Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million are currently continuing to operate all of their stores, although both noted they are closely monitoring new developments in the new coronavirus outbreak.
“We have reduced store hours in all of our stores, and are prepared to close stores promptly along with guidance from local and national officials,” a spokesperson from B&N said in a statement. “We have also enhanced cleaning in all of our stores, and have alerted all employees who are not feeling well, or need to care for family members, to stay home.”
B&N is postponing store events on a case by case basis, following local and national guidelines, the company said. Most of B&N’s events over the near term have been postponed. Update: B&N announced that all store events will be canceled through April 30.
“At Books-A-Million we are doing all we can to assure that our stores are a clean and safe environment for both our customers and our associates,” company CEO Terry Finley said in a statement, adding that BAM “is monitoring things closely and complying with all governmental recommendations as appropriate by market.”
From an operations standpoint, BAM has expanded its buy online, pick-up in store offering with a free curbside pick-up option. The new service will allow consumers to shop online, alert the store when they arrive at their local store at which point a BAM employee will bring their purchase directly to their vehicle.
“This new service not only provides an added convenience to our shoppers, but it also helps the community during a time when social distancing has become a necessary measure,” Scott Kappler, BAM chief marketing officer, said in a statement.
