I just appreciate that there are still a few Barnes and Nobles around. This isn't your father's Barnes though. The old Barnes and Nobles you could spend a couple hours walking around looking at books. This is the light version. Unfortunately online stuff has put us in the situation where you can go into this bookstore and cover the whole place in around 15 minutes. I was looking at the "horror" section and it's okay but again, the light version. Also the fact everything is so expensive now also doesn't help. A paperback was 20 bucks. I'm not paying 20 bucks for a book I'll read once that I can get a the library for free. Magazine prices are absurd. I did find a couple that were 8 bucks but most are over ten and usually more. For a magazine. I hope this type of place keeps going but I can see why they don't. Support your local book store. read more

It's been a few years since my first review ... time for an update. Earlier this week I placed an online order for "Tell Me Everything" by Elizabeth Strout, one of my favorite authors. Delighted to find it was lower than Amazon and even some other online used bookstores. I arrived at Barnes & Noble and decided to browse a bit before picking up the book. I find the layout of the store quite easy to navigate. For the most part items are easy to find. As I was browsing, a clerk named Kara asked if I needed any help. That's always nice. As it turned out she also helped me when I went to the checkout area for my book. For some unknown reason the online price did not pop-up and I was reluctant to pay the full price (less the 10% member discount). Kara was very diligent about finding the originally quoted price. Very refreshing to find good customer service. That's what keeps customers coming back! read more

Wonderland! Lots of space filled with generous genre selections. While there are a lot of the usual music, games, and other things, the books are the main focus here. Much appreciated for that very reason. And some of the books these days are upping their game with gorgeous covers and internal pages, well, that makes browsing and buying physical book more compelling than ever. Busy shopping center so while the parking lot is large, getting a spot at peak times may be a short walk to where you are headed. That said, this is a vibrant and living area. The bookstore benefits from that with many fellow book lovers seeking out their next loved story. What goes great with a new book? Coffee or tea! Maybe a treat as well. Enjoy this nice cafe with Starbucks drink offerings. Topping that off, you treat selection is more varied than most places. Quality offerings. read more

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There aren't many Barnes and noble stores that have a cafe and large selection. This one is very good and has a lot of merchandise including greeting cards, games, gifts and more. read more

Barnes & Noble at the Veranda - Bookstores Near Me - Concord, California

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Probably shouldn't have gone the weekend after Christmas, as it was busy as all heck. They have somewhat OK selection of all genres. Lots of gifts. But to my surprise, it's a lot smaller than other stores I've been to. Luckily, there was an attentive employee who tried to help me find books I needed. But nothing was in stock because of their smallest selection. read more

Very busy location due to this outdoor mall. Parking is tough. Bathrooms available without a lock or code. Starbucks Cafe inside with seating and some deals if you buy a book. Smaller location compared to Other Barnes but this one had some items that daughter did not see which was nice. read more

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This Barnes & Noble is just a wonderful bookstore: wide selection, thoughtfully-displayed attention-getting books of note, and a warm, comfortable atmosphere to browse for books. I find bookstores cannot be beat for finding that new book you didn't know you really needed. I spent a pleasant 45 minutes here the other day happily wandering the aisles and discovering fresh things to read. This B&N also has a large gift section and a Starbucks. However, the size of the store means a large sitting area to contemplate selections is not feasible. There's a decent kids section here, and when our kids were younger bookstore visits were a constant, and this helped foster their lifelong love of reading. If I had my choice, I would expand the kids section and scale down the gift area. Glad to have Barnes & Noble here in Concord these days. read more

We preordered the newest novel from Suzanne Collins- the latest installment of The Hunger Games. And for the preorder, we were able to stay after closing for fun and games until the midnight release. The staff were super friendly and joined in on the fun. Right at 9- we were able to get our first copies of the book!!! We also got samples of the new refresher- blackberry sage .... It reminded us of Nightlock (they knew what they were doing). Thankful the staff was willing to stay after hours and engage with us all! read more

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First visit to this Barnes and Noble - we are fans of bookstores! This one is in The Veranda shopping center. It is brand new and very modern - sleek design. They have a cafe inside - but not much seating. The magazine area is quite small unfortunately (I love magazines). They have a large and good selection of notebooks and stationery gifts - great place to shop for a present. Big Manga section - that must be in for this neighborhood! Overall a good spot. My only wish is that there was more seating so we could hang out a while. Cheerful and easy checkout experience. read more

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This B&N is on the smaller side, and while I've never purchased a book here, it's been my go to spot for unique Christmas cards over the past two years. Their selection is truly one of a kind. I've also picked up a few vinyl records here. While the prices are a bit higher than online, there's something about finding exactly what I'm looking for in person that makes it worth it. Their journal section is fantastic, too. If you're diving into morning pages or looking for an inspirational journal to capture your thoughts, this is definitely the place to browse. I've also picked up a few different magazine. Sometimes you forget how enjoyable an actual magazine can be. The biggest draw for us, though, is the Starbucks café. It offers tasty snacks but has a somewhat limited drink menu. This is what makes our kids drag us in here on most visits. read more

A nice place to hangout with my kid and relaxing! Clean, good location and nice staffs read more

Barnes & Noble at the Veranda - Teach your kid about community awareness ! - Bookstores Near Me - Concord, California

Such a quiet and peaceful place to read books and drink coffee! Located in The Veranda, where you can shop and eat, this Barnes and Noble location has a friendly staff, a large variety of books in multiple genres, and a Starbucks BN Cafe to enjoy a coffee, Frap and various baked goods. I love it! read more

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Mostly a great spot--minus one eyebrow-raising moment. Barnes & Noble in Concord is a book lover's haven. Clean, well-stocked, and full of things I didn't know I needed until I walked in. I could browse for hours and still come back the next day for more. But during checkout, while signing up for the membership program, the cashier hit me with: "Are you sure you spelled your name and email correctly?" Because--wait for it--my email didn't match my first name. Sorry, didn't realize my inbox needed to be government-approved. It was such a random and unnecessary thing to question that I wasn't even sure how to respond. Still a great store overall, but that interaction? Definitely gave me a "did that really just happen?" moment. read more

The name of the older, female employee mentioned is Brenda I believe, and unfortunately she is still being condescending at the door every time near closing. read more

I really love how B&N is catering and adapting well with the times and changes. I love their new set up. This place has it all. Feels like a one-stop shop for your literary needs. The rewards membership is also awesome, with the points you can accumulate, discounts they offer when you buy books and stationery. It's best value for the books. The staff are all so nice and keeps the place organized, easy to navigate and welcoming. read more

I mean, what's to say about a massive store with a cafe that has one single all gender bathroom to serve the entire store. Insanity. That's what it is. While we loved their book selection, I overall preferred how airy and well designed the Walnut Creek store is, because this Barnes & Noble location was stuffy, crowded, and very poorly laid out. All in all, I plan to never come back and I'd hope in the future they add further working bathrooms. read more

This is great to have around when I need a book ASAP and can not wait shipping times or waste precious moments searching around for a copy. Plus they offer gift cards which make for great gifts for me to receive! I came here because I got a gift card for my birthday and needed the next book in the series I was reading ASAP. I was ready to switch over to the next book and could not go a few days on the cliff hanger it left me on! B&N to the rescue! read more

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I seldom go into bookstores anymore, I would rather go to the library. The book I wanted had a long waiting list at the library. So, I stopped at this Barnes and Noble to pick ut up Luckily, the book was right at the door. I did spend some time exploring. The store seemed well organized With a large variety of books. There is a coffee kiosk. While not rhe fault of the bookstore, I was surpised at how expensive hardback books are. I don't like reading books on my phone, tablet, or computer. I like the feel of paper. If i can't get what I want at the library I'll come back. . read more

It is sad that your web site has you opening at 9:00am and we arrived at your store at 9:30am after driving 15 miles to buy some books. Low and behold you was closed, not to open until 10:00am. Wow! what a great way to lose a customer. I guess we will go back to buying on Amazon. read more

I really like coming here, the aisles are easy to go down to find a specific book that you want without needing assistance. Selection is amazing ranging from anime, fantasy, romance etc. The only downside to this location is that you better be prepared to wait 10 minutes to find a parking spot. read more

I am so happy that we have a Barnes & Noble again! I visited for the first time on a Saturday and although it was a little busy, it warmed my heart that we actually have a bookstore we can go to. So much on line these days. The book store was super clean very organized. Books were easy to find and I'd love that they have, tons of accessories, knickknacks, and a coffee shop! read more

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I took my son here to find some books--plenty of parking spots if you go early. It's a bit smaller than the one that shut down in Slatten Ranch but everyone was nice. We found a few books by his favorite author Mo Willems and used our Barnes and Noble discount card!!! They have a cafe there too. read more

I called at 9:47 to see if they had a book in stock so I could drive over and get it- you know how sellers are always whining that Amazon takes their business? A person answered the phone. I asked if they could look up the book. Nope- no can do, they're not open yet. I said, you answered the phone, could you check the computer and I'll know to start driving. Nope- no can do, because we live and die by the hours posted. Big box equals lazy service read more

Fantastic book store as one would expect for a Barnes and noble. Small compared to other locations, but well organized, clean, well staffed, and still plenty of books to choose from. Yes, it's a chain bookstore, but anyone who shops here should know that from the name before ever entering. Was a fantastic stop for my family while we waited for the restaurant we were visiting to open. read more

Service here is friendly. It is bright and clean inside. They have a variety of Lego toys, books and magazines. Value ranges from cheap to pricier. I miss the Barnes and Noble in Pleasant Hill where Home Goods now is. I was glad when Barnes and Noble came back nearby, at The Veranda in Concord. Parking can be a pain, but parking is better at opening hours. There are eateries and a movie theater nearby. read more

Very rude employee. She has shoulder length hair greyish white. Someone was in the bathroom, only one working bathroom, and there was no toilet paper. The girl said she called her boyfriend to tell and employee to bring her toilet paper. The rude employee with the short hair was in line for the bathroom and she starts to knock on the door saying if anything is wrong. The girl said there was no toilet paper. The girl then said that a worker was going to bring some and the rude employee then proceeded to ask me and my mom which worker. As if we know them or something. The other employee came and said that someone needed toilet paper. The rude employee knocked and the door and said that she needed to go in. My mom then asked if she can't just get toilet paper for the storage room or something. Then the rude employee unlocked the door right next to the bathroom and get the girl the toilet paper. She then proceeded to tell the girl to hurry up and that a line was starting. She then turned to me and my mom and said that she was going to clean the bathroom. Like how rude is that?? Such irony, first she tells the girl to hurry up because a line is forming THEN goes and says that she's going to clean it which will most likely make the line longer. Me and my mom left before the girl even got out. She was so rude and disrespectful. read more

Barnes & Noble is one of my favorite stores in the Veranda. It is a lot smaller than the typical Barnes & Noble storefront, but is still a great location. Pre-COVID you were able to search if a book is in stock on one of the store computers, but now the computers are for staff only. You would have to ask assistance from a staff member to look up the book for you. There is indoor seating now available indoors by the Starbucks, and there are signs that customers must show proof of vaccination to eat indoors. Outdoor seating is available, as well. I always love grabbing a drink at Starbucks, and right now they have all the holiday beverages on the menu. I highly recommend trying the Cranberry Tea Latte and Hot Cinnamon Tea Latte. read more

There was a time a few or several years ago, that I thought that independent bookstores were doomed with the onslaught of chains such as Barnes & Noble and Borders. That may have been near the time that icons like Cody's bit the dust. Yet, Border's is gone, Independents such as Kepler's, Pegasus, and Moe's are still around, and 2 nearby versions of Barnes & Noble closed up in recent years. Go figure. This B&N is OK and was good at passing some time as I was out for a walk one fall evening. The magazine section was smaller than expected, and none of the labelled sections held much interest. The store is spacious, well lit, and a friendly space to be in any event. However, I'd still prefer the crowded stacks and literal feeling of a City Lights or a Book Passage. read more

Staff is so friendly, great place to browse for books. If you're sick of mindlessly ordering off of Amazon and actually enjoy touching a book, you would want to come here. Also there is more space here than the Amazon store downtown (which only carries the most rated books and the books that are most purchased in the local region btw). There is something more authentic and real about browsing for book that are more underrated :) This B&N also have beautiful sitting areas for coffee, studying, or chatting with a friend. Love it read more

Barnes & Noble at the Veranda - View from the seating area - Bookstores Near Me - Concord, California

Bookstores such as this big one is just not the same as it was before online ordering, E-readers and websites started offering books online. Add up the pandemic happening and you can't fully enjoy what they have to offer. While they are very good with social distancing and implementing them, there's still some bad apples inside that go against the rules. Anyway, both my son and I love books and he can grab some of his faves here and add to his collection, while me on the other hand love to browse around, get lost and find a book that'll spark my interest. I love a certain author and they only carry 1 book of hers. I would be more lucky to order it online than to find it here in the store. I only go here now because of my little one. They still have some good bargain of books, but it's now very limited. read more

Was a perfect visit here, was able to find half my Christmas gifts for everyone here. I really really liked how they had random stands with gifts perfect to buy for someone . It made shopping so much easier , no waiting in lines ,plenty of nice options. Saved me so much time and effort looking for gifts. I was also able to find a couple nice books too . read more

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usually get my chai here and so far no problems. I love studying here because of the charging ports. The workers are fast and even ask you if you need help. read more

Barnes & Noble at the Veranda - hot chai tea latte + mac and cheese = 9ish dollars! - Bookstores Near Me - Concord, California

I am so happy we have a Barnes & Noble close by again ! Any and every time I've gone to this location the employees have been kind and nothing short of helpful ! I always appreciate when I'm wandering around looking for that one book unable to find it and someone approaches to help ! They're also almost always able to give a recommendation for new books ! BUTTTTT ! This review is actually about a woman working register today around 2:30 pm ! She helped the woman in front of us, who has brought in an item they do not carry and were unable to exchange for her . She even went over the stores polices and procedures with the woman , but . The woman then got upset and requested a manager . She called for one and informed her it would be a couple minutes .. I don't know how it ended but the employee was cool calm and collected dealing with someone who was the exact opposite . I'm upset I didn't get her name but I also enjoy knowing someone is employed there who can handle whatever is thrown at them ! read more

Ehhh I would never come here after hearing how my daughter was treated. Some of the employees here act like they are in high school. They treated my daughter like garbage bc she didn't want to sign up for their reward points and my daughter had her reasoning that she's not even from the area and literally rarely comes to concord but still she was treated less then bc of it. The girl working there literally said to her that "she liked the other customer better bc "she's smart for signing up" as if my daughter is stupid for not. Do you honestly think my daughter cares what you think of her? At least she doesn't work a minimum wage paying job at a bookstore. After hearing immature and stupid they are I will never set foot inside read more

They had decent amount of book selections, and random house hold items. It would of been nice if they had employees on the floor to help you find what your looking for. Eventually I found the books I was looking for. They had some fun animal calendars as well. I did like how they had Christmas items available. I would have expected more items in a newer store. The coffee section area was very small and not enough space to have a lot of people sit and eat and drink. read more

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I was at starbuck in book sotre when i buyed at leas 3 books. The i went to get drink from starbucks. I ordered from nice girl from Lily and she was helpful and delicous drink. She was nice and realy cute I go to car and drank then drink i bought but unfortunately i spilled it al over myself when i was driving home and crashed my car for a serious car accident :( Although it was my own fault!!!1! Good place i recomend it read more

Barnes & Noble at the Veranda - Bookstores Near Me - Concord, California

Outstanding. My sister loves buying manga from you guys but I'm illiterate so I have to go to the record section. I adore the vast selection of Lana del rey but it feels a little stereotypical being inside a Barnes and nobles. My friend didn't have a tote bag coming in here and was denied service. There is a lot of preteens with dyed hair mushroom earrings here and some of them are very loud, it caught me off guard. I thought it was like a quiet kind of vibe due to the people trying to do work at the cafe but whatever. The somewhat goth girl at the Barnes and nobles cafe should message me on Instagram btw hmu. read more

Barnes & Noble at the Veranda - Stan lana - Bookstores Near Me - Concord, California

Great open concept space with a very limited seating section to enjoy your Starbucks beverage or snack. I love that there's WiFi and wireless charging stations. Though the price of books isn't as cheap as purchasing them online, there's something nice about supporting brick and mortar shops. Maybe it's because I hope they will be here long enough for me to bring my kids to peruse and purchase books to read when they are older. Their selection isn't nearly as big as their other locations, but their store is very sleek and modern which I personally like. read more

Barnes & Noble at the Veranda - Bookstores Near Me - Concord, California

Tons of books, great variety, helpful staff, it's in a great location with a bunch of food options around (including a p good all you can eat sushi spot across the street), no one is hassling you to hurry up or buy, everyone is chill and the place is clean. Sienna helped me order a book from a different Barnes n noble location , is free , saving me a trip to San Francisco. Props to the staff for the good work read more

Bookstores are returning? I don't know if "they" are, but Barnes & Noble did. Many years after they shut down both their Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek stores, they've opened a new one in Concord's Veranda. First thing: it's smaller than it was. Either they're testing this market to see if it has profit potential, or they're stocking only sure sellers. The internet changed the retail landscape dramatically, and bookstores got hit harder than most. So it makes sense for B&N to have a smaller physical footprint. This means (1) they may not have the book you're looking for, (2) what they have is slightly pricey, (3) I saw no place to sit down and read before buying. But hey, if you loved browsing and buying at B&N when it was near Tarjay, you're probably happy to see it again. So there you go. read more