{
  "id": 2395858,
  "title": "Barnes & Noble has staged an unlikely comeback. CEO James Daunt shared 4 key lessons from its turnaround.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/barnes-noble-has-staged-an-unlikely-comeback-ceo-james-daunt-shared-4",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-21T14:59:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/barnes-noble-daunt-elliott-bookstores-retail-books-booktok-strategy-culture-2026-8"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt has led the book retailer to a remarkable turnaround. In a recent interview, he shared four key lessons that have driven this comeback. Daunt began by discussing the importance of improving the quality of bookstores, emphasizing that attention to detail, presentation, service, assortment, inventory, and judgment are crucial factors. He explained that he has been steadily enhancing these aspects of the company's operations to achieve success. Another significant aspect of his strategy is empowering local bookstores rather than maintaining centralized control. Daunt described this approach as flattening hierarchies and fostering collective responsibility among team members. He believes that this decentralized model creates a more engaging and empowering work environment. Despite the apparent age of bookstores in the AI era, Barnes & Noble has staged an impressive comeback. Under Daunt's leadership, the chain has expanded from under 600 locations in 2023 to 57 new stores in 2024, surpassing the total growth of the previous decade. The company is targeting an additional 60 locations this year. Daunt acknowledged that changing a company's culture can be challenging, likening it to stretching a rubber band. It requires time and persistence, as resistance is common. However, he emphasized that the effort is worthwhile, likening it to the transformative impact of stretching a rubber band. Daunt also cautioned against relying too heavily on store data, stating that it can sometimes be more of a hindrance than a help. He argued that judgments made in defiance of data can lead to more inspiring stores. He used an example of a data-driven store allocating excessive shelf space to board books, leaving preteen readers with limited choices. Daunt also highlighted the importance of not dwelling on mistakes. Instead of dwelling on errors, he encourages employees to move on and discuss their mistakes openly with senior staff. This approach not only fosters a culture of learning but also enables leadership to change their minds when necessary. Finally, Daunt highlighted the power of authenticity and word-of-mouth marketing in the digital age. With no dedicated marketing department or budget, Barnes & Noble has thrived by relying on young bookstores and the popularity of BookTok, a TikTok community of readers. Daunt believes that leaving local stores to make their own decisions and communicate effectively has led to an authentic and organic spread of successful books throughout the company.",
  "summary": "Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt said that steady improvement and empowering local booksellers has powered the bookstore chain's comeback.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}