Barnes & Noble testing in-store interactive play spaces

New York Barnes & Noble is testing 3,000-sq.-ft toy boutiques in five test stores: Enfield, Conn.; Manchester, Conn.; North Brunswick, N.J.; Holmdel, N.J.; and Bronx, N.Y. The play spaces incorporate interactive displays, creativity and learning through activities, scientific discoveries, and favorite children’s characters.

In strategic partnerships with world renowned toy and games manufacturers, Barnes & Noble has created five interactive play areas — Building, Learning, Imagining, Creating and Playing — that are designed to offer children hands-on learning experiences in a fun, engaging and comfortable environment.

“Barnes & Noble has always been a destination for families who want to foster a life-long love of reading. We’re enriching that experience even further in five key stores with these expansive play areas, and fun and interactive activities, including NOOK tables where even the little ones can play with the latest NOOKcolor eReader,” said Jaime Carey, chief merchandising officer at Barnes & Noble.

Carey said the company planned to roll out more boutiques after a period of testing.