Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. Barnes & Noble (Union Square, NY)
- 2. Powell’s City of Books (Portland, OR)
- 3. The Last Bookstore (Los Angeles, CA)
- 4. BookPeople (Austin, TX)
- 5. Books Are Magic (Brooklyn, NY)
- 6. Tattered Cover (Denver, CO)
- 7. Books & Books (Coral Gables, FL)
- 8. McNally Jackson (New York City, NY)
- 9. Harvard Book Store (Cambridge, MA)
- 10. Joseph-Beth Booksellers (Lexington, KY)
- Conclusion
Introduction
Bookstores have always held a special place in American culture. More than just places to buy books, they are community hubs, intellectual playgrounds, and sometimes, even architectural marvels. Despite the rapid rise of digital media and e-commerce giants, the American bookstore industry remains surprisingly resilient. In fact, in 2025, we are seeing a renaissance of sorts, with independent and chain bookstores alike evolving, expanding, and redefining what it means to be a bookstore in the digital age.
The write-up takes you on a journey through the ten largest bookstores in America in 2025. These aren’t just the biggest in terms of floor space or book inventory, but also in their cultural footprint, customer engagement, and innovative strategies to stay relevant. From the historic to the hypermodern, from East Coast icons to West Coast legends, these stores represent the best of what American bookstores have to offer. Whether you’re a bibliophile plotting your next book pilgrimage or a publishing professional tracking trends in the market, this list is your definitive guide to the heavyweights of the American book retail landscape in 2025.
1. Barnes & Noble (Union Square, NY)
Still holding the crown as one of the largest bookstores in the U.S., Barnes & Noble’s Union Square flagship has successfully reinvented itself in the wake of a retail shakeup over the past decade. Spanning more than 62,000 square feet across multiple floors, this Manhattan behemoth isn’t just a place to buy books—it’s a full literary experience. The store includes a thoughtfully curated selection across genres, an impressive vinyl collection, extensive children’s and YA sections, and regular author events that draw sizable crowds.
In recent years, the company has made headlines for pivoting toward a more indie-bookstore-inspired model. The Union Square location exemplifies this with localized shelving decisions, a cozy coffee shop that feels more like an independent café than a chain, and a massive expansion of its community programming. By blending size with a personal touch, Barnes & Noble Union Square has managed to stay not just big, but beloved.
2. Powell’s City of Books (Portland, OR)
Creating a list like this would be impossible without Powell’s City of Books. Powell’s is a true literary landmark, covering an entire city block and occupying more than 68,000 square feet of retail space. But size isn’t the only thing that makes Powell’s special. The store’s maze-like structure houses over a million books, including an eclectic mix of new, used, and rare editions. Its color-coded rooms have become iconic, guiding visitors through genres in a way that feels more like exploration than shopping.
In 2025, Powell’s continues to thrive thanks to a savvy combination of physical presence and online strategy. The store has expanded its events calendar and now livestreams author readings, poetry nights, and panel discussions. It also runs a popular subscription box service that ships curated books nationwide. For many, Powell’s is the beating heart of American indie bookstores, and it shows no signs of slowing down.
3. The Last Bookstore (Los Angeles, CA)
Housed in a former bank building in downtown LA, The Last Bookstore has become both a cultural institution and a visual feast. With soaring ceilings, artistic book sculptures, and even a vault full of rare books, this 22,000-square-foot store is as much a tourist attraction as a bookstore. In a city dominated by screens, The Last Bookstore offers an analog escape that’s equal parts nostalgic and forward-looking.
Its eclectic inventory ranges from bestsellers to indie zines and includes a robust vinyl and graphic novel section. Over the last few years, the store has leaned heavily into community programming, offering workshops, live music, and pop-up art galleries. The fusion of visual arts and literature gives The Last Bookstore its unique identity, helping it stay relevant in a city known for reinvention.
4. BookPeople (Austin, TX)
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including BookPeople, the largest independent bookstore in the Lone Star State. With more than 25,000 square feet of floor space, BookPeople has long been the literary cornerstone of Austin, a city known for its vibrant creative scene. The store’s reputation for excellent curation and community involvement has helped it thrive in a competitive market.
In 2025, BookPeople continues to ride high thanks to a strong events calendar, frequent collaborations with local authors, and a well-oiled book subscription program. It also hosts an annual literary festival, a marquee event in the national book world. For Austinites and visiting bibliophiles alike, BookPeople is more than a bookstore—it’s a way of life.
5. Books Are Magic (Brooklyn, NY)
Co-founded by author Emma Straub, Books Are Magic opened in 2017 and has since expanded into a larger, multi-level space in Brooklyn’s Cobble Hill neighborhood. While its footprint—about 10,000 square feet—is modest compared to other giants on this list, its influence far outweighs its size. The store’s commitment to community, literary diversity, and events programming has earned it national acclaim.
The store now houses a full event hall, expanded children’s area, and dedicated writing nooks in its new space. Books Are Magic has become a symbol of modern indie bookselling—nimble, curated, and deeply tied to its community. In 2025, it continues to punch well above its weight, thanks to its excellent staff picks, robust social media presence, and involvement in national conversations about the future of publishing.
6. Tattered Cover (Denver, CO)
Tattered Cover is a Colorado staple and one of the country’s most respected indie bookstore brands. The flagship location, now relocated and renovated in the historic Bonfils-Stanton building, spans around 20,000 square feet. Its cozy reading corners, exposed brick walls, and multi-floor layout invites visitors to linger.
In 2025, Tattered Cover has broadened its focus on accessibility and inclusion. New initiatives include Spanish-language sections, reading support for underserved communities, and an expanded calendar of author talks. The store’s online operations have also been streamlined, offering same-day delivery in the Denver metro area. It’s a model of how regional bookstores can scale impact without losing soul.
7. Books & Books (Coral Gables, FL)
Founded by Mitch Kaplan in 1982, Books & Books is a literary institution in South Florida. Its Coral Gables flagship occupies a charming Mediterranean-style building with over 15,000 square feet of literary space, a beloved café, and a courtyard for author events. The ambiance is both sophisticated and relaxed, making it a favorite for locals and tourists alike.
By 2025, Books & Books has cemented its role as a cultural hub with a relentless focus on literary quality. Its partnerships with the Miami Book Fair and numerous universities have helped it maintain prestige, while new tech initiatives like digital book clubs and hybrid author events keep it current. It’s proof that thoughtful growth and literary integrity can go hand in hand.
8. McNally Jackson (New York City, NY)
With several locations now across New York City, the McNally Jackson chain has evolved from a beloved Soho indie to a mini-empire. Its largest and most impressive store is in the Seaport District, clocking in at over 12,000 square feet. Known for its intellectual edge and minimalist aesthetic, McNally Jackson has become a magnet for serious readers and literary enthusiasts.
In 2025, the store’s robust publishing arm, curated selection of translated works, and exceptional events programming set it apart. Its in-store printing press allows customers to print self-published books on demand and is a fan favorite. As the bookstore grows, it proves that you don’t need to sacrifice niche appeal for mainstream success.
9. Harvard Book Store (Cambridge, MA)
Though not officially affiliated with Harvard University, the Harvard Book Store benefits significantly from its proximity to one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions. The 10,000-square-foot store has been a cornerstone of the Cambridge community since 1932. It boasts an enviable inventory of academic texts, literary fiction, and a legendary used books cellar.
With its in-store Espresso Book Machine and well-attended speaker series, Harvard Book Store has always been ahead of the curve. In 2025, it expanded its podcast offerings, created a digital book club for scholars, and rolled out sustainability initiatives like plastic-free packaging. It manages to be both steeped in tradition and attuned to the future.
10. Joseph-Beth Booksellers (Lexington, KY)
Rounding out our list is Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Lexington, Kentucky. Once a small regional chain, the flagship Lexington location now boasts more than 30,000 square feet of space, making it one of the largest independent bookstores in the Midwest. Its wide aisles, spacious café, and children’s discovery zone make it a family-friendly haven.
The store’s 2025 resurgence has been driven by strategic community engagement and an emphasis on experiential retail. Storytime events, cooking demos, and partnerships with local schools have helped it become a cornerstone of Lexington life. It’s a reminder that a well-run bookstore can become a cultural powerhouse even in smaller cities.
Conclusion
In an age where everything seems to be going digital, the continued success of these massive bookstores in 2025 speaks volumes. They are not only surviving but thriving, thanks to innovation, community focus, and a deep love for the written word. These spaces are more than just retail environments—they’re sanctuaries for thought, creativity, and connection.
What unites all these bookstores, despite their differences in size, location, and business model, is their commitment to storytelling—both on the page and within their walls. Whether it’s the labyrinthine corridors of Powell’s, the intellectual energy of McNally Jackson, or the family-friendly atmosphere of Joseph-Beth, each of these giants offers something unique. As long as readers crave discovery, discussion, and a good cup of coffee with their books, these bookstores will remain vital pillars of American culture.