Barnes & Noble — Local services in Encinitas

I genuinely used to really enjoy going to Barnes & Noble Encinitas to roam the aisles as a de-stressing activity, even when I didn’t buy anything. I went there throughout high school and quarantine, and the staff was very friendly. When we were bored, going there was one of my friends’ go-to activities. However, in recent times, I’ve noticed that when I’m roaming the aisles, the current staff seems to watch me. It started probably about a year ago—one of the managers was definitely keeping an eye on me, buzzing by too frequently and peeking down the aisle too often to be written off as coincidence. I genuinely don’t know what I did to deserve being treated like someone who needs to be monitored. Some (emphasis on some) staff members also come off as monotone and unfriendly. Not that anyone owes me anything - but just a note. I also work in customer service, so I understand having an off day.

I wouldn’t outright accuse anyone of being racist, but I can’t help but think about it—especially when I’ve never done anything to suggest I’m a shoplifter.

I don’t really enjoy going there anymore. I can barely catch a breath alone in an aisle without someone walking by or glancing over. It’s definitely more of a stressful, in-and-out errand for me now than the calming visit it used to be. Maybe I’m delusional...

I havent been in a real bookstore in ages, it was so great to walk into that old familiar bookstore smell (heaven), I wish I didnt ever have to leave. The staff was not very helpful and actually quite rude. But they offer a great selection of everything a bookstore should except maybe have a few more chairs or something (although I can see why they wouldnt want to encourage that, so I cant really fault them for that) I just had my arms full and carrying too much not knowing precisely what I actually was going to purchase at the end, it would've been nice to be able to sift through the ton I found seated somewhere other than thr floor where it seemed everywhere I found to set up someone immediately needed whatever I happened to be blocking which in turn I had to load up again just to move again, so, that was frustrating. But...

Definitely one of my top 3 favorite Barnes and Noble bookstores in San Diego County, speaking as one who has gone to Chula Vista, Santee, Carlsbad, Escondido, Mira Mesa, Mission Valley, Encinitas, La Mesa, and Carmel Mountain. I made an effort to visit them all. This location gets top marks for selection. I loved how much variety I found, and they also have great writers gifts. I snagged travel books, history, self-help, business and fiction here because of the great finds, spending more than I have for awhile! There's helpful friendly staff at the counter and I saw one woman very attentively helping a customer find their missing...