Barnes & Noble is owned by Elliott Investment Management, a U.S.-based investment firm that acquired the bookstore chain in August 2019. The company is currently led by James Daunt, who is also the EO of Waterstones, a UK bookstore chain that Elliott also owns.
James Daunt is widely regarded as a thoughtful and influential figure in the global book industry, particularly for his work revitalizing bookstores. As a world citizen, he embodies several qualities:
1. Advocate for Independent Bookstores & Literary Culture
• Before leading Barnes & Noble and Waterstones, Daunt founded Daunt Books, a small chain of independent bookstores in London, known for their curated selections and inviting atmosphere.
• His approach emphasizes local autonomy—allowing individual store managers to select books suited to their communities rather than relying on centralized buying decisions.
2. Reshaping Corporate Book Retailing Ethically
• At Waterstones and Barnes & Noble, he moved away from the “big-box” bookstore model, restoring a sense of independence to each location.
• He removed “pay-to-play” publisher deals (where publishers paid for prominent shelf placement) to ensure books were stocked based on merit and local demand rather than corporate influence.
3. Bridging the UK & US Book Markets
• By leading both Waterstones (UK) and Barnes & Noble (US), he has played a role in shaping the book retail industry across two major markets.
• His approach has been seen as a blend of British independent bookstore culture with American commercial scale.
4. A Commitment to Sustainability & Literary Diversity
• Daunt has expressed concerns about Amazon’s dominance and how it affects bookstores and publishers.
• Under his leadership, bookstores have diversified their offerings, supporting smaller publishers and independent authors.
5. Global Influence on the Future of Bookstores
• His success in revitalizing struggling bookstores has made him a respected figure in global retail strategy.
• As the world shifts toward digital media, Daunt has been instrumental in proving that physical bookstores can still thrive by fostering community engagement.
Final Thoughts
James Daunt is not a political activist or public intellectual in the traditional sense, but as a world citizen, he has made a positive global impact on literature, book culture, and independent businesses. His leadership suggests a deep appreciation for intellectual diversity, community-focused retail, and ethical business practices, which are qualities often associated with responsible global citizenship.
Thanks Chat GPT for this summary of two questions.Who owns B & N? And what sort of world citizn is James Daunt?
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/
