Is it possible to have a book ordered to a Barnes Noble store via their website to be on the shelves for purchase in a certain store?

Barnes Noble (BN) offers various convenient options for book ordering, but the process and success of having a book ready on the shelves for purchase can vary. Understanding the nuances of how BN manages its inventory and order fulfillment can help you make the most of their services.

Online Ordering and Payment

When placing an order through Barnes Noble's website, you can choose to have the book shipped directly to your home or delivered to a specific store. The key rule is that you must pay for the book upfront when ordering online. If you don't make this payment, your order will not be completed. This ensures that BN can handle the financial aspect of the transaction and distribute the book to the location.

Stocking and Inventory Management

Barnes Noble manages its inventory with two types of books: frontlist and backlist titles.

Frontlist Titles: These are new titles from major publishers that are expected to sell well due to the authors' large followings or the timely nature of the subject matter. They are prominently displayed in their stores, often in large quantities. If a particular store displays a frontlist title, it's a good indication that the book is expected to be a best-seller. Backlist Titles: Older or niche titles that need to earn their place among other books. These are typically harder to sell, and if a book doesn't convert, it will be returned to the publisher. Items that don't sell regularly, such as a well-known classic like Plato’s Republic, may remain in stock due to their enduring popularity.

In the case of the book you ordered, it's possible that it was initially stocked but did not sell, leading to it being returned. The store now treats such titles as special orders. This approach ensures that the store doesn't have too much unsold inventory, which could lead to financial losses. It also levels the playing field for emerging authors, ensuring that only books with demonstrable demand are stocked.

Verifying Store Inventory

One way to check if a specific book is available at a Barnes Noble store is to look at the 'In Store' feature on the website. However, it's important to note that this feature may not always be entirely accurate. The online inventory is updated with some delay, and discrepancies between online and in-store stock levels are common.

To get the most reliable information, it's best to call the store directly. Staff can confirm if the book is in stock, put it on hold for you, or place an order if it's not available immediately. This method ensures that you receive accurate and up-to-date information, and you have the flexibility to have your order fulfilled exactly as needed.

In conclusion, while Barnes Noble does not actively stock every book that is ordered, they offer a range of options to meet your needs. Whether you want a book ready for pickup at a specific store or simply want to ensure you can purchase a specific title, taking the time to verify the stock and place your order through a live person can make the process smoother and more beneficial for both the customer and the store.