Waldenbooks

Definition

A retail bookstore chain that operated in shopping malls throughout North America from 1962 to 2011, featuring new and bestselling books, magazines, and reading-related merchandise. It was a primary destination for book purchases before online retailers and e-books transformed the industry.

Example Usage

He spent his Friday afternoon at Waldenbooks, looking for the latest fantasy novel in the science fiction section.

Origin

Waldenbooks was founded in 1962 in Wisconsin and became a mall staple by expanding its locations rapidly during the 1980s and 90s.

Fun Fact

Waldenbooks competed with rival chain B. Dalton but ultimately lost market share to Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and digital reading, closing all locations by 2011.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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