Recently, I read an article on Fox Business that really caught my attention: Barnes & Noble announced plans to open 60 new bookstores in 2026. Even more telling, the company has already confirmed leases across a wide range of states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, Washington state, and Washington, D.C. This kind of nationwide expansion is a powerful signal that demand for printed books is not only steady, but it’s growing.
After years of store closures across the retail industry, this move represents a meaningful shift. Readers still value the experience of browsing shelves, discovering new titles, and holding a physical book in their hands. Social trends like BookTok have also fueled renewed interest in printed books, often driving both new and backlist titles back into the spotlight.
I, like many others, believe one of the biggest reasons books are increasing in popularity is that people are looking for a break from screens. Our days are filled with glowing monitors, phones, and notifications. Reading a printed book offers something different: no backlighting, no distractions, just the feel of paper and the ability to slow down and focus. Many readers simply enjoy reading from a printed page rather than from a screen, and that experience can feel more relaxing.
Printed books offer something digital formats can’t fully replicate: the tactile experience, the visual presence on a shelf, and the emotional connection that comes with turning real pages. For many readers, print isn’t nostalgic; it’s preferred.
At Hatteras, we’re encouraged to see major retailers investing in physical bookstores again. It reinforces what we believe and experience every day: printed books remain a vital, valued, and growing part of our culture.
If you’re exploring printed book production or want to learn more about how Hatteras supports publishers and content creators, feel free to contact me at bzbozen@4hatteras.com or the Hatteras team to learn more about our book printing services.