Barnes & Noble is great - I love book stores, I admit it... I can spend an entire afternoon going up and down every aisle, checking out books on almost any subject. When I find something interesting, I'll plop myself down into a comfy chair (they have lots of them) and read for a bit before I buy. They have a Starbucks inside, so on a cold day I can get my mocha fix too! Their prices aren't the best (really, you can't get a deal on a book anywhere but ebay these days, can you?), but I still like to hang out there and always end up buying more than I went there for. My husband loves their huge magazine collection, and my kids love the large kids section too.
I am not usually a fan of Big Box Retail. I do have to admit though, this store was very nice. The people were friendly and helpful, and the bargin books plentiful. I likes it so much, I now return frequently for Sunday morning coffee and newspaper in the cafe. Thanks for making it warm and inviting, who would even know it was corporately owned?
PROS: Nice atmosphere, friendly salespeople
CONS: Big Box Retail