Breon Bradley 06-13-2024 3 min read
Hey everyone! I wanted to share my recent experience visiting Barnes & Noble, a nostalgic place from my childhood. The original location on 75th Avenue and Bell Road had been a staple for over 20 years before closing in 2020 and reopening across the street. I hadn't been there in about a decade and, as a virtual assistant looking for new workspaces, I decided to give it a try.
Upon entering, I noticed significant changes. Unlike the old layout with a central Starbucks, the new store lacks a café and working tables, though it has comfortable reading chairs. This was a major downside, as I intended to work there.
The store was clean, well-organized, and easy to navigate, with a pleasant ambiance. However, the absence of working tables made it impractical for my needs. There were three employees: a senior-aged woman at the cashier, a college-aged girl reshelving books, and a senior-aged man assisting customers. Despite my professional attire, I felt uncomfortably observed by the male employee as I walked around the store.
Determined to make it work, I sat in a reading chair and used my laptop on my knees, which was awkward and uncomfortable. On the plus side, they still offer free and easy-to-access Wi-Fi, which is a big positive for a work environment. The restrooms were also conveniently located and didn't require a key or code, another benefit.
Barnes & Noble remains a great place to visit, shop, and browse, but it's no longer suitable for working. The lack of working tables and the uneasy feeling from being watched make it impractical for my needs. While I appreciate the nostalgia and the friendly atmosphere, it won't be on my list for future work locations.