With mega bookstores like Barnes and Noble dominating the retail landscape, many book lovers are looking for similar stores and online alternatives to buy books. For deals on new and used books across fiction, non-fiction, textbooks and more, competitors like Books-A-Million, and others give you excellent options beyond just BN.
Whether you love browsing physical bookstores for hours or prefer ordering online from the comfort of home, there are many retailers like Barnes & Noble that bibliophiles should know.
This article will explore the top 11 stores similar to Barnes and Noble for book shopping online and in-person. From indie bookshops to used book marketplaces, find a new favorite store that satisfies your reading habit.
11 Best Book Stores Similar To Barnes And Noble
Here are 11 competitors and alternatives to Barnes and Noble for buying books, both online and in physical stores:
1. Peachpit
Peachpit is a reputed outlet for books on creative skills and technology. They cater to niche readers like designers, developers, gamers and artists.
The bookstore was founded in 1983 and has published over 1500 titles so far. They are known for their extensive catalog of training materials for creative professionals. Their books cover popular software like Adobe Photoshop and AutoCAD, design skills like typography and user experience, and coding languages like JavaScript and Python.
Key Benefits:
- Specialized selection targeted at techies and creatives
- Hands-on training books to master software and skills
- Ebooks, videos and audio books also available
- Useful for self-learners looking to pick up new skills
2. Books-A-Million
Books-A-Million (BAM!) is one of the largest bookstores like Barnes and Noble in the United States. They have over 200 stores across the country. BAM has been around since 1917, making it even older than Barnes & Noble.
This chain store stocks over 3 million titles across various genres like fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, comics, religion and more. Their collection of magazines and newspapers is quite vast as well. Apart from books, they also sell gifts, toys, stationery and electronic accessories.
Some of the reasons shoppers prefer Books-A-Million are:
- Huge range of books, magazines and gifts
- Regular discounts and clearance sales
- Loyalty rewards program for members
- Cafes in-store at many locations
- Strong presence across Southeast USA
3. Valore Books
Valore Books is an online bookstore that sells new and used books at affordable prices. Founded in 2004, they stock over a million book titles across fiction, non-fiction, textbooks, children’s books and more.
They offer flat rate shipping fees and free shipping on orders above $50 within the United States. All orders ship within 1-2 business days from their warehouse in Kentucky. Unlike Barnes & Noble, Valore Books mainly focuses on value pricing to attract deal-seekers.
Key Advantages:
- New and used books at cheap prices
- Large catalog of over 1 million books
- Free shipping on orders over $50
- Fast delivery in 1-2 days
- Top choice for budget book shopping
4. Biblio
Biblio was started in 2000 as an online marketplace for independent bookstores to sell books. It currently partners with over 4500 booksellers worldwide.
This site uniquely offers a curated collection of rare, old and antique books. You can discover first edition classics, out of print books, signed copies and other hidden gems here. They have over 150 million items listed for sale in total.
Shoppers like Biblio for the following reasons:
- Rare and antique books unavailable elsewhere
- Huge selection of used and out of print titles
- Each seller has independent stock
- Find unique editions and signed copies
- Great for book collectors and bibliophiles
5. ThriftBooks
ThriftBooks is one of the largest online Barnes And Noble alternatives for secondhand books. The store was launched in 2003 and sells over 25 million used books today.
Headquartered in Washington, they partner with non-profits and charities to support literacy initiatives and providing reading opportunities. ThriftBooks is all about sustainability and community support.
Why Choose Thriftbooks?
- Massive collection of used books across all genres
- Free shipping for orders over $10 in USA
- Plants a tree for every book sold
- Supports community literacy programs
- Affordable prices for secondhand books
6. Alibris
Alibris started out in 1997 as an online platform for independent booksellers to sell used and out-of-print books. They stock over 100 million new, used, rare and hard-to-find titles today.
The bookstore has a vast collection of rare finds and first editions. You can shop by specific book editions, signed copies, price range and more filters. They also run regular sales and offer coupon codes frequently.
Key Perks:
- 100+ million used, old and rare books
- Advanced search filters by edition etc.
- Rare finds and first editions
- Discount sales and coupon codes
- Trusted retailer for out-of-print titles
7. BetterWorldBooks
BetterWorldBooks takes a philanthropic approach to bookselling. The company donates a book to someone in need for each book purchased from their site. To date they’ve donated over 28 million books globally.
The website offers an expansive inventory of new, used, remaindered and textbook books at discounted prices. Free economy shipping is available in the U.S. on orders over $10.
For value book buyers who also want to contribute to a good cause, BetterWorldBooks is a compelling choice that delivers big benefits on both fronts.
Why Shop Here?
- New, used, rental and ebooks available
- Free economy worldwide shipping
- Donates books for every purchase
- Supports global literacy programs
- Large catalog of 18 million+ books
8. Powell’s Books
Powell’s Books started as a small Chicago bookshop in 1970 before relocating to Portland, Oregon in 1971. Now with multiple Portland locations, Powell’s City of Books flagship covers an entire city block making it the largest independent bookstore in the world.
Beyond just books, Powell’s is a beloved hub for Portland’s literary community. In-shop author events, a coffee shop and over 1 million new, used, rare and out-of-print titles draw enthusiastic crowds daily.
For an exceptional book browsing experience, Powell’s exudes heart and soul. Wandering the expansive rooms lined with bookshelves several stories high is a one-of-a-kind adventure for bibliophiles.
What makes them popular?
- Largest independent bookstore globally
- Iconic megastore in Portland, OR
- 5 million new and used books online
- Rare and small-press titles
- Celebrates reading as a community
9. AbeBooks
AbeBooks offers a mind-boggling selection of books thanks to partnerships with over 18,000 booksellers worldwide. Their online inventory numbers a staggering 200 million books spanning just about every niche imaginable.
No matter how eclectic your tastes, AbeBooks connects you to rare, out-of-print, used and collectible books other retailers simply won’t carry. For diehard book hunters, it’s a treasure trove of discoveries. You can also consider it as your stores similar to Barnes and Noble.
Why Buy From Them?
- Marketplace for buying rare and old books
- 200 million titles listed
- 35,000+ booksellers across the globe
- Find unique editions and long lost books
- Advanced search filters by year, condition etc.
10. SmashWords
Smashwords is a leading indie ebook retailer with a catalog of over 500,000 titles. Founded in 2008, they allow self-published authors to distribute their work. Readers can discover both well-known indie books and hidden gems for their Kindle and e-readers.
They offer a variety of genres like fiction, romance, sci-fi, non-fiction, business, memoir and more. You can download ebooks in multiple formats directly from their site.
Key Advantages
- Discover indie ebooks from self-pub authors
- Catalog of 500,000+ titles
- Ebooks compatible with any device
- Read online or download in any format
- Daily deals and huge selection for readers
11. Book Depository
The Book Depository has a unique position as an international bookseller that offers free shipping worldwide. This UK based store stocks over 20 million books that can be delivered to over 160 countries.
They list both bestsellers and hard to find titles across fiction, non-fiction, textbooks and kids categories. The Book Depository provides a cost-effective way for avid readers abroad to build their collection.
Why Customers Love Them:
- 20 million books with free global delivery
- Ships to over 160 countries
- Huge selection with competitive prices
- Great deals and sales promotions
- Serves international audience
Conclusion
With so many great bookstores similar to Barnes and Noble, every bibliophile can build the perfect library! Big chains like Books-A-Million offer familiar in-store experiences, while online marketplaces like Alibris connect you to independent shops with extensive catalogs including rare finds.
Whatever your interests, these Barnes and Noble competitor brands deliver convenience, value, selection, and access to even hard-to-find titles. So explore alternatives to big box bookstores and enjoy personalized service, niche categories, used and antique books, discounts on new releases, and perks like free shipping or café drinks. With the right retailer, you can find any book your heart desires while saving money and even giving back.
Happy reading from this list of similar stores and sites like Barnes and Noble! Discover your next literary adventure today.
FAQs About Barnes & Noble
What is Barnes & Noble known for?
Barnes & Noble is one of the largest bookstore chains in the USA. It is known for its vast collection of books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, gifts and toys across over 600 retail stores. The brand is synonymous with books and boasts extensive selections across genres.
Does Barnes & Noble have an online store?
Yes, Barnes & Noble has an online store at BN.com that offers over 8 million titles. The website provides free shipping for members on orders over $25 and free store pick-up from local Barnes & Noble outlets. Their online store is convenient for booklovers across the country.
What is unique about Barnes & Noble stores?
Barnes & Noble stores provide a whole experience beyond just books. Many locations have their own Starbucks cafe, toys section, magazine racks, music CDs and more. Their large format stores encourage leisurely browsing for books and gifts for hours at a stretch.
Does Barnes & Noble sell used books?
Barnes & Noble sells new books at its stores and website. But they do buy back lightly used books from students under their textbook buyback program. These secondhand books are then re-sold at discounted prices on their Marketplace.
What discounts does Barnes & Noble offer?
Barnes & Noble offers 10-40% off on books and gifts through sales and coupons. Members can save up to 40% on bestsellers. There are also clearance sales on already discounted items. Students get 20% off with a valid ID. Members receive exclusive coupons and early access to deals.
How can I save money at Barnes & Noble?
Joining their free membership program unlocks the best discounts up to 40% on select items site-wide. Opting for used textbooks and Marketplace items cost 20-90% less than new. Their Clearance section has books under $5. Coupons, weekend deals and holiday sales also offer good value on full priced items.
Does Barnes & Noble price match?
Barnes & Noble provides price match on identical items sold at Amazon, Chegg, Books-A-Million, and select independent bookstores. To get a price match, contact their customer service with proof of the competitor’s lower price. The item must be in stock and fulfilled directly by the retailer.
Can I rent textbooks from Barnes & Noble?
Through their B&N College division, students can rent textbooks for a semester or buy digital eTextbooks. Renting physical and digital textbooks can save up to 90% compared to buying them new. Rentals allow affordable access to study materials.
How much are memberships at Barnes & Noble?
Barnes & Noble memberships cost $25 per year and offers perks like extra discounts, free express shipping, early access to deals, and free cafe drinks. The bargain membership fee is worthwhile for frequent shoppers to maximize savings in-store and online.
So whether you love browsing bookstores or prefer online convenience, Barnes & Noble and its competitors have you covered. Support independent shops, grab ebooks from self-published authors, or scout for used book deals. With so many options, every bookworm can build the perfect library.
