Barnes & Noble is the largest brick-and-mortar bookseller in the United States, operating 667 stores across all 50 states as of April 2025 . Under the leadership of CEO James Daunt and ownership by Elliott Advisors, the company has revitalized its retail strategy by empowering local store managers, curating selections tailored to community interests, and embracing smaller-format stores. This approach has led to a resurgence in physical book sales, bolstered by cultural trends like "BookTok" and a renewed consumer interest in experiential retail . Barnes & Noble stores often feature in-store cafés and host community events, reinforcing their role as social and cultural hubs.