News - Barnes & Noble Expands in San Antonio's Thriving Shopping Scene

The bustling city of San Antonio is about to get even more literary, as Barnes & Noble prepares to open its seventh location in the city. This time, the popular retailer will be addressing the bookish needs of the Northwest side, specifically benefitting the Huntingplace and Woodridge neighborhoods. These areas, which previously lacked a standalone bookstore, are set to welcome the new addition at the Huebner Oaks Shopping Center. According to recent filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the iconic bookstore giant is targeting a former Bed Bath & Beyond location at 11745 Interstate Highway 10 West, Suite 750. The new store is expected to open its doors next year, offering the community a diverse selection of novels, stationery, and reading accessories. Barnes & Noble's decision to expand in San Antonio stems from its desire to place bookstores in areas where there is a robust culture of reading. "We aim to open bookstores in places where people love to read!" a company spokesperson explained. Indeed, the recent upsurge in social media trends like "#BookTok" has spotlighted the joy of reading, particularly igniting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Barnes & Noble has successfully leveraged this interest by curating in-store displays featuring popular social media book recommendations, further cementing its relevance. The Huebner Oaks Shopping Center is already a favored shopping destination, housing well-known brands like Ross Dress for Less, Ulta Beauty, and Old Navy. With the introduction of Trader Joe’s following its grand opening in November 2025, the arrival of Barnes & Noble cements the center's reputation as a retail hub. Renovations for this new chapter in San Antonio's bookstore scene will commence in March, spanning roughly 20,500 square feet. Barnes & Noble's presence is not just an addition to the commercial landscape but also a significant cultural contribution. "Bookstores are essential to communities. They are a place to gather, share ideas; a place to learn and a place to escape," the spokesperson remarked. This expansion is part of a broader trend of growth and success for Barnes & Noble. According to reports, 2025 saw the business thrive, with more new stores opening that year than in the entire previous decade. The chain's strategy of empowering local booksellers to take control of their individual bookstores has proven successful, as noted by Yahoo! Finance. With anticipation building and construction scheduled to start soon, the new Barnes & Noble location promises to bring a wave of literary excitement to San Antonio's Northwest side, enhancing the cultural and shopping landscape.