, and sandwiches. You can buy café items and eat them while you browse the store. Café prices are set by each location and vary.

Some stores host author events, book clubs, and reading sessions. Check bn.com or call your local store to see what events are coming up. Events are usually free to attend, though some may require registration.

Payment Methods and Gift Cards

Barnes & Noble accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards in stores. Online, you can pay with a credit or debit card, PayPal, or a Barnes & Noble gift card. If you have a membership, your discount applies regardless of how you pay.

Barnes & Noble gift cards are sold in stores and online in amounts from $10 to $500. They work in physical stores and on bn.com. Gift cards do not expire. If you lose a gift card, contact Barnes & Noble customer service with the card number if you have it, and they may be able to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a book I bought online to a physical store?

Yes. Bring the item and your order confirmation email or receipt to any Barnes & Noble location within the return window. The store will process the return and refund your original payment method. You do not need to use the prepaid shipping label if you return in person.

What happens if I buy a book and then find it cheaper somewhere else?

Barnes & Noble does not price-match or offer refunds based on price differences. Once you buy and take the book home, you own it. If you have not opened it and are within the return window, you can return it for a full refund, then buy it elsewhere if you choose.

Do I need a membership to use the Nook app?

No. You need a free Barnes & Noble account to buy and read e-books and audiobooks through Nook, but membership is optional. Without membership, you pay full price for each title. With membership, you get the 10% discount on e-books and audiobooks as well.

Can I read a Nook book on a different device if I buy it on my phone?

Yes. Your Nook library is tied to your account, not your device. Sign into the Nook app on any phone, tablet, or e-reader with your Barnes & Noble login, and your books appear there. You can switch between devices and pick up where you left off.

What is the difference between a Nook e-reader and the Nook app?

The Nook app is free software you read to your phone or tablet. A Nook e-reader is a separate device, similar to a Kindle, that only displays text and uses e-ink technology. Both let you read Nook books. The e-reader has a longer battery life and is easier on the eyes for long reading sessions, but costs money upfront.