Barnes & Noble took the gold medal for its second-quarter financial performance. Among the top chains, the company had the largest sales gain (3.9%), the highest operating margin (3.5%) and the best same-store sales results (1.4%). B&N also continued its aggressive store expansion program in the quarter, opening nine new superstores in the period. To date, B&N has opened 18 new superstores, with an eye toward opening 35 in the year.

Bookstore Chain Numbers, Second Quarter

($ in millions)

Barnes & Noble Borders BAM
* Same-store sales growth at superstores
Sales $1,015.0 $853.4 $114.1
Operating Income 36.0 15.9 2.0
Operating Margin 3.5% 1.9% 1.7%
Comp Sales 1.4%* -0.8%* 0%
New Stores 9 2 1