Barnes and Noble’s mission is to operate the best specialty retail business in America, regardless of the product they sell. Because the product they sell is books, their aspirations must be consistent with the promise and the ideals of the volumes which line their shelves. To say that Barnes and Noble’s mission exists independent of the product they sell is to demean the importance and the distinction of being booksellers.

As booksellers, Barnes and Noble is determined to be the very best in the business, regardless of the size, pedigree or inclinations of their competitors. They will continue to bring our industry nuances of style and approaches to bookselling which are consistent with their evolving aspirations.