VERNON HILLS – Barnes & Noble, the world’s largest retail bookseller, opened a new prototype store at Mellody Farm on Oct. 3.
“We’re excited to launch a new prototype store at Mellody Farm as part of our ongoing testing of new store concepts across the country,” said Carl Hauch, vice president, stores, Barnes & Noble. “The new Mellody Farm store will combine the best of what we’ve learned from our other new stores, and we can’t wait to open our doors and showcase our full assortment of books, as well as the amazing selection of educational toys and games, family games and puzzles and curated gift items for avid readers.”
The 17,400-square-foot store features two large “book theaters” located in the heart of the store that invite customers to discover new books in a new 360-degree experience.
The children’s section – with a dedicated LEGO activity table – creates a special environment for Barnes & Noble’s youngest customers.
From community seating around a table to individual comfortable chairs, customers will have a variety of seating options, allowing them to curl up alone with a good book or gather with a small group of friends.
The Café at Barnes & Noble Mellody Farm features Starbucks coffee and tea, in addition to fresh-baked goods, sandwiches, flat breads, quiches and a soup of the day. Healthy grab-and-go snacks are also available.
The booksellers at Barnes & Noble Mellody Farm will be equipped with tablets to help them assist customers anywhere in the store. This new technology will allow booksellers to help customers with product selection and easily locate books on the store floor. Self-serve kiosks throughout the store will enable customers to research, discover and locate books throughout the store.
Barnes & Noble Mellody Farm is dedicated to supporting the community and hosting events of interest to customers, from book fairs for local schools to book signings and storytimes. A 700-square-foot flexible event space will be ideal for author events and booksignings.
Contact Barnes & Noble Mellody Farm at 847-383-4311 or visit the Barnes & Noble Store Locator for more details on events and activities.