Barnes & Noble opens Omaha, Nebraska superstore; Changing America's concept of the neighborhood bookstore.

NEW YORK, NY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--February 14, 1997--

Store to open on February 26 at 7400 Dodge Street

Barnes & Noble Inc., the nation's largest bookseller, introduces an exciting new world to Omaha book buyers with the opening of its new store at 7400 Dodge Street, on February 26, 1997. Transforming America's concept of the neighborhood bookstore, Barnes & Noble superstores are adding a new vitality to the world of books and attracting readers in record numbers.

A portion of the Omaha store's Friends & Family night sales will benefit First Book, a national non-profit organization dedicated to distributing books to people who, for economic and other reasons, have little or no access to books. In partnership with the local First Book chapter, Barnes & Noble will host a book party at a later date where children associated with The Salvation Army Stepping Stones Day Care Center will visit the store and choose a book of their very own.

Barnes & Noble's authoritative selection of more than 150,000 titles offers customers an extensive choice on every imaginable subject. Whether a customer is interested in looking at the classics or cooking, archeology or business, current fiction or world history, they'll find a larger selection than they've ever seen before. The 27,031 square foot store combines this unparalleled selection with experienced booksellers and innovations in ambiance and service, creating a place where customers will feel comfortable spending their leisure time.

The store's staff of approximately 60 knowledgeable book lovers from the Omaha community, will ensure that the store's title selection reflects the community's tastes and interests. The scope of the store's overall selection includes works from more than 10,000 publishers, including small independent publishers and university presses. In addition, customers will be introduced to the works of first time novelists through Barnes & Noble's Discover Great New Writers program. This dedicated section represents the company's commitment to supporting the works of newly published novelists, showcasing more than 100 titles each year.

"Bookselling is a local business," said Steve Riggio, Chief Operating Officer of Barnes & Noble, Inc. "Barnes & Noble operates under the philosophy that each store is unique to its community. While some 50,000 titles are common to all of our stores, the balance is carefully crafted so that each store reflects the lifestyles and interests of its customers. Before a store opens, our buyers spend considerable time studying the community and its local publishers and authors. After the store opens, our store manager has the responsibility to further adjust the selection to meet their customers' needs."

With an ongoing schedule of events, Barnes & Noble superstores are often seen as community centers. The Omaha staff is busy at work creating a calendar of events to interest a wide range of customers. From children's story hours to Mystery Night; from book discussion groups to poetry readings; from author signings to tax seminars, the store will feature events to pique the interest of every member of the family. On Saturday, March 1, Curious George will visit the store throughout the day and make a special appearance during storytime at 1:30 p.m. On Sunday, March 2, the store will celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Cat In The Hat, with a special appearance by the famous cat at 2 p.m.

The store will also feature a Barnes & Noble cafe which will serve Starbucks coffee, cappuccino, espresso and the full-leaf teas of The Republic of Tea in a classic bistro setting. Cold drinks will also be available, as well as a variety of reasonably priced dessert items.

Barnes & Noble's expansive children's department is a wonderland highlighted by a selection of unforgettable characters of children's literature. The department features more than 15,000 titles including all Newbery and Caldecott Award winning titles, as well as time-honored classics and new arrivals. Two children's event areas, including Winnie-the-Pooh's Enchanted Forest, are dedicated to story hours, performances and special author appearances -- often a visit from special guests such as Clifford the Dog or Madeline.

"We're more than a bookstore -- we're really a meeting place for the Omaha community," said Dan Clifford, store manager for the new Omaha Barnes & Noble. "Barnes & Noble is dedicated to providing our customers with great service and the best selection in an interesting and welcoming environment. When we combine that with our calendar of free and exciting events, I'm confident that we will satisfy the needs of the community." Barnes & Noble Omaha will be open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Barnes & Noble is the originator and premier operator of book superstores in America. Its flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York has been widely recognized as the most authoritative bookstore in the country, and perhaps, the world. Since 1965, the company has been owned and operated exclusively by booksellers. Len Riggio, later joined by his brother Steve, built the business from this location into what is now the nation's largest bookseller. The company takes pride in the experience of its long-standing management team and hundreds of booksellers who have been with the company for many years.

Barnes & Noble, Inc., the nation's largest bookseller, operates 431 superstores under the Barnes & Noble, Bookstop and Bookstar tradenames and 577 mall stores under the B. Dalton Bookseller, Doubleday Book Shops and Scribner's Bookstore tradenames. Barnes & Noble, Inc. also publishes books under its own imprint for exclusive sales through its retail stores and nationwide mail-order catalogs.

CONTACT: Barnes & Noble, Inc., New York

Jennifer Wolfertz, 212/633-3389