If you’ve lived in the Triad for a while, you probably remember when "going to the bookstore" meant one thing: a trip to Hanes Mall Boulevard. For years, that massive Barnes & Noble Winston-Salem anchor was the undisputed king of local weekend plans. You’d grab a latte, wander the aisles for two hours, and inevitably leave with three books you didn't know existed when you walked in. It was a ritual.
But then things got... weird.
Retail shifted. Malls started feeling a bit like ghosts of their former selves. People started saying print was dead—which, honestly, turned out to be a total lie. While many big-box retailers folded under the weight of the digital age, the Winston-Salem location didn't just survive; it kind of reinvented itself.
The Move That Changed Everything
Most folks still get confused about where the "real" store is these days. To be clear: the old, sprawling two-story behemoth near the mall is a memory. Today, the heart of the book community in Winston-Salem has shifted slightly to Shoppes at Little Creek.
The address is 1925 Hampton Inn Court, tucked right near the intersection of I-40 and Hanes Mall Blvd.
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It's smaller. It's more "boutique." If you grew up in the 60,000-square-foot mega-stores of the late 90s, the current layout might feel a bit tight at first. But here is the thing—it's actually better for finding books. The "new" Barnes & Noble strategy, led by CEO James Daunt, focuses on what they call "rooms." Instead of endless, intimidating rows of shelves, the Winston-Salem store is broken into curated sections that feel like private libraries.
What You’ll Actually Find Inside
Let’s talk about the vibe. Honestly, it’s cozy. They’ve leaned hard into the "BookTok" aesthetic, which means you’re going to see a lot of vibrant displays for fantasy, romance, and those beautiful sprayed-edge hardcovers that look great on a shelf.
- The Cafe Situation: Yes, the B&N Café is still there. It’s the soul of the store. You can still get your Starbucks fix, though the seating is a bit more competitive than it used to be. It’s a prime spot for students from Wake Forest University or Winston-Salem State to camp out with a laptop, though you’ve gotta be lucky to snag a table on a Saturday afternoon.
- The Kids' Section: This is where the store really wins. It’s not just a shelf of Dr. Seuss anymore. There are LEGO sets, STEM toys, and a dedicated stage area for storytime. They still host the Weekly Storytime on Wednesday mornings, which is basically a survival tactic for local parents.
- Vinyl and Games: It’s sort of surprising how much floor space is dedicated to non-book items. They have a massive Criterion Collection section for the film nerds and a vinyl selection that’s surprisingly deep for a corporate store.
Why People Still Choose the Physical Store
You could buy a book on your phone in ten seconds. We all know that. So why is the Barnes & Noble Winston-Salem parking lot always full?
It’s the discovery. There is something fundamentally different about running your hand along the spine of a physical book versus scrolling through an algorithm. The staff in Winston-Salem are actually book people. If you ask for a recommendation, they won't just point you to the bestseller list; they’ll tell you about a weird indie horror novel they just finished.
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Plus, there’s the "Third Place" factor. In a city that’s growing as fast as Winston-Salem, we need spots that aren't home and aren't work. The bookstore is one of the last places where you can just exist without being pressured to leave the second you finish your drink.
Common Misconceptions (The Reality Check)
One thing people get wrong is thinking this is a dying business. Locally, it’s the opposite. In 2024 and 2025, Barnes & Noble actually started expanding again, opening dozens of new stores across the country. The Winston-Salem location has benefited from this "renaissance" with better stock levels and a more modern interior.
However, don't expect it to be perfect.
If you're looking for a super-specific, out-of-print academic text, you might still have better luck at a used shop like McKay’s down the road. The Little Creek store is curated for what's "now." It’s a place for new releases, bestsellers, and beautifully designed gift editions.
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Pro-Tips for Your Visit
- The Restroom Code: Just a heads up—the restrooms often require a code found on your receipt. It’s a bit of a pain, but it’s how they keep the facilities clean in such a high-traffic area.
- Membership Perk: If you’re a frequent flyer, the $35/year Premium Membership actually pays for itself pretty quickly with the 10% in-store discount and the free shipping if you order something they don't have in stock.
- Parking: The Little Creek lot is tight. If you’re visiting on a weekend, try to park further back near the hotels and walk over. It’ll save you the headache of navigating the narrow lanes right in front of the doors.
Actionable Steps for Book Lovers
If you want to make the most of the Winston-Salem book scene, start by checking the Store Locator on the B&N website for their event calendar. They frequently host local author signings and "Midnight Magic" style release parties for major YA or Fantasy titles.
Stop by on a Tuesday morning if you want the first pick of the new releases, as that's when the shipments usually hit the floor. If you're a teacher or a local librarian, make sure to ask about the educator discounts—they still offer specific programs that can shave a significant amount off your classroom library costs.
Winston-Salem is a "City of Arts and Innovation," and having a thriving, bustling bookstore in the middle of it just feels right. Whether you're there for a specific title or just to escape the world for an hour, the Shoppes at Little Creek location remains a vital part of the local landscape.