Another chapter still to be written?
Barnes & Noble says store will close April 3, but it hopes to ‘find a new location’ nearby
TOWN OF ULSTER, N.Y. » Barnes & Noble Booksellers is leaving the Ulster Crossing plaza on April 3, and the company said in an online post that it is trying to “find a new location” in the area.
The planned departure, first reported by the Freeman on Feb. 16 but without a firm date, was confirmed by Barnes & Noble on Facebook late Thursday.
“We regret to inform the Kingston community, our customers and the Hudson Valley area that we are closing on April 3rd,” the post stated. “Unfortunately, our landlord has opted not to renew our lease.
“We have truly enjoyed the past 16 years & are so thankful for all our customers support,” the post continued. “We are doing everything we can to find a new location here in Kingston & hope to welcome all of you into a brand new store.”
Benderson Development Co. Inc., the Buffalo-based firm that owns the Ulster Crossing plaza on Ulster Avenue (Route 9W), did not return a reporter’s phone messages Friday. There also was no response from Barnes & Noble’s
corporate office.
Barnes & Noble has been at its current 24,636-square-foot location in Ulster since November 2004. The plaza where it operates also is home to Bed Bath & Beyond, Michael’s and Petco, among others.
Earlier this month, Warren Tutt, the town of Ulster building inspector, said clothing retailer Burlington had received the necessary approvals to move into the space at 1177 Ulster Ave. now occupied by the bookstore. Burlington is relocating from 1375 Ulster Ave., just up the road, where it has operated since 2001.