An era comes to an end today as the landmark Barnes & Noble store near Cumberland Mall closes its doors for the last time.
After 30 years of serving the metro Atlanta community, the prominent bookstore off Cobb Parkway officially ceases operations today, August 19, 2026, following the expiration of its lease.
A Final Chapter and Packed Aisles
Countless numbers of local residents have gathered, forming long lines and packing the store in order to say goodbye and take advantage of a final clearance sale offering five books for $25.
“It is the end of an era for this neighborhood,” said local shopper Eric Hull, one of many hundreds of customers who have canvassed the store since news that it would be closing reached social media. “This wasn’t just a store; it was a community staple where people came to read, work, and meet up for three decades.”
Redevelopment Plans Announced
The 3.4-acre property located at 2952 Cobb Parkway SE will look vastly different in the near future. Atlanta-based convenience store chain RaceTrac purchased the site for $12.5 million in December 2024.
Approved zoning documents reveal that the existing building will be demolished to make way for a flagship RaceTrac travel center. The new development will feature:
- 16 fuel pumps to service daily commuters.
- 12 electric vehicle charging stations.
- A Potbelly Sandwich Shop built into the main structure.
- Dedicated retail and community meeting space.
Looking to the Future
Barnes & Noble corporate representatives expressed gratitude to the Cumberland community and stated they are actively seeking a new retail space in the immediate area.
In the meantime, the bookseller has expanded its footprint elsewhere in metro Atlanta. A new location recently opened on Caroline Street in Edgewood, and another storefront is scheduled to open later this year in the Toco Hills shopping center on North Druid Hills Road.
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