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 |
