Saturday, October 25, 2014

B&N's Bronx Store to Remain Open

Shelf Awareness

Barnes & Noble has reversed a decision announced earlier this week to close its only store in the Bronx. The New York Times reported that B&N executives said yesterday the Bay Plaza location in Co-op City will remain open for at least two more years, following "efforts by Ruben Diaz Jr., the borough president, to negotiate a compromise between the bookseller and its landlord, Prestige Properties & Development." Under the agreement, B&N will receive a two-year extension of its current lease with no rent increase.

"I hope that, during this two-year extension, both companies are able to reach a long-term agreement that ensures their mutual success in our borough while keeping Bronxites employed," Diaz said. "This is a major victory for the Bronx."

He added that it was now up to Bronx residents to do their part: "If you want a store to flourish and stay here in our borough, you have to petition with your wallets. You've got to come here and buy books."

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