Barnes & Noble

Category:	Book Store
Address:	1701 E Empire St, Bloomington, IL 61704, USA
Phone:	+1 309-662-1506
Site:	stores.barnesandnoble.com
Rating:	4.3
Working:	9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–10PM 9AM–10PM 10AM–9PM

Location

Photos 92

Reviews 21

Melissa Larson

Classic case of BAIT AND SWITCH.. Unfortunately Barnes and Noble as a business has lost MY business for good. I went to the web this morning looking for a book for my son. I found it available online at Barnes and Noble. I went to add it to my basket and purchase it when I realized that shipping would take too many days. Then I saw the option to "pick it up" in store so I clicked on that and found that the title was indeed available. I selected that fully prepared to pay for it and pick it up later in the day. Instead of paying I got a message that the item would be ready for me later today and I would receive an email with this information. I proceeded to the store located in Bloomington to pick up the book and pay for it. At the register the product rang up for $24 (plus tax) instead of the price found online of $14.76. I questioned the associate and was told that "we dont match our website prices." I was not, however, made aware of a price difference of nearly 50% of the price of the book prior to this (via the email or text I received) and instead took both the time and spent the gas to make my way to the store. The associate was certain of the claim that they shouldnt "match the price" because they have these overhead expenses to take care of and for the sake of the convenience that I can get the book that same day and not pay for shipping. Whatever you have overhead - yep I get that, I have a business degree and understand the basic economies of such transactions so please dont talk to me like I am some "blue light special" customer. I took my business to amazon where I ended up paying LESS than your online price for the book shipped to me for FREE next day. Im sorry but the "inconvenience" of waiting for the item FAR FAR outweighs the fact that I trekked out to your store, waited in line and found out that you wanted me to gulp down a price that was nearly 50% more than the price ON YOUR WEBSITE!!!!

Mike Elderton

I stop in every couple of months to browse and/or buy. Well today, I went in and got some things and I had to pay with my card. The guy asked if I wanted a paper or email receipt. I froze on the spot. One the one hand, an email receipt would save paper and trees, which would make more books or oxygen, but on the other hand I dont know how much information would get sent and I dont want my card info in my email box because yahoo isnt exceptional when it comes to security. Long story short, theyre great people that wont judge you when you look stupid. When they forget my face, I will absolutely be back.

jillian data

Lady who looks up books helped me find the book when the store was closing. I still had 7 mins before they closed and the lady stood there telling us they are closed several times and wouldnt stop staring at us! Awkward!!!!!! she also kept stating the store is closed! We checked out and were in the car and it wasnt even 9:00 yet! She was very rude. I bought the cook book and didnt even get the chance to open one page! I rarely go to a bookstore. Ill stick to Amazon. They love my business no matter the minute.

A Private User

This store had never in my entire time living here EVER had a book I needed in stock. Then they smile sweetly and say "but we can order it for you". Hello, this is 2010, if I wanted to order something, I would do it myself. That is zero consolation, but they act like it is everything. I can get it from Amazon more cheaply and quicker.

Katie Hamilton-Meier

Much like any other Barnes and Noble as far as selection goes. I find this be a nice, cozy location. There are plenty of comfy chairs around, so grab a book and stay awhile! Theres also a cafe so you can get a drink or snack if youre meeting friends. This is also a great spot to bring your laptop and get some work done!

David Giovagnoli

In terms of Barnes & Noble, this location is pretty small, but its nice. Selection seems oddly disproportionate in terms of self-help books and spiritual stuff with respect to general and literary fiction. Theres also not much in the way outside of the mainstream, which is a little sad.

William Morrill

Went in to have my Nook Tablet reconfigured a few years back and it was done quickly and correctly. Good coffee shop in the store. Good selection of books, magazines and so forth. Typical Barnes and Noble in that respect. Bathroom? "step to the rear of the store, please".

Ginger Remus

People wonder why bookstores are going out if business. Maybe because there own website has books 40% lower than in store and they wont honor the online price. Why would I drive to the store to pay almost double the price when I can get it delivered AND save money?

Katie Meiss

Some if the board games were $20 more expensive than on amazon. Also the books. I like this place and we visit these locations a lot. I was looking for the chair seating area and only found a small table and a cushion chair. Good atmosphere.

Andrew Locke

Incapable of adding a small amount of cream to my drink. Unwilling to remake it. $4.37 for a beverage I dont want. If I ran my business this way I would be out of business. This is the second time in a week my drink was flat out wrong.

Scott Hastings

Standard Barnes and Noble with a Starbucks attached. Could use a little update to freshen the space up. Also would be great if they installed outlets in the seating area so you could plug in a laptop or charge a device while there.

linesh badole

Its big. Good service. One stop for your books stop. Kids will love it. I couldnt find study materials for one of my wifes MIS class at UIS, but they guided me on where else I can get it.

Lara Ward

We love barns and Noble, there is somthing for everyone and they have a lot of activities. We have gone to several of their special themed nights and have had a blast every time.

Clayton Arnold

On the rare occasion I want a book, this is the only place that comes to mind. I like that you can sit down and basically read whatever youd like, for a as long as you like.

Brian C

Love wandering around among the books and love that you can take a book or magazine over to the café area and sit and Read while relaxing with something to eat or drink

A Private User

Everyone is always very helpful. The atmosphere is pleasant and the cafe treats and coffee are wonderful! I usually find more than I am looking for here.

GalaxyRose27

Great service. They have very friendly staff. I especially like the built-in café. It is also quiet enough to read. Want to go buy a book? Buy it here.

Jon Nettleton

The staff is very helpful and friendly. I would recommend shopping for books here rather than online as you get the human experience. Just saying.

Sriram Malladi

Checked this place for some educational toys/kits for my kids and impressed with their collection. Staff polite and helpful.

Hayden Cseve

It is hard to find stuff there always moving stuff some times theres stuff here and there but the staff is good

Rose Grant

Close to work and grocery store. Chain, but hey, there are few brick and mortar bookstores around any more.