Barnes & Noble

If I could, I would love to give this store location a negative star review. I was in B&N today browsing around the magazine section. Usually I would gather a couple of magazines, find a bench or chair around the store and sit down to quickly look through before purchasing. I noticed this store location has fewer chairs and sitting areas than any other B&N I've been to. So I figured I?d be able to find a niche out of the way and sit for a minute , however all the seating areas were occupied, except for the café. I don?t usually purchase food at these locations, so I felt it would unfair to occupy a table. Cut the story short, a middle age, salt/peppered shoulder length haired, bitchy, chubby lady wearing a blue shirt today (Tuesday, July 27.2010 @ 3pm ish, El Cerrito Plaza, you know you who are lady) stationed at the center of the store help desk walked around with a security guard telling potential customers that if they are not planning to purchase anything, they shouldn't more

If I could, I would love to give this store location a negative star review. I was in B&N today browsing around the magazine section. Usually I would gather a couple of magazines, find a bench or chair around the store and sit down to quickly look through before purchasing. I noticed this store location has fewer chairs and sitting areas than any other B&N I've been to. So I figured I?d be able to find a niche out of the way and sit for a minute , however all the seating areas were occupied, except for the café. I don?t usually purchase food at these locations, so I felt it would unfair to occupy a table. Cut the story short, a middle age, salt/peppered shoulder length haired, bitchy, chubby lady wearing a blue shirt today (Tuesday, July 27.2010 @ 3pm ish, El Cerrito Plaza, you know you who are lady) stationed at the center of the store help desk walked around with a security guard telling potential customers that if they are not planning to purchase anything, they shouldn't more

I've been to numerous bookstores, including other B&N branches, but this is the first time I've been told you can't sit down on the carpet because you are ""blocking the aisle."" Mind you, more often than not there are NO empty chairs, except at the coffeehouse (and you must purchase something), but that is often full too. It's like playing a game of musical chairs with no empty chairs. I could understand if the store was busy, to not sit down and ""block the aisle"" and other patrons. However, this was not the case. My Gluteus Maximus, which was tucked into a corner of the store with no one else around, across 2 x wide supermarket aisles was in direct violation of company policy and a safety violation that I've heard only at this one branch. My Gluteus Maximus sitting down takes up no more space than my Gluteus Maximus standing up. This no sitting with Gluteus Maximus rule applies to kids as well. B&N should disclose this up front with a sign: ""We don't want your Gluteus Maximus anywhere... except on our chairs with a purchase of a latte, subject to availability."" Pros: B&N with membership and coupons has good price Cons: My Gluteus Maximus blocks the aisle and is a safety hazard. more

I confess, I go to Barnes & Noble so my kid can play on the train table in the children's area. The one at this place is well kept and the trains seem to be a complete set. After my kid is done playing, I have a chance to peruse the books. This location is well maintained, neat, and orderly. I can always find what I'm looking for. I enjoy browsing through the bargain books and they always seem to have plenty here. I come here a couple times a month. PROS: Well kept and neat CONS: more

I confess, I go to Barnes & Noble so my kid can play on the train table in the children's area. The one at this place is well kept and the trains seem to be a complete set. After my kid is done playing, I have a chance to peruse the books. This location is well maintained, neat, and orderly. I can always find what I'm looking for. I enjoy browsing through the bargain books and they always seem to have plenty here. I come here a couple times a month. PROS: Well kept and neat CONS: more

This is a smaller one story Barnes and Noble and offers the mandatory Starbucks in it. They have everything you expect in a book store magazine section , childrens section and more. Since its a smaller branch they dont seem to have many employees around. There is plenty of parking outside and is in easy reach of plenty of other shops in the Plaza. Nothing better than coffee and a good book. more

This is a smaller one story Barnes and Noble and offers the mandatory Starbucks in it. They have everything you expect in a book store magazine section , childrens section and more. Since its a smaller branch they dont seem to have many employees around. There is plenty of parking outside and is in easy reach of plenty of other shops in the Plaza. Nothing better than coffee and a good book. more