Large Book Chain Opens New Store At Prominent Mall After Relocating From Farmington

FARMINGTON/WEST HARTFORD, CT — The much-anticipated opening of a new chain bookstore at the area's largest mall is happening this week.

Barnes & Noble will open its new Farmington-area bookstore at Westfarms Mall on Wednesday, July 29, marking the retailer's return to the community less than three months after closing its longtime Southeast Road location across the street from the mall, which is located in both West Hartford and Farmington.

The new 22,000-square-foot store is located at 155 Westfarms Mall, Suite F112, in the former Forever 21 space next to Macy's.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was scheduled for Wednesday, with Connecticut author and sportswriter David Borges helping open the store and signing copies of his book, "UConn Basketball: An Illustrated Timeline."

The move follows the closure of Barnes & Noble's store at 1599 Southeast Road in May after 33 years in the location.

Earlier this year, company officials announced the bookstore would relocate to the Westfarms Mall rather than leave the area.

"We are pleased to move to this excellent new location within the Farmington community at Westfarms Mall," Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt said in a statement. "Much as we loved our previous location, open for 33 successful years, there is a silver lining when moving to a much stronger store. Our booksellers are very excited to have such a beautiful new store and look forward to welcoming customers back into their brand-new Barnes & Noble."

Store Manager Andrew Cohen, who has worked for Barnes & Noble for eight years, said staff members are eager to welcome customers.

"Everyone is incredibly excited for this next chapter, and they cannot wait to meet the community of the Westfarms Mall," Cohen said.

The new store will offer books, toys, games, magazines and gifts.

Barnes & Noble said customers who visit during the grand opening will have access to promotions including $50 off NOOK devices and 40% off DVDs, Blu-ray discs and 4K Ultra HD movies.

Barnes & Noble Premium and Rewards members will also earn double stamps on purchases made at the new store from July 29 through Aug. 2.

The Farmington opening will be the sixth Barnes & Noble store to open in Connecticut in the past three years and the company's 18th new store of 2026.

Barnes & Noble said it plans to open 60 stores this year and now operates 716 bookstores nationwide.

The former Southeast Road property is also changing.

Earlier this year, the Farmington Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a monument sign application for the site as part of its redevelopment into a multi-tenant commercial property.

Property owner and Goldfish Swim School owner Steve Marszalek presented the application, which was prepared by Alex Thomas of TDG Architects.

The property spans Farmington and Newington.

From Feb. 25: 'New Location Announced For Prominent Farmington Bookstore'