This is the other Barnes and Noble where I tend to shop most often, though less so than the Biltmore Park one due to distance and time. I'd rate them both four stars, but this one is probably more a 4.5, because in small ways, it's a bit better, while in other small ways, Biltmore has the advantage. First, the Asheville Mall's advantages: The overall book selection is larger, and new releases are generally on time, even outside of popular genres. Their table displays are always set up with plenty of eye-catching color and features; I always stop to browse even if I don't buy anything. I love book-themed knickknacks, mugs, and so forth, and this B&N always has some cute ones in stock. And as a fairly recent Harry Potter nerd (finally opened my letter at age 31; long story), kudos for the quality HP merchandise on sale. :) I found a Ravenclaw and Slytherin pillow there and I love them (yes, Gryffindor and Hufflepuff are still on my wish list). Furthermore, the foods and drinks on offer tend to be fresher and prepared more quickly, and again, there tends to be a bigger selection, with seasonal changes. For instance, this is the only B&N I've gone to in my region, where I could consistently find ginger cookies in the winter (which is a shame, because they're good). Now, if you hit this bakery at the wrong time, you may well get a stale cookie or scone (so maybe still don't grab your goods after dinner, unfortunately). But overall, I like this bakery better. This store is at a disadvantage when it comes to accessibility, because you can only access the upper level via escalator, which is tough with my depth perception. Well, I take that back. There *is* an elevator at the back, behind the cafe (or if you are upstairs, it's near the kids' section). But it rattles, it smells like stale coffee and urine, and honestly, it doesn't always feel very safe. So if you do need or want something from the upper level, I'd either (A) chance the elevator (B) go up with assistance or (C) have a clerk pop up to get it for you. This plays into another disadvantage, in that many if not most of the "specialty sections," such as Christian fiction, romance, and mystery/thriller, are on that upper level. Again, you do have options, but I definitely understand the need and desire to shop independently and take your time to browse, so, just take that under advisement. Overall though, this is probably your best bet if you really want a "full" bookstore experience. read more

Pretty decent Barnes and noble and Starbucks that's been here awhile. The mall is a bit empty these days so you can always find parking. That's a positive. The space is big and clean. There are great cozy nooks that are wonderful for kids and adults alike. There is a big range of price options- things on sale and new releases too. The Starbucks is definitely not my favorite. When I asked if a cheesecake was on sale, the cashier said "well does it say it is in the case?" Yikes. I asked because I couldn't tell. I also was showing my Starbucks card but they mentioned I couldn't use it after I ordered. Just be aware. read more

Barnes & Noble - Discount cheesecake - Bookstores Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

On two levels and incorporating a coffee shop as is usual, this B&N has a huge selection of current best sellers, recently printed books, sections for gaming and accessories and a massive area for periodicals. I like B&N because they have a section near the registers with deeply discounted books. Why pay full cover price for a current best seller when it will be here for a quarter the price in a few months? There's maybe not enough seating if you want to "try on" a book before purchasing. The store has an entrance into the mall and another into the parking lot. [Review 12666 overall, 2458 of 2019.] read more

See all

In general, I love this Barnes & Nobles. It is big and well organized and stocked with great books of all genres. They have an excellent clearance section with super affordable books for gifts. This is the first spot I always go when I visit. They always have an awesome selection of low-priced cook books, children's activity books and lots of fiction and 'coffee table books' on clearance. I love the magazine section here too, they have great magazines ranging from fashion, outdoor activities, crafts, art, and everything else you can imagine. The shop is two stories, the bathrooms are located upstairs. You will also find the children's section, cook books, young adult, fiction and....pretty much all of the other genres upstairs. Downstairs is mostly gifts, games, clearance, best sellers and new releases. There is a Starbucks located in the Barnes & Nobles with all the delicious things you can expect to find at a Starbucks from Frappuccinos, cookies, teas, and sandwiches. One star off because they are always understaffed. The line always goes super slow because there is usually just one person (wo)manning the checkout counter and it's difficult/impossible to find someone to help you find books. read more

We stopped in at the Asheville Mall to eat dinner and saw that they had a Barnes & Noble. It looks like their hours are longer than the mall's because even as the mall was closing, this place was still open for a while longer. My wife found the book she was looking for, and we noticed at Halloween that they were already prepping for Christmas. I actually prefer small, independent bookstores but I have to agree that Barnes & Noble has a wider selection just due to their size. This was actually the highlight of the mall for us shopping-wise. The rest of the mall just looked kind of empty and sad. read more

Had the most pleasant experience at Barnes and Nobles Asheville mall location today. The staff was very helpful and so sweet, Starbucks had a lot of Christmas cheer, Best hot chocolate and service by Barista Paige, (like a page from a book) How fitting for your store!The store was clean and well laid out. 5 Stars read more

This place has figured prominently in my life. We have been coming here for years. My older daughter has autism, and B&N is a haven for her. She heads right upstairs with her little sister in tow. We no longer have to hang in the kids' section. What a relief. It is way too bright in that area. There is always a dad in that area announcing a little too loudly exactly what series his precocious child is reading. I take the elevator up because I gained a phobia of escalators a few years back. I always imagine myself pitching backwards at the very top. My husband and I get to either loiter in the teen section or chill while my daughters take an extraordinary amount of time to pick out a manga. Sometimes you can get a free one if you buy two, but only with certain publishers. I used to feebly point out "The Outsiders" and other edgy teen novels to my kids. They ignore my suggestions. I have to swallow the lump in my throat. Sometimes, I meander. I get outraged that "Ghost Story" is not on a shelf. I see books with cool titles that I wish I had thought of, even though I have no story lurking within me. I heed the free sample announcements from Starbucks. I try to find something that calls to me to insist that I exist. Sometimes, my daughter orders a book. We let her, because she feels business like in some weird way. The books are semi-high in price. I remember walking up to a display with all the Newbery winners from the past decades. I had procured almost all of them, but from thrift stores. My younger daughter and I always check out the Funkos. We look for obscure "Stranger Things" Funkos. I now want Jaws, but it has to be the one with the drunk of the drink. (Google Funko Jaws images.) My kid has bought very overpriced, mini Japanese stuffed animals from this store. I am always amazed at the register just how ridiculous she can be. This B&N is where my "Great Cocoa Catastrophe of 20__(?)" took place. A woman spilled her hot cocoa, and I walked up to her to help her. She denied that the spilled cocoa existed, and walked away. It was very odd, because she was aggressive enough and was tough enough to dis me. Couldn't she handle a little spilled milk? She didn't seem embarrassed when she announced that the event did not take place. Really weird. As I stated in my general mall review, she denied my reality. I am still coming to terms with that. I have certain lines from books running through my veins. I wish I could stop people and ask them what books have impacted their lives. I would tell people about how I took as many of my mother's books as I could, knowing that her soul surrounded them. Did you know... -that my father ordered books from Loompanics? -that my mother rescued her father's copy of "Slovenly Peter" out of the trash? -that the last lines of "In Cold Blood" evoke much feeling, whether fiction or non-fiction? -that I own a first copy of "Suzuki Beane"? -that Ambrose Bierce liked to twist? read more

I come to this B&N every time I visit this area! I love that it's two stories and there's an escalator-because I'm 12 years old-just kidding, I'm an adult. Seriously it's a great place to chill out for a while. There's a Starbucks inside so you can get your caffeine fix while you're roaming the aisles. There's an awesome view of mountains from the second floor. Don't take your lovely views for granted, AVLE! read more

So it's a Barnes & Noble. If you've been to one you've basically been to them all. This one doesn't stand out in a good or bad way. It has the selection of books you'd expect and they have a Starbucks café (which has always gotten my orders correct). read more

Barnes & Noble - Bookstores Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Found what I wanted but could not have it put in a bag. After a barely a glance to the side the cashier said no bags. Since this was my only purchase in the mall I had no others and had to carry multiple books and games that were Christmas gifts out to my car in the rain. Gee thanks. I'll stay with my local independent booksellers. Better service. I don't mind bringing in a tote, but how about letting us know in advance. read more

The B&N staff is really nice and helpful. Always friendly and easy to converse with, feels natural and unforced. However the Starbucks staff here is either rude or they spend so much time upselling, interrupting you trying to upsell, and oh more upselling that it takes 9 mins to order a simple coffee and the line is a mile long. Really annoying!!! The store itself is a B&N.. like most any B&N. I think they have different hours than the mall, which is nice. read more

Alittle pricy but overall I enjoyed exploring the place and seeing what they have to offer. They definitely do have more of a selection then most bookstores I have been to. read more

I love love love the POC/head leader (cashier) at Barnes & Noble. I have seen her there for YEARS, and it's SO comforting to see her in a position of (higher) position at Barnes & Nobles. She, being so accommodating, at end of sale - equally engaging as the sales associate that helped me in locating the book I came in for. Just. Speechless. Thank you. So, SO much. read more

I sure hope I remembered my cashier's name correctly... it's Yamani I believe/hope I do hate to get peoples' names wrong but this woman was freaking fantastic!!! So, so VERY friendly!!! The rest of Asheville needs to take customer service lessons from this lady. I can't say enough how friendly and helpful she was! The positive, upbeat attitude and true desire to be helpful turned a run of the mill shopping trip into an absolutely fabulous one. read more

So, I like to read and in addition I bought a Nook a while back, so I go here for my magazine fix and free wireless. Located right at the Mall, it is easy to get to from just about anywhere around town. Folks are helpful and the place is expansive. read more

Loved this store! Great staff and all store was very well organized. Worked at the Starbucks inside the store and enjoyed to had my coffee in the afternoon with my favorites french butter cakes madeleines. I highly recommended this Barnes & Noble store! read more

I was trying to find a place to work while my son could pick out some books, but there is no place for that. They only have five bar tables in the whole store and wouldn't let me sit on the floor by the bookshelves anywhere. read more

Pretty ridiculous I was given attitude about wanting an empty box I know will be thrown away.

Love walking in here and just looking at all of the books! Today I was trying to find a specific book and was not able to find it, but Richard did everything out of his way to help me find it. It was probably misplaced but I'm very thankful for his kind customer service. I will be back! read more

Just had a poor experience. No sales associates were available on the floor and they've removed the computer kiosks for you to search yourself, so I got in the checkout line behind three others and was helped by the sole cashier. I asked him to search for a book I couldn't locate and he told me to move to the end of the counter and wait for someone who he paged. She struggled with my information but finally ordered the book to be shipped to my home. Then she handed me the order copy and told me to get back in the checkout line behind eight others waiting and she went to open an extra cash register. When I finally got through I was "helped" by her and she found it humorous that I had to see her a. Second time. She couldn't have checked me out when she had me at the cash register the first time? Pretty poor service. read more

I luv B and N coffee Shop. Where else can you have an unlimited supply of new books and magazines to read for free? I usually get a large hot tea which comes with 2 giant tea bags. I use 1 for the first cup of tea and save the second for a later free refill. When hunger strikes, I usually chow down on the Turkey and Cheese Chipotle Panini: it makes my tummy very happy. So, weather you want to read or jump on some free WiFi, head over to B&N: you'll be glad you did. read more

Barnes & Noble - Coffee Shop - Bookstores Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

I moved here about a month ago and was elated to find my apartment was only a 7 minute drive from Barnes & Noble. As is customary, I went to scope it out and easily spent 3 hours there. This was because the Design section existed. Every week, it seems, they go out an burn books on design, though, and now I am left without a section. That's right. There is no design section!! Yes, there is a section on "Photoshop for Dummies" but this is not design. Design and innovation are what our world is being shaped by, and this poor-excuse for a book store has omitted the entire genre. Ironic: a company based in printed books has forsaken the section which created it and, apparently, stands to destroy it. read more

New, very big location - two stories! It's part of the Asheville Mall but separate from it (not inside). The Starbucks staff is uncharacteristically friendly and helpful. Other than that, your typical Barnes & Noble. Love it. read more

Very disappointed with their service. They didn't have a book I was looking for, so I had to order it through them (at the store). They ordered the wrong edition. I called them when I caught this mistake to cancel the order and get the right edition of the book. They told me on the phone that the first order was canceled and a new order (with the right edition) was placed. By the way, for some mysterious reason they couldn't ship the book to the store, so they charged me for shipping! I got an email with my order and realized they had charged me tax on the shipping, not just the book. Called again and a very rude manager told me that it was right because B&N had a presence in NC. Ok, so I wasn't aware that now they have to charge tax on shipping, but the guy was truly obnoxious about it. Then I received both books!!! What happened to canceling the 1st order? Now I have to take it back, and of course, they won't refund the shipping charges. This was the first and LAST time I deal with Barnes & Noble. I thought it would be quicker to go there, plus I like to support local businesses, but next time I'll sure as heck go somewhere else!!! read more

Monster store, always makes me think of the movie, "You've Got Mail". I prefer the B&N in Arden, but it's fun to wander around.