Barnes & Noble Opens at Crossgates Mall
By Khalisah Belton | November 3, 2026
Barnes & Noble, the No. 1 book retailer in the United States, opened another location in Albany this month, at the Crossgates Mall just 10 minutes from campus.
Janine Flanigan, Vice President of Store Design at Barnes & Noble, told the ASP that the new store will be located on the upper level in the former Forever 21 space, adjacent to REI. The store, she added, will span over 18,000 square feet, and include a Barnes & Noble Café.
“We love being able to include a café in our bookstores,” said Flanigan, who’s been with the
company for 41 years. “It gives customers a wonderful place to relax, enjoy a cup of coffee or
tea, and settle in and find their next great read.”
The store officially opened last week, on Wednesday, Oct. 28.
Flanigan said the other Barnes & Noble bookstore, located in Colonie Center, will remain open. That store is over 33,000 square feet and also features a Barnes & Noble Café.
According to Flanigan, the company expects to open more than 60 new locations this year,
adding to its roughly 700 stores.
“Our focus continues to be finding great locations in communities where we believe we can serve readers well,” Flanigan said.
Flanigan said the store will have a light, bright environment, and a layout “that takes customers on a journey of discovery throughout the store.”
When it comes to the fast evolution of technology, and the pastime and educational value of reading, Flanigan said she is not worried.
“Bookstores are incredibly important, regardless of how technology evolves,” she said. “They
are places where people can come together, exchange ideas, discover new interests, and explore different perspectives. Books inspire curiosity, imagination, learning, and can sometimes change the way we think. I don’t necessarily see AI and books as competing. They serve different purposes, and I believe there will always be a place for a great bookstore.”
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