Barnes & Noble to Replace Party City in Melbourne, Florida

UPDATE: Major retail changes are underway as Barnes & Noble is set to replace a former Party City location in Melbourne, Florida. This development comes after Party City closed all its stores earlier this year following a series of financial difficulties, including two bankruptcy filings in January 2023 and December 2024.

The iconic bookstore will take over the 23,000-square-foot space, which will feature an in-store café serving Starbucks drinks. However, customers will not be able to use their Starbucks rewards or apps at this location. The new Barnes & Noble will be conveniently located near popular retailers like Aldi, Five Below, and Planet Fitness, making it a prime destination for shoppers in the area.

According to the Orlando Business Journal, while this will not be a brand-new store, Barnes & Noble is relocating less than half a mile from its current site in West Melbourne. The exact opening date for the new store has yet to be confirmed, but excitement is building as the retailer continues its ambitious expansion plans.

Barnes & Noble is on track to launch over 60 new locations in 2025, surpassing its previous record of 57 stores opened in 2024. This surge comes at a time when the company is re-establishing its presence in the retail landscape, operating more than 700 locations nationwide, including 50 in Florida.

In related news, proposals are in the works for the current Barnes & Noble location to transform into a Chick-fil-A. If approved, construction could begin by March 30, with an estimated six-month timeline for completion. This new fast-food outlet would replace the existing bookstore, featuring a restaurant size of over 4,800 square feet. A Chick-fil-A spokesperson stated, “We are always evaluating potential new locations in the hopes of serving existing and new guests great food with remarkable service.”

As the retail landscape evolves, the anticipated changes at the Melbourne site signal a shift in consumer preferences and an opportunity for nostalgic retailers like Barnes & Noble to thrive. Stay tuned for further updates as these developments unfold.