Barnes & Noble — Restaurant in Champaign

I entered the store on July 12 2025 to make a return of a book I purchased through the Barnes & Noble website. I chose to return the book due to the dust jacket of the hardcover having bends along the top of the book. The lady behind the desk asked what the reason had been and I explained. I also told her that I repurchased the book online again in hopes to get a better copy since they were out of stock in store. The lady dismissed my reasoning like I was stupid and explained that this was “shelf-ware” or whatever the term had been. That books come like that from the company. She proceeded to tell me that she’s only making the return because I’ve already purchased another copy and that she won’t be making a return like this in the future. In addition to this she mentioned that she doesn’t see a problem with the novel. I proceeded to tell her “you don’t but I do.”Then, goes on to tell me she knows what she’s doing and that she’s been a book seller for 7 years. What in the world does that have to do with the preference I have on the books I purchase?

First of all, I purchase books with my hard earned money, I have the right to return a book if I know for a fact that I can get a better copy. What does not concern me is how they come out of the company and the “shelf-ware.” My books should grow old on my shelves, not upon purchase. Second of all, the “manager” has no right to tell me she won’t be be making a return like this in the future because according to the Barnes & Noble website, it clearly states that the if I’m not “satisfied” with the purchase, I have the right to return as long as it hasn’t exceeded the 30 day window.

Ive purchased my books from the Champaign Barnes & Noble store for years. Never did I expect this kind of customer service, especially from the manager who should be aware of store return policies. I didn’t catch her name but she has short brown hair, I assume in her...

Poetry selection is kind of dismal, but that's to be expected outside of niche small bookstores. You can find the classics and a few big names but that's pretty much it. Friendly staff, easy going, occasionally good deals.

My only complaint is what might be part of a corporate shakedown to increase "customer engagement." I was approached while clearly browsing and talking to my husband three times in under 5-10 minutes. It was like every time I moved to a new section, someone was approaching me.

Every time staff came across us, a second round would start - an attempt to converse or recommending a book, trying to strike up rapport. Which is not in and of itself a bad thing. Not at all. But it feels so forced and uncomfortable.

I'm sure they are all absolutely lovely people and they work incredibly hard, but I hate being checked on and loathe forced constant contact with strangers. I like to disappear into a corner for an hour, and I can't do that if someone's always popping by to see if I "need help finding anything."

5 stars for wonderful folks who are just trying their best 3 stars for annoying sales tactics that probably came from a detached CEO

If you want to hunt for some solid new releases and Bargain Books, go here. Just know they'll be VERY SOCIAL. If you like a homey and quiet vibe where you can float the stacks and find some obscure items, try Jane Addams in downtown Champaign. Street parking is not always available but I've been going...

The young woman at the checkout register was rude, disrespectful and became so upset at a simple request for two separate gift receipts that she couldn't even finish checking me out. Before checking out she was rude to a woman who asked her where to find a certain book and disrespectfully gave the woman a demeaning answer. She wouldn't listen to any of my requests or listen to me when i tried to tell her that i wouldn't be paying with a credit card and that i wanted to pay with cash. She created a gigantic scene over what was a simple request for two gift receipts. Which given that it was 2 days before Christmas shouldn't be anything extraordinary. This was my first time at this bookstore and it will be the only time as i will never patronize this...