New Barnes And Noble Celebrates Grand Opening In Stonebridge On Monday Morning

WOODBRIDGE, VA — More than 100 readers and book lovers lined up outside of Woodbridge's new Barnes and Noble on Monday morning.

The store, which is located inside the Stonebridge shopping center, celebrated its grand opening on Monday.

The new book store opened in the storefront that used to be occupied by Charming Charlie, adjacent to the Alamo Drafthouse. The grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony featured appearances and book signings by authors TJ Klune and Margaret Rodenberg.

Liam Griffin/Patch

Woodbridge's first Barnes and Noble saw several delays since it was first announced in 2021. The location originally planned to open in January, but the opening was later pushed to February and into March.

Many of the booklovers who waited in line on Monday morning said they'd been looking forward to the grand opening for months. Bella Kest, a stay-at-home mom from Loudoun County, was one of the people at the grand opening.

"Many book stores are dying," Kest said. She also noted that "a niche" collection of bibliophiles who support book stores.

In Woodbridge, that niche drew dozens of people to the store on Monday morning.

Cristina Knighton is the store manager for the new Barnes and Noble. She said her team wasn't surprised by the large turnout on Monday. "Social media has been blowing up," Knighton said at the grand opening. "We have all been hard at work to get this store ready for customers, and we cannot wait to welcome them in."

James Daunt is the CEO 0f Barnes and Noble. In a news release last week, he said that Woodbridge was an easy choice for the new location.

"As we evaluated where to open new stores, Woodbridge truly stood out, and we are excited to start this new chapter of bookselling," Daunt said. "Cristina Knighton and her team have created an exceptional shop that promises to become a new community hub."

The Barnes and Noble in Stonebridge offers more than just books. A Starbucks café offers drinks and free Wi-Fi. The store also features board games, greeting cards, toys, and puzzles.

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