Leonard Riggio, the visionary behind Barnes & Noble’s rise as a dominant bookseller, passed away at the age of 83 after battling Alzheimer’s disease. Riggio’s leadership and innovation transformed Barnes & Noble into a nationwide empire of “superstores” that combined discount prices with a cozy atmosphere. His approach made bookstores more welcoming and less intimidating, with comfortable seating areas and cafes.
Riggio’s success was not without controversy. Independent booksellers felt the pressure of competition from Barnes & Noble and Borders Book Group, with some even going out of business. Riggio had the power to make or break a book’s success and could influence the market with his pricing strategies. His influence was so significant that publishers would change book covers or titles based on his objections.
Tensions between Barnes & Noble and independent booksellers escalated, leading to legal action and boycotts. The American Booksellers Association sued Barnes & Noble and five leading publishers for unfair trade practices. However, Riggio’s retirement marked a shift in the bookselling landscape. Independent booksellers began to see Barnes & Noble as an ally in the fight against Amazon, recognizing the importance of physical stores in the industry.
While Barnes & Noble had initially launched its own online site, it struggled to compete with Amazon’s technological innovations such as the Kindle e-book reader and the Amazon Prime subscription service. Riggio acknowledged that Barnes & Noble was not a technology company and lacked the flexibility and imagination of Amazon.
Despite the challenges, Riggio’s impact on the bookselling industry cannot be denied. He created a culture of innovation and a love for reading that extended beyond Barnes & Noble. Riggio’s roots in working-class New York City shaped his values and philanthropic efforts. He supported Democratic politicians and advocated for higher worker pay, standing apart from his fellow business leaders.
Riggio’s legacy as a pioneer in the publishing industry will be remembered for his transformative leadership and dedication to making books accessible to all. His influence on the industry, though sometimes controversial, cannot be overlooked. As the world of bookselling continues to evolve, the impact of Leonard Riggio’s vision and legacy will endure.
