After a nine‑year absence, Barnes & Noble is set to reopen a full‑size store in central Baltimore County. The retailer will break ground at the newly renovated Lutherville Station shopping center, located at 130 W. Ridgely Road in Timonium, adjacent to Old Navy and the former RH Outlet space.
Grand opening details
The 17,500‑square‑foot location is scheduled to open its doors at 9 a.m. on November 11. The launch will feature story‑time sessions led by the beloved costume character Corduroy and a series of exclusive grand‑opening discounts on books, toys, games, vinyl records, DVDs, magazines, greeting cards, stationery and more. A Barnes & Noble Café will also be part of the new layout, offering coffee and light fare for shoppers.
Community response
“We could not be more pleased to make our return to this wonderful community,” said James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble. “We have long enjoyed the support of readers in the Towson area and are delighted to have a new home nearby in Timonium. We look forward to welcoming old friends and new customers alike.”
Store manager Sheldon Kulbicki echoed the sentiment, noting the emotional significance of the reopening. “For me, this is about more than opening another Barnes & Noble. I remember what it was like to shop at the Towson store, and I know how much people have missed having a Barnes & Noble here. Getting the opportunity to help bring it back and create new memories for customers is what makes this opening so exciting,” he said.
Economic context
The Timonium store marks Barnes & Noble’s return to central Baltimore County, a region that lost its previous location near Towson Circle in 2017. The company’s broader strategy reflects a reversal of a decade‑long decline in brick‑and‑mortar locations. After 15 years of shrinking store counts, Barnes & Noble reported opening 60 new stores in 2026, bringing its total to 735 locations nationwide, up from fewer than 600 in 2023.
Local officials have welcomed the development, citing the potential for job creation and increased foot traffic for neighboring retailers. The addition of a large‑format bookstore is expected to bolster the Lutherville Station shopping center’s appeal, supporting both existing tenants and future tenants seeking a vibrant retail environment.
What the new store offers
Beyond the traditional book selection, the Timonium outlet will stock a wide range of merchandise, including toys, board games, vinyl records, DVDs, magazines, greeting cards and stationery. The on‑site café will provide a gathering place for readers, families and students, reinforcing Barnes & Noble’s role as a community hub.
Customers can also expect regular events such as author signings, reading clubs, and educational workshops, aligning with the retailer’s nationwide emphasis on experiential retail. These programs aim to foster a love of reading and provide a safe, family‑friendly environment for children and adults alike.
Looking ahead
With the Timonium opening, Barnes & Noble signals confidence in the Baltimore County market and a broader belief that physical bookstores still have a place in the digital age. The company’s renewed focus on large, well‑located stores suggests a strategic shift toward creating destination retail experiences rather than merely selling products.
Residents of Timonium and surrounding communities are encouraged to attend the grand opening on November 11 and explore the new space. As the store prepares to welcome its first customers, Barnes & Noble hopes to re‑establish itself as a cornerstone of local culture, education and commerce.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
