Barnes & Noble novel idea: beer and wine sales

Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble (Wikimedia)

We don’t know if this is going to go down well with hardcore literary lovers, but we’re pretty sure beer lovers are going to fully approve of the latest move by Barnes & Noble to improve its bottom line in the challenging bookseller space: Beer and wine sales.

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It really shouldn’t come as a surprise that Barnes & Noble is seeking alternative ways to make their 600 retail stores more profitable. Recently, the largest retail bookseller in the United States added vinyl records to some of its brick-and-mortar stores.

According to Utica Observer-Dispatch, Barnes & Noble recently applied for a beer and wine license from the New York State Liquor Authority.

New York City-based attorney Keven Danow consulted with Barnes & Noble on the license application. He was quoted as saying select locations will be testing beer and wine sales from the stores’ cafes to “see how customers like it.”

The move could also inspire changes to the store’s cafe food menu to compliment the beer and wine offerings.

The Utica Observer-Dispatch also reports that the first bookstore to test the new concept will be the New Hartford location at 4811 Commercial Drive.

Danow said the New Hartford location will not be turning into a bar or nightclub, nor will it change the complexion of the neighborhood.