Although closed for just a few months - Westport’s largest bookshop was missed as customers made their way into the new Barnes & Noble at 76 Post Road East on their grand opening debut today.

The opening of the store marks a continuation of the revival of Downtown Westport, which has experienced several years of renovations and vacant storefronts. With commercial properties in the business district quickly being taken off of the hot pandemic market, Westporters are excited to start the next chapter in the community’s story with the store that specializes in stories.

The new Barnes & Noble location took over the historic space from Restoration Hardware, and continued the former tenant’s natural, luxurious aesthetic - creating a space that deserves an in-person visit just as much for the design as it does for its contents. Warm, natural hardwood shelves and high, ornate ceilings frame the rustic wooden floorboards and stone tiles that customers pace over while searching for a title. The former location resembled a commercial brand with efficiency in-mind. Now, walking into the building brings one a feeling of walking into the home of an old bibliophilic friend.

While stepping off of the sidewalk into the bright main hall, visitors are greeted by fresh flowers and hand sanitizer as staff mill around to assist in locating their favorite book or other items. Off of the main hall are the stacks - designed like small caves that allow customers to linger over a few pages of a new novel without being in the way of others.

The location does not offer a café space - but staff were excited to describe the many options in Downtown, Westport for a quick bite, - something they hope will allow Barnes & Noble to contribute to the overall success of neighboring businesses. “Everyone has been so supportive” a staff member described as they spoke about preparing to open this week. “Other shop owners came to visit us here, and we were able to go visit them and see their stores while meeting them. It’s a great community of people who support each other.”

From the sidewalk - cheering could be heard, “We’re so excited!” two customers yelled as they burst through the main entry doors into the hall, followed by kids dancing in the foyer before they sprinted towards the children’s section at the back of the store.

Staff members watched as the space came alive. “That’s what we’re most excited about.”