New Beginnings for Barnes and Noble

As we prepared to say goodbye to the local Barnes & Noble on September 24th, many Kendall residents felt the beloved store’s absence and wondered what their remaining options for local bookstores are now. 

The store on SW 88th St is a staple for residents across western Miami. Customers of all ages—ranging from students seeking a quiet place to study to employees getting work done—have gathered there for its soothing ambiance since it opened in November 1996. The tall, imposing architecture of this location and its nostalgic design, combined with a convenient Starbucks café, made it a favorite spot for the community to come together over their love for books and other items sold. Besides a wide selection of books in all genres, the chain also offers CDs, vinyl records, board games, journals, magazines, and more. “It felt cozier and more like a place you can hang out with friends in,” says Stephany Chirino, a 12th grader. After the closure, the site will become a Rooms to Go location.

Fortunately, new Barnes & Noble sites will be opening in the greater Miami area. Most notably, the B&N store in Kendall Village will relocate to the Palms at Town & Country shopping center, just a few minutes from its previous location. It will be housed in the former Forever 21 store, set to open in October. “I’m excited about the necessary parking upgrade. Compared to the crowded parking at the old location, the new spot gives us a better chance to visit the store without trouble,” states Adriel Cudiamat, a 12th grader. While it will have only one floor compared to the previous two, the renovated location will keep many of the customers’ favorite amenities, such as the popular café and, of course, the in-demand books. 

A new store has already opened in Colonial Palms Plaza, a shopping center across from The Falls. It features a modern redesign, a significant departure from the academic style of the landmark store. The updated layout is more compact, reflecting the smaller size of the new locations. Those curious about how the renovated Barnes & Noble will look should make sure to check out what these stores have to offer. These stores’ spread-out locations will prove convenient for Kendall residents, especially because of their proximity to other malls. “It’s always been a beloved place to spend time,” says Josue Ruano, a 12th grader. “We look forward to the new one where we can enjoy the same experiences in a remodeled, brand-new space.” 

In anticipation of the SW 88th Street Barnes & Noble’s closure, many are feeling bittersweet emotions. Although the store will be missed for its unique size and atmosphere, and for the fond memories shared over the years since its opening, these new opportunities for community bonding will likely lead to even more future memories.