How Barnes & Noble Engineered a Remarkable Turnaround – And What Business Owners Can Learn From It
Barnes & Noble was once seen as a fading giant in the age of Amazon, but under bold new leadership, it has staged an extraordinary turnaround. By decentralizing decision-making, empowering local booksellers, and focusing on discovery rather than algorithms, B&N has transformed its stores into thriving community hubs. This case study reveals powerful lessons for business owners—how to compete with industry giants, rethink strategy for long-term success, and create customer experiences that drive loyalty. Read on to uncover the strategies that revived America’s largest bookstore chain—and how you can apply them to your own business.