8 Easy Ways to Save Big at Barnes & Noble

The average American reads 12 books per year. While this is far less than the average used to be, book clubs and social media initiatives like BookTok have been driving interest in —- and sales of —- new books. But new books and accessories aren’t cheap, even at large retailers like Barnes & Noble.

Here are eight simple ways to save money shopping at Barnes & Noble and build a bigger, better book collection.

When you become a free Barnes & Noble member, you can earn rewards toward future purchases based on current spending.

With every $10 in purchases made at Barnes & Noble and their sister company Paper Source, members receive one stamp. Once you collect 10 stamps, you receive $5 off your next purchase.

If you’re an avid reader, the Barnes & Noble Premium Membership may be worth it. You save big with a 10% forever discount off almost everything in-store and online. Each year you renew, you’ll receive a free tote bag, one free ebook per month, free café beverage size upgrades, birthday offers for members and their children, and more.

You’ll also receive the same perks at Paper Source and 10% off from Nook. The annual price is currently set at $39.99.

Even if you don’t feel like getting yourself a membership, you can still save money with a simple subscription. Sign up for email communications from the bookseller and receive access to coupons, special discounts, and more.

You can also sign up for the NOOK Daily Find through the website, which sends daily book and audiobook recommendations.

Every year, Barnes & Noble runs discounts immediately after the holidays. If you wake up and need something to do on the day after Christmas, meander the aisles. This sale always includes massive deals on hardcover books, with additional special offers both in-store and online.

This past year, members got 33% off hardcover books in-store and 50% off online.

The sale often lasts through December 29th, so take your holiday cash and your New Year’s resolutions and make a plan for next year.

While it may seem counterintuitive to shop online for better deals, Barnes & Noble often offers special discounts online only, like during this year’s holiday sale.

The online prices do apply to items purchased for pickup as well, so take advantage of this if you can and avoid the headache of spending time looking for something in the store that they might not even have in stock.

If you keep your eyes peeled, you can find discounted Barnes & Noble gift cards online and at other major retailers. Stores like Sam’s Club and Costco partner with big brands to bring you offers on gift cards making them worth more than you paid for.

You can also source new and secondhand gift cards at websites like CardCookie.com to avoid paying full price for your books and accessories.

Different Barnes & Noble storefronts will host varying discounts and offers exclusive to their stores. If you don’t take the time to pop in and check out their inventory or ask about their specials, you may not get the best deal on your book haul.

Another fun perk of shopping at a brick-and-mortar location is that you could stumble upon a clearance item you love —- or even a signed book you didn’t expect.

When all else fails, using a browser extension like Honey or Rakuten to source discount codes and cash back options quickly can help you save both time and money. Signup is free — simply turn the browser extension on and ask it to find codes for you as you approach checkout.

If you are using Rakuten, be sure to enable any cash back offers before you pay.

Avoid wasting money by making sure to be in the know about deals and discounts at Barnes & Noble before you shop. Be sure to price compare current sales and offers on their website as well.

And if you’re able to pay off your balance each month, use a cash back credit card to get even more value out of your must-read books, gifts, and stationery.