Barnes & Noble Set to Open in Hyde Park Shopping Center, Local Booksellers Prepare for Competition
By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Hyde Park ·
Hyde Park's retail landscape is set to evolve in early 2026 as Barnes & Noble finalizes plans to open its fourth Chicago location in the neighborhood's shopping center at 1524 E. 55th St. The national bookstore chain, which previously operated the University of Chicago's campus bookstore for nearly three decades before Follett Higher Education took over in 2024, is scheduled to open its doors in late February.
The announcement has created what local independent bookstore owners describe as "frustrations and disappointment" as they prepare for increased competition. Hyde Park boasts an impressive collection of beloved independent bookshops, including Powell's Books, 57th Street Books, Seminary Co-Op Bookstore, and Call & Response Books. Courtney Bledsoe, owner of Call & Response Books which opened in spring 2024 specializing in works by Black authors and authors of color, expressed concern: "Hyde Park has an abundance of amazing independent bookstores here, and I feel as though we are definitely meeting the community's needs." The new Barnes & Noble will also compete with Play Toys and Books, which this year took over the former Toys Et Cetera location just south of the Barnes & Noble site.
As the neighborhood prepares for this significant addition to its commercial corridor, local bookshop owners are encouraging residents to recognize the unique value that independent stores bring to the community's character and culture by supporting them with their business.
Sources:
1. https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/19/as-barnes-noble-comes-to-hyde-park-indie-booksellers-urge-residents-to-shop-local/