Barnes & Noble closes store near NYC’s Lincoln Center, cites higher rent

Barnes & Noble closes NYC Lincoln Center store

NEW YORK — Shoppers near New York City’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts will have to look harder for books to buy: Barnes & Noble is closing its 60,000-square-foot Lincoln Triangle Store.

The superstore chain said in a statement Monday the branch will close at the end of January. It cites higher rent for the decision.

Barnes & Noble Inc. opened the store in 1995. It says it will search for a new location on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

Barnes & Noble spokeswoman Mary Ellen Keating said sales were not a factor in the closing of the store, located in a busy and prosperous neighborhood. The chain has faced increasing competition in recent years from price clubs and Internet retailers.

The company bills itself as the world’s largest bookseller.