RAPID CITY, S.D. — July 9, 2025 — Barnes & Noble is opening its first location in Rapid City on Wednesday, July 16, bringing the national bookseller to the heart of the Black Hills. The new 20,000-square-foot store is located at 1617 Eglin St. in Rushmore Crossing, in the former Big Lots space next to T.J. Maxx.
The grand opening ceremony will kick off at 10 a.m. with South Dakota native and bestselling children’s author Sean Covel — known for producing Napoleon Dynamite and writing Who Is The Super Ultra Mega Special Super Special Guest? — leading the ribbon-cutting and signing copies of his books.
“Growing up in the Black Hills, I dreamed of seeing my books on Barnes & Noble shelves,” said Covel. “To cut the ribbon on Rapid City’s first Barnes & Noble — with my own books inside — is absolutely mind-blowing.”
Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt credited the new store to community demand. “It is a direct result of some of our booksellers and many residents of Rapid City emailing with a vigorous campaign to ask us to open here,” said Daunt. “We thank them for their persistence.”
Store Manager Melissa Anderson, a Rapid City native, said she’s excited to help foster a love of learning through literature in her hometown.
The Rapid City location will feature an expansive selection of books, toys, games, stationery, and gifts, as well as an in-store B&N Café. It’s part of a national expansion that includes seven store openings in July alone, with more than 60 new Barnes & Noble bookstores expected to launch in 2025.
Barnes & Noble’s renewed growth comes after over a decade of shrinking store counts. The company has recently shifted its strategy to empower local booksellers to shape each store’s offerings and community engagement.
Customers can follow @bnrapidcitysd on social media for updates and upcoming events.
