Barnes & Noble Legacy West: A New Concept Store Comes To Plano

PLANO, TX — Barnes & Noble is bringing customers in Plano a new book-buying experience with a concept store in Legacy West. Barnes & Noble Legacy West combines a traditional bookstore with a full-service restaurant serving beer, wine, food, coffee and snacks and offering free talks, readings and signing from local authors. I got a sneak peak at the store before its soft opening Tuesday and grand opening Friday, Nov. 10.

The store looks less like a traditional Barnes & Noble and much more like a popular brunch spot that collided with an Apple store. As I approached the store, I spotted large umbrellas situated in front of the store. Almost in the style of a beachside cafe, outdoor covered seating is available for customers who want to eat, drink or work without the hustle and bustle that happens inside retail stores. The outdoor seating comes complete with heaters, which made me look forward to spending chilly winter evenings on the patio with a local beer from Four Corners or Lakewood.

The book seller has opened four concept stores, but Plano's location is the only one in Texas. It's clear Barnes & Noble is putting its best foot forward with these concept stores. They have the lighting and openness of a modern electronics store in the book area and the warmth and eccentricity of a World Market in the restaurant and bar area.

Store manager Tommie Dewberry told Patch the store carries a curated selection of books that caters specifically to shoppers in Legacy West. The store also carries books written by local authors.

"We have a bay dedicated to local authors... All of these authors here are in DFW, some of them specific to Plano," he said. "We also have a selection of Texas books and pictorial Texas offerings which is very important for our customers. It also [makes for] great gifts because a lot of people coming in for meetings and stuff — Toyota or wherever else — a lot of times they are asking for local gifts to take back with them. This is a great section."

A large portion of book buying now happens online, but that hasn't deterred the people at Barnes & Noble. Rolling with the punches is what spurred the redesign behind the concept stores.

"We’re definitely seeing it in more retail across the country — going with this design," he said. "I think it’s just trying to be more modern and bring in that younger customer because we really have to get them in now so we can continue selling to them."

From Barnes & Noble: Barnes & Noble Legacy West is dedicated to supporting the community and hosting events of interest to customers, from bookfairs for local schools to booksignings and Storytimes. Wine and food tastings, as well as intimate music events, will be featured in the Barnes & Noble. Contact Barnes & Noble Legacy West at 972-474-1074 or visit the BN.com Store Locator for more details on events and activities.

Barnes & Noble Legacy West is located in Suite G170 on 7700 Windrose Ave. in Plano, Texas. Customers are encouraged to find Barnes & Noble Legacy West on social media, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, by searching the handle @BNLegacyWest.

Like Plano Patch on Facebook:

Lead image via Barnes & Noble, Kris Hundt