Plot twist in downtown Seattle: Barnes & Noble bookstore opening soon in Amazon’s backyard
By Kurt Schlosser
Published on April 7, 2026.
A Barnes & Noble bookstore is set to open in downtown Seattle, six years after the chain closed its longtime downtown location. The new store will be located at 520 Pike St. and four blocks from Amazon's headquarters. The grand opening event will include a ribbon cutting and a book signing with author Robin Hobb. The Downtown Seattle Association President and CEO Jon Scholes expressed excitement for the return of a major retailer to the area, which was hard hit by retail exits and decreased foot traffic during and after the pandemic. The company, which had its start as an online bookseller, still operates locations in the Northgate and University District areas of Seattle and several locations in Western Washington.
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