10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended January 28, 2012

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             

Commission File Number: 1-12302

BARNES & NOBLE, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware	06-1196501
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
122 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY	10011
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)	(Zip Code)

(212) 633-3300

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer	x	Accelerated filer	¨
Non-accelerated filer	¨   (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company	¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of February 29, 2012, 60,195,555 shares of Common Stock, par value $.001 per share, were outstanding, which number includes 2,070,945 shares of unvested restricted stock that have voting rights and are held by members of the Board of Directors and the Company’s employees.

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Fiscal Quarter Ended January 28, 2012

Index to Form 10-Q

		Page No.
PART I -	FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)
	Consolidated Statements of Operations – For the 13 and 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011		3
	Consolidated Balance Sheets – January 28, 2012, January 29, 2011 and April 30, 2011		4
	Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity – For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012		6
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011		7
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		9
	Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm		29
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		30
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		41
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		42
PART II -	OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings		42
Item 1A.	Risk Factors		46
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		47
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosure		47
Item 6.	Exhibits		48
	SIGNATURES		49
	Exhibit Index		50

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1: Financial Statements

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

	13 weeks ended				39 weeks ended
	January 28, 2012		January 29, 2011		January 28, 2012			January 29, 2011
Sales	$	2,439,124		2,323,780	$	5,749,490			5,623,768
Cost of sales and occupancy		1,786,308		1,710,108		4,237,451			4,208,276
Gross profit		652,816		613,672		1,512,039			1,415,492
Selling and administrative expenses		502,870		443,531		1,329,619			1,229,762
Depreciation and amortization		60,273		57,010		173,701			170,691
Operating profit		89,673		113,131		8,719			15,039
Interest expense, net and amortization of deferred financing fees		8,773		13,639		26,675			39,693
Income (loss) before taxes		80,900		99,492		(17,956	)		(24,654	)
Income taxes		28,869		38,909		(6,818	)		(10,114	)
Net income (loss)		52,031		60,583		(11,138	)		(14,540	)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		—		—		—			37
Net income (loss) attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc.	$	52,031		60,583	$	(11,138	)		(14,503	)
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
Net income (loss) attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc. available for common shareholders	$	0.78		1.01	$	(0.33	)		(0.26	)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
Net income (loss) attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc. available for common shareholders	$	0.71		1.00	$	(0.33	)		(0.26	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic		57,371		56,894		57,261			56,457
Diluted		69,447		57,036		57,261			56,457
Dividends declared per common share	$	—		0.25	$	—			0.75

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except per share data)

	January 28, 2012		January 29, 2011		April 30, 2011
	(unaudited)		(unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	27,397		26,477		59,429
Receivables, net		396,854		356,546		150,294
Merchandise inventories		1,814,898		1,615,874		1,375,362
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		169,535		118,486		161,936
Total current assets		2,408,684		2,117,383		1,747,021
Property and equipment:
Land and land improvements		2,541		8,617		8,617
Buildings and leasehold improvements		1,191,224		1,206,172		1,204,108
Fixtures and equipment		1,752,333		1,648,244		1,670,488
		2,946,098		2,863,033		2,883,213
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		2,309,607		2,130,662		2,178,562
Net property and equipment		636,491		732,371		704,651
Goodwill		520,792		525,220		524,113
Intangible assets, net		569,488		570,110		566,578
Other noncurrent assets		54,418		51,536		54,103
Total assets	$	4,189,873		3,996,620		3,596,466

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

4

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except per share data)

	January 28, 2012			January 29, 2011			April 30, 2011
	(unaudited)			(unaudited)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	1,488,552			1,244,363			949,010
Accrued liabilities		910,058			790,215			785,667
Total current liabilities		2,398,610			2,034,578			1,734,677
Long-term debt		101,600			304,400			313,100
Long-term deferred taxes		275,436			310,268			280,132
Other long-term liabilities		408,291			473,378			448,647
Redeemable Preferred Shares; $.001 par value; 5,000 shares authorized; 204, zero and zero shares issued, respectively		191,958			—			—
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock; $.001 par value; 300,000 shares authorized; 90,928, 90,274 and 90,465 shares issued, respectively		91			90			90
Additional paid-in capital		1,337,777			1,319,004			1,323,263
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(11,630	)		(13,212	)		(11,630	)
Retained earnings		543,582			621,796			562,379
Treasury stock, at cost, 33,537, 33,363 and 33,410 shares, respectively		(1,055,842	)		(1,053,682	)		(1,054,192	)
Total shareholders’ equity		813,978			873,996			819,910
Commitments and contingencies		—			—			—
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	4,189,873			3,996,620			3,596,466

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

5

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

	Barnes & Noble, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity														Total
	Common Stock		Additional Paid-In Capital			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Losses			Retained Earnings			Treasury Stock at Cost
Balance at April 30, 2011		90		1,323,263			(11,630	)		562,379			(1,054,192	)	$	819,910
Comprehensive loss:
Net loss		—		—			—			(11,138	)		—
Total comprehensive loss																(11,138	)
Exercise of 89 common stock options		1		1,055			—			—			—			1,056
Stock options and restricted stock tax benefits		—		(1,376	)		—			—			—			(1,376	)
Stock-based compensation expense		—		14,835			—			—			—			14,835
Accretive dividend on preferred stock		—		—			—			(578	)		—			(578	)
Accrued/paid cash dividends for preferred stockholders		—		—			—			(7,081	)		—			(7,081	)
Treasury stock acquired, 127 shares		—		—			—			—			(1,650	)		(1,650	)
Balance at January 28, 2012		91		1,337,777			(11,630	)		543,582			(1,055,842	)	$	813,978

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

6

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

	39 weeks ended
	January 28, 2012			January 29, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$	(11,138	)		(14,540	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization (including amortization of deferred financing fees)		177,735			177,818
Stock-based compensation expense		14,835			15,660
Property and equipment impairment charge		11,586			2,589
Deferred taxes		(1,375	)		1,982
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment		2,365			(573	)
Decrease in other long-term liabilities		(40,356	)		(32,525	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net		(36,334	)		(20,694	)
Net cash flows from operating activities		117,318			129,717
Cash flows used in investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of distribution center		18,000			—
Purchases of property and equipment		(123,471	)		(82,072	)
Net (increase) decrease in other noncurrent assets		(5,712	)		5,889
Purchase of Borders Group, Inc. intellectual property		(14,528	)		—
Fictionwise earn-out payments		—			(4,418	)
Purchase of non-controlling interest		—			(300	)
Net cash flows used in investing activities		(125,711	)		(80,901	)
Cash flows used in financing activities:
Net proceeds from issuance of Series J preferred stock		191,380			—
Net (decrease) increase in credit facility		(211,500	)		44,000
Cash dividend paid to shareholders		(3,118	)		(44,783	)
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options		1,056			17,074
Purchase of treasury stock		(1,650	)		(1,326	)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation		193			1,731
Payment of short term note payable		—			(100,000	)
Net cash flows used in financing activities		(23,639	)		(83,304	)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(32,032	)		(34,488	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		59,429			60,965
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	27,397			26,477
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net:
Receivables, net	$	(246,560	)		(249,970	)
Merchandise inventories		(439,536	)		(245,763	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		(7,599	)		(13,637	)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		657,361			488,676
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net	$	(36,334	)		(20,694	)
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest paid	$	17,722			39,216
Income taxes (net of refunds)	$	2,179			17,854

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

7

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

	39 weeks ended
	January 28, 2012		January 29, 2011
Supplemental disclosure of subsidiaries acquired:
Assets acquired (net of cash acquired)	$	—		1,513
Liabilities assumed (including Seller Notes)		—		1,213
Cash paid	$	—		300
Non-cash financing activity:
Accrued dividend on redeemable preferred stock	$	3,963		—

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

8

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Barnes & Noble, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, Barnes & Noble or the Company).

In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly its consolidated financial position as of January 28, 2012 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the 39 weeks then ended. These consolidated financial statements are condensed and therefore do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles. The consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 52 weeks ended April 30, 2011 (fiscal 2011).

Due to the seasonal nature of the business, the results of operations for the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 are not indicative of the results to be expected for the 52 weeks ending April 28, 2012 (fiscal 2012).

(1) Merchandise Inventories

Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined primarily by the retail inventory method under both the first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis and the last-in, first-out (LIFO) basis. B&N College’s textbook and trade book inventories are valued using the LIFO method, where the related reserve was not material to the recorded amount of the Company’s inventories or results of operations.

Market is determined based on the estimated net realizable value, which is generally the selling price. Reserves for non-returnable inventory are based on the Company’s history of liquidating non-returnable inventory.

The Company also estimates and accrues shortage for the period between the last physical count of inventory and the balance sheet date. Shortage rates are estimated and accrued based on historical rates and can be affected by changes in merchandise mix and changes in actual shortage trends.

(2) Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

(3) Revenue Recognition

Revenue from sales of the Company’s products is recognized at the time of sale, other than those with multiple elements. The Company accrues for estimated sales returns in the period in which the related revenue is recognized based on historical experience and industry standards. Sales taxes collected from retail customers are excluded from reported revenues. All of the Company’s sales are recognized as revenue on a “net” basis, including sales in connection with any periodic promotions offered to customers. The Company does not treat any promotional offers as expenses.

9

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 605-25, Revenue Recognition, Multiple Element Arrangements and Accounting Standards Updates (ASU) 2009-13 and 2009-14, for multiple-element arrangements that involve tangible products that contain software that is essential to the tangible product’s functionality, undelivered software elements that relate to the tangible product’s essential software and other separable elements, the Company allocates revenue to all deliverables using the relative selling-price method. Under this method, revenue is allocated at the time of sale to all deliverables based on their relative selling price using a specific hierarchy. The hierarchy is as follows: vendor-specific objective evidence, third-party evidence of selling price, or best estimate of selling price. NOOK™ (references to NOOK™ include the Company’s NOOK 1^st Edition™, NOOK Wi-Fi 1^st Edition™, NOOK Color™, NOOK Simple Touch™ and NOOK Tablet™ eBook Reader devices) eBook Reader revenue is recognized at the segment point of sale.

The Company includes post-service customer support (PCS) in the form of software updates and potential increased functionality on a when-and-if-available basis, as well as wireless access and wireless connectivity with the purchase of certain NOOK™ devices from the Company. Using the relative selling price described above, the Company allocates revenue based on the best estimate of selling price for the deliverables as no vendor-specific objective evidence or third-party evidence exists for any of the elements. Revenue allocated to NOOK™ and the software essential to its functionality is recognized at the time of sale, provided all other conditions for revenue recognition are met. Revenue allocated to the PCS and the wireless access is deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the 2-year estimated life of NOOK™.

The Company also pays certain vendors who distribute NOOK™ a commission on the content sales sold through that device. The Company accounts for these transactions as a reduction in the sales price of the NOOK™ based on historical trends of content sales and a liability is established for the estimated commission expected to be paid over the life of the product. The Company recognizes revenue of the content at the point of sale of the content.

The Company records revenue from sales of digital content, sales of third-party extended warranties, service contracts and other products, for which the Company is not obligated to perform, and for which the Company does not meet the criteria for gross revenue recognition under ASC 605-45-45, Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent, on a net basis. All other revenue is recognized on a gross basis.

The Barnes & Noble Member Program offers members greater discounts and other benefits for products and services, as well as exclusive offers and promotions via e-mail or direct mail for an annual fee of $25.00, which is non-refundable after the first 30 days. Revenue is recognized over the twelve-month period based upon historical spending patterns for Barnes & Noble Members.

(4) Research and Development Costs for Software Products

Software development costs for products to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed are capitalized in accordance with ASC 985-20. Capitalization of software development costs begins upon the establishment of technological feasibility and is discontinued when the product is available for sale. A certain amount of judgment and estimation is required to assess when technological feasibility is established, as well as the ongoing assessment of the recoverability of capitalized costs. The Company’s products reach technological feasibility shortly before the products are released and therefore research and development costs are generally expensed as incurred.

10

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

(5) Earnings (Loss) per Share

In accordance with ASC 260-10-45, Share-Based Payment Arrangements and Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method, the Company’s unvested restricted shares, unvested restricted stock units and shares issuable under the Company’s deferred compensation plan are considered participating securities. During periods of net income, the calculation of earnings per share for common stock are reclassified to exclude the income attributable to unvested restricted shares, unvested restricted stock units and shares issuable under the Company’s deferred compensation plan from the numerator and exclude the dilutive impact of those shares from the denominator. Diluted earnings per share for the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011 was calculated using the two-class method for stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units, and the if-converted method for the preferred stock.

During periods of net loss, no effect is given to the participating securities because they do not share in the losses of the Company. Due to the net loss during the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, participating securities in the amounts of 3,476,296 and 3,227,690, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of loss per share using the two-class method because the effect would be antidilutive. The Company’s outstanding stock options were also excluded from the calculation of loss per share using the two-class method because the effect would be antidilutive.

11

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

The following is a reconciliation of the Company’s basic and diluted loss per share calculation:

	13 weeks ended						39 weeks ended
	January 28, 2012			January 29, 2011			January 28, 2012			January 29, 2011
Numerator for basic income (loss) per share:
Net income (loss) attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc.	$	52,031			60,583		$	(11,138	)		(14,503	)
Accrual of preferred stock dividends		(3,963	)		—			(7,081	)		—
Accretion of dividends on preferred stock		(316	)		—			(578	)		—
Less allocation of earnings and dividends to participating securities		(2,735	)		(3,329	)		—			—
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	45,017			57,254		$	(18,797	)		(14,503	)
Numerator for diluted income (loss) per share:
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	45,017			57,254		$	(18,797	)		(14,503	)
Accrual of preferred stock dividends		3,963			—			—			—
Accretion of dividends on preferred stock		316			—			—			—
Effect of dilutive options		3			6			—			—
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	49,299			57,260		$	(18,797	)		(14,503	)
Denominator for basic income (loss) per share:
Basic weighted average common shares		57,371			56,894			57,261			56,457
Denominator for diluted income (loss) per share:
Basic weighted average common shares		57,371			56,894			57,261			56,457
Preferred shares		12,000			—			—			—
Average dilutive options		76			142			—			—
Diluted weighted average common shares		69,447			57,036			57,261			56,457
Basic income (loss) per common share
Net income (loss) attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc. available for common shareholders	$	0.78			1.01		$	(0.33	)		(0.26	)
Diluted income (loss) per common share
Net income (loss) attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc. available for common shareholders	$	0.71			1.00		$	(0.33	)		(0.26	)

12

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

(6) Segment Reporting

The Company identifies its operating segments based on the way the business is managed (focusing on the financial information distributed) and the manner in which the chief operating decision maker interacts with other members of management. The Company has determined that it has three operating segments: B&N Retail, B&N College and B&N.com. As previously announced on January 5, 2012, the Company is evaluating its reporting segments due to the increased significance of the NOOK business platform. The evaluation is expected to be complete by the end of this fiscal year, which may result in reporting NOOK as a separate operating segment.

B&N Retail

This segment includes 691 bookstores as of January 28, 2012, primarily under the Barnes & Noble Booksellers trade name. The 691 Barnes & Noble stores generally offer a NOOK™ Boutique/Counter, a comprehensive title base, a café, a children’s section, a Toys & Games department, a DVD/BluRay department, a music department, a magazine section, a gift section, a bargain section and a calendar of ongoing events, including author appearances and children’s activities. The B&N Retail segment also includes the Company’s publishing operation, Sterling Publishing.

B&N College

This segment includes 641 stores as of January 28, 2012 that are primarily school-owned stores operated under contracts by B&N College. The 641 B&N College stores generally sell and rent textbooks, and sell course-related materials, emblematic apparel and gifts, trade books, computer products and NOOK™ eBook Readers and accessories, school and dorm supplies, and convenience and café items.

B&N.com

This segment includes the Company’s online business, which includes the Company’s eCommerce site and features an eBookstore, and digital newsstand. Additionally, this segment includes the development and support of the Company’s NOOK™ product offerings as well as channel partner sales. These products enable customers to buy and read eBooks on the widest range of platforms, including NOOK™ eBook Readers and hundreds of the most popular mobile and computing devices using free NOOK™ software.

13

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

Summarized financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments is presented below:

Sales

	13 weeks ended				39 weeks ended
	January 28,		January 29,		January 28,		January 29,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
B&N Retail	$	1,494,050	$	1,464,457	$	3,412,191	$	3,421,519
B&N College		524,604		539,893		1,512,859		1,561,404
B&N.com		420,470		319,430		824,440		640,845
Total	$	2,439,124	$	2,323,780	$	5,749,490	$	5,623,768

Depreciation and Amortization

	13 weeks ended				39 weeks ended
	January 28,		January 29,		January 28,		January 29,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
B&N Retail	$	40,590	$	40,052	$	117,411	$	119,372
B&N College		11,484		10,821		33,760		32,147
B&N.com		8,199		6,137		22,530		19,172
Total	$	60,273	$	57,010	$	173,701	$	170,691

Operating Profit (Loss)

	13 weeks ended						39 weeks ended
	January 28, 2012			January 29, 2011			January 28, 2012			January 29, 2011
B&N Retail	$	166,331		$	137,540		$	156,047		$	85,006
B&N College		25,214			32,192			86,040			96,614
B&N.com		(101,872	)		(56,601	)		(233,368	)		(166,581	)
Total	$	89,673		$	113,131		$	8,719		$	15,039

14

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

Capital Expenditures

	13 weeks ended				39 weeks ended
	January 28, 2012		January 29, 2011		January 28, 2012		January 29, 2011
B&N Retail	$	26,590	$	16,634	$	57,428	$	40,254
B&N College		8,646		8,510		30,043		24,878
B&N.com		12,719		5,479		36,000		16,940
Total	$	47,955	$	30,623	$	123,471	$	82,072

Total Assets

	January 28, 2012		January 29, 2011
B&N Retail	$	2,603,027	$	2,431,407
B&N College		1,369,474		1,317,920
B&N.com		217,372		247,293
Total	$	4,189,873	$	3,996,620

A reconciliation of operating profit from reportable segments to income (loss) from operations before taxes in the consolidated financial statements is as follows:

	13 weeks ended				39 weeks ended
	January 28, 2012		January 29, 2011		January 28, 2012			January 29, 2011
Reportable segments operating profit	$	89,673	$	113,131	$	8,719		$	15,039
Interest, net		8,773		13,639		26,675			39,693
Consolidated income (loss) before taxes	$	80,900	$	99,492	$	(17,956	)	$	(24,654	)

15

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

(7) Changes in Intangible Assets and Goodwill

		As of January 28, 2012
Amortizable intangible assets	Useful Life	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Total
Customer relationships and other acquired intangible assets	3-25	$	271,938	$	(27,985	)	$	243,953
Author contracts	10		18,461		(16,588	)		1,873
Technology	5-10		5,850		(2,225	)		3,625
Distribution contracts	10		8,325		(4,775	)		3,550
Other	3-10		6,175		(4,424	)		1,751
		$	310,749	$	(55,997	)	$	254,752
Unamortizable intangible assets
Trade name							$	293,400
Publishing contracts								21,336
							$	314,736
Total intangible assets							$	569,488

Amortizable intangible assets are generally amortized over their useful life on a straight-line basis, with the exception of certain items such as customer relationships and other acquired intangible assets, which are amortized on an accelerated basis.

16

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

Aggregate Amortization Expense:
For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012	$	12,980
For the 39 weeks ended January 29, 2011	$	10,972
Estimated Amortization Expense:
(12 months ending on or about April 30)
2012	$	18,416
2013	$	19,463
2014	$	17,212
2015	$	13,277
2016	$	11,241

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 are as follows:

	B&N Retail		B&N College		B&N.com			Total Company
Balance as of April 30, 2011	$	225,336		274,070		24,707		$	524,113
Benefit of excess tax amortization (a)		—		—		(3,321	)		(3,321	)
Balance as of January 28, 2012	$	225,336		274,070		21,386		$	520,792

(a) The tax basis of goodwill arising from an acquisition during the 52 weeks ended January 29, 2005 exceeded the related basis for financial reporting purposes by approximately $96,576. In accordance with ASC 740-10-30, Accounting for Income Taxes, the Company is recognizing the tax benefits of amortizing such excess as a reduction of goodwill as it is realized on the Company’s income tax return.

(8) Gift Cards

The Company sells gift cards which can be used in its stores or on Barnes & Noble.com. The Company does not charge administrative or dormancy fees on gift cards and gift cards have no expiration dates. Upon the purchase of a gift card, a liability is established for its cash value. Revenue associated with gift cards is deferred until redemption of the gift card. Over time, some portion of the gift cards issued is not redeemed. The Company estimates the portion of the gift card liability for which the likelihood of redemption is remote based upon the Company’s historical redemption patterns. The Company records this amount in income on a straight-line basis over a 12-month period beginning in the 13th month after the month the gift card was originally sold. If actual redemption patterns vary from the Company’s estimates, actual gift card breakage may differ from the amounts recorded. The Company recognized gift card breakage of $12,554 and $10,685 during the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively and $23,199 and $20,599 during the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively. The Company had gift card liabilities of $367,555 and $354,775 as of January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively, which amounts are included in accrued liabilities.

17

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

(9) Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities consist primarily of deferred rent and obligations under a junior seller note related to the acquisition of B&N College. The Company provides for minimum rent expense over the lease terms (including the build-out period) on a straight-line basis. The excess of such rent expense over actual lease payments (net of tenant allowances) is classified as deferred rent. Other long-term liabilities also include accrued pension liabilities and store closing expenses. The Company had the following long-term liabilities at January 28, 2012, January 29, 2011 and April 30, 2011:

	January 28, 2012		January 29, 2011		April 30, 2011
Deferred Rent	$	230,542	$	286,417	$	271,451
Junior Seller Note		150,000		150,000		150,000
Other		27,749		36,961		27,196
Total long-term liabilities	$	408,291	$	473,378	$	448,647

(10) Income Taxes

As of January 28, 2012, the Company had $17,269 of unrecognized tax benefits, all of which, if recognized, would affect the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Company had $3,853 accrued for interest and penalties, which is included in the $17,269 of unrecognized tax benefits noted above.

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax in jurisdictions of each state having an income tax. The tax years that remain subject to examination are primarily 2007 and forward. Some earlier years remain open for a small minority of states.

(11) Fair Values of Financial Instruments

In accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, the fair value of an asset is considered to be the price at which the asset could be sold in an orderly transaction between unrelated, knowledgeable and willing parties. A liability’s fair value is defined as the amount that would be paid to transfer the liability to a new obligor, not the amount that would be paid to settle the liability with the creditor. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are measured using a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include:

Level 1 – Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices in active markets

18

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring the Company to develop its own assumptions

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable approximated carrying values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. The Company believes that its credit facility approximates fair value since interest rates are adjusted to reflect current rates. The Company believes that the terms and conditions of the Junior Seller Note are consistent with comparable market debt issues.

(12) Credit Facility

On April 29, 2011, the Company entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the Amended Credit Agreement) with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent and swing line lender, and other lenders, which amends and restates the Credit Agreement entered into on September 30, 2009. Under the Amended Credit Agreement, Lenders are providing up to $1,000,000 in aggregate commitments under a five-year asset-backed revolving credit facility (the Amended Credit Facility), which is secured by eligible inventory with the ability to include eligible real estate and accounts receivable and related assets. Borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement are limited to a specified percentage of eligible inventories and accounts receivable and accrued interest, at the election of the Company, at Base Rate or LIBO Rate, plus, in each case, an Applicable Margin (each term as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement). In addition, the Company has the option to request an increase in commitments under the Amended Credit Agreement by up to $300,000, subject to certain restrictions.

The Amended Credit Agreement requires Availability (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) to be greater than the greater of (i) 10% of the Loan Cap (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) and (ii) $50,000. In addition, the Amended Credit Agreement contains covenants that limit, among other things, the Company’s ability to incur indebtedness, create liens, make investments, make restricted payments, merge or acquire assets, and contains default provisions that are typical for this type of financing, among other things. Proceeds from the Amended Credit Agreement are used for general corporate purposes, including seasonal working capital needs.

The Company had $101,600 of outstanding debt under its Credit Facility as of January 28, 2012 compared with $304,400 as of January 29, 2011.

19

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

(13) Stock-Based Compensation

For the 13 and 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense included in selling and administrative expenses as follows:

	13 weeks ended				39 weeks ended
	January 28, 2012		January 29, 2011		January 28, 2012		January 29, 2011
Restricted Stock Expense	$	4,279		5,048	$	12,410		14,945
Restricted Stock Units Expense		430		—		1,198		—
Stock Option Expense		751		238		1,227		715
Stock-Based Compensation Expense	$	5,460		5,286	$	14,835		15,660

(14) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

As of December 31, 1999, substantially all employees of the Company were covered under a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (the Pension Plan). As of January 1, 2000, the Pension Plan was amended so that employees no longer earn benefits for subsequent service. Effective December 31, 2004, the barnesandnoble.com llc (Barnes & Noble.com) Employees’ Retirement Plan (the B&N.com Retirement Plan) was merged with the Pension Plan. Substantially all employees of Barnes & Noble.com were covered under the B&N.com Retirement Plan. As of July 1, 2000, the B&N.com Retirement Plan was amended so that employees no longer earn benefits for subsequent service. Subsequent service continues to be the basis for vesting of benefits not yet vested at December 31, 1999 and June 30, 2000 for the Pension Plan and the B&N.com Retirement Plan, respectively, and the Pension Plan will continue to hold assets and pay benefits. The actuarial assumptions used to calculate pension costs are reviewed annually. Pension expense was $504 and $665 for the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively, and $1,608 and $1,909 for the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively.

The Company provides certain health care and life insurance benefits (the Postretirement Plan) to certain retired employees, limited to those receiving benefits or retired as of April 1, 1993. Total Company contributions charged to employee benefit expenses for the Postretirement Plan were $38 for the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively, $113 for the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively.

(15) Sale of Distribution Facility

On December 29, 2011, the Company sold its distribution facility located in South Brunswick, New Jersey for $18,000, which resulted in a loss of $2,178.

20

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

(16) Acquisition of Certain Borders’ Intellectual Property Assets

On October 17, 2011, the Company finalized the purchase of certain intellectual property assets from the Borders Group, Inc. Chapter 11 Bankruptcy for $14,528 including acquisition related fees. These intellectual property assets include a customer list, trade names and URLs. The Company accounted for the transaction as an asset purchase, and these assets are included on its consolidated balance sheet as Intangible Assets. The intangible assets are being amortized on an accelerated basis over a three year period, commencing October 17, 2011. Amortization expense related to the acquisition for the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 was $1,816 and $2,119, respectively.

(17) Liberty Investment

On August 18, 2011, the Company entered into an investment agreement between the Company and Liberty GIC, Inc. (Liberty), a subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation, pursuant to which the Company issued and sold to Liberty, and Liberty purchased, 204,000 shares of the Company’s Series J Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (Preferred Stock), for an aggregate purchase price of $204,000, in a private placement exempt from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act. The shares of Preferred Stock will be convertible, at the option of the holders, into shares of Common Stock representing 16.6% of the Common Stock outstanding as of August 29, 2011, (after giving pro forma effect to the issuance of the Preferred Stock), based on the initial conversion rate. The initial conversion rate reflects an initial conversion price of $17.00 and is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. The initial dividend rate for the Preferred Stock is equal to 7.75% per annum of the initial liquidation preference of the Preferred Stock, to be paid quarterly and subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. The Preferred Stock is mandatorily redeemable on August 18, 2021 and may be redeemed at the discretion of the Company anytime after August 17, 2016. Starting August 18, 2013, if the closing price of the Common Stock exceeds 150% of the then-applicable conversion price of the Preferred Stock for 20 consecutive trading days, the Company may require conversion of all the Preferred Stock to Common Stock.

The holders of the Preferred Stock have the same voting rights as holders of the Company Common Stock and are entitled to elect one or two directors to the board of directors of the Company as long as certain Preferred Share ownership requirements are met.

The entry into the investment agreement and the issuance and sale of the Preferred Stock was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors following a recommendation made by a Special Committee of the Board of Directors. In light of the investment by Liberty, the Company and Liberty Media Corporation have ceased discussions regarding Liberty Media Corporation’s previously announced acquisition proposal. The terms, rights, obligations and preferences of the Preferred Stock are set forth in a Certificate of Designations of the Company, which was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on August 18, 2011. On August 18, 2011, the Company amended the Rights Agreement to reflect the issuance of the Preferred Stock.

21

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

The Preferred Stock does not meet the categories of ASC 480-10, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, and is therefore reported as temporary equity for classification purposes. The related issuance costs, which include advisory, legal and accounting fees, of $12,621 were recorded in temporary equity as a reduction of the proceeds from the Liberty investment. The Company will be required to accrete these fees on a straight line basis as dividends over the ten year term. This is in line with ASC 480-10-S99 for SEC registrants, which requires shares to be classified outside of permanent equity as temporary equity or mezzanine equity when there are events not solely within the control of the issuer that could trigger redemption. The Company has determined that the various embedded options did not require bifurcation from the Preferred Stock. Additionally, the Company concluded that a beneficial conversion feature did not exist as the effective conversion price was greater than the Company’s share price on the commitment date.

(18) Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interest

Sterling Publishing had a 50% joint venture interest in Begin Smart LLC (Begin Smart), to develop, sell, and distribute books for infants, toddlers, and children under the brand name BEGIN SMART^®. During the 13 weeks ended October 30, 2010, the Company purchased the remaining 50% outside interest in Begin Smart for $300. 100% of Begin Smart results of operations for the period subsequent to the Begin Smart acquisition date are included in the consolidated financial statements.

(19) Shareholders’ Equity

On November 17, 2009, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a dividend, payable to stockholders of record on November 27, 2009 of one right (a Right) per each share of outstanding Common Stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share (Common Stock), to purchase 1/1000th of a share of Series I Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company (the Preferred Stock), at a price of $100.00 per share (such amount, as may be adjusted from time to time as provided in the Rights Agreement described below, the Purchase Price). In connection therewith, on November 17, 2009, the Company entered into a Rights Agreement, dated November 17, 2009 (as amended February 17, 2010, June 23, 2010, October 29, 2010, and August 18, 2011, and as may be further amended from time to time, the Rights Agreement) with Mellon Investor Services LLC, as Rights Agent. The Rights will be exercisable upon the earlier of (i) such date the Company learns that a person or group, without Board approval, acquires or obtains the right to acquire beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the Company’s outstanding common stock (taking into account the common stock issuable under the Series J Preferred Stock but excluding acquisitions as a result of certain increases in liquidation preference of or other adjustments under the Series J Preferred Stock) or a person or group that already beneficially owns 20% or more of the Company’s outstanding common stock at the time the Rights Agreement was entered into, without Board approval, acquires any additional shares (other than pursuant to the Company’s compensation or benefit plans) (any person or group specified in this sentence, an Acquiring Person) and (ii) such date a person or group announces an intention to commence or following the commencement of (as designated by the Board) a tender or exchange offer which could result in the beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the Company’s outstanding common stock (taking into account the common stock issuable under the Series J Preferred Stock). The Rights will expire on November 17, 2012, unless earlier redeemed or canceled by

22

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

the Company. If a person or group becomes an Acquiring Person, each Rights holder (other than the Acquiring Person) will be entitled to receive, upon exercise of the Right and payment of the Purchase Price, that number of 1/1000ths of a share of Preferred Stock equal to the number of shares of Common Stock which at the time of the applicable triggering transaction would have a market value of twice the Purchase Price. In the event the Company is acquired in a merger or other business combination by an Acquiring Person, or 50% or more of the Company’s assets are sold to an Acquiring Person, each Right will entitle its holder (other than an Acquiring Person) to purchase common shares in the surviving entity at 50% of the market price.

(20) Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved in a variety of claims, suits, investigations and proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of its business, including actions with respect to contracts, intellectual property, taxation, employment, benefits, securities, personal injuries and other matters. The results of these proceedings in the ordinary course of business are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

The following is a discussion of the material legal matters involving the Company.

Minor v. Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc. et al.

On May 1, 2009, a purported class action complaint was filed against B&N Booksellers, Inc. (B&N Booksellers) in the Superior Court for the State of California alleging wage payments by instruments in a form that did not comply with the requirements of the California Labor Code, allegedly resulting in impermissible wage payment reductions and calling for imposition of statutory penalties. The complaint also alleges a violation of the California Labor Code’s Private Attorneys General Act and seeks restitution of such allegedly unpaid wages under California’s unfair competition law, and an injunction compelling compliance with the California Labor Code. The complaint alleges two subclasses of 500 and 200 employees, respectively (there may be overlap among the subclasses), but contains no allegations concerning the number of alleged violations or the amount of recovery sought on behalf of the purported class. On June 3, 2009, B&N Booksellers filed an answer denying all claims. Discovery concerning purported class member payroll checks and related information is ongoing. On August 19, 2010, B&N Booksellers filed a motion to dismiss the case for lack of a class representative when the named plaintiff advised she did not wish to continue to serve in that role. On October 15, 2010, the Court issued an order denying B&N Bookseller’s motion to dismiss. The Court further ruled that Ms. Minor could not serve as a class representative. The Court also granted Plaintiff’s Motion to Compel Further Responses to previously-served discovery seeking contact information for the putative class. B&N Booksellers provided that information on October 15, 2010. The previously scheduled Case Management Conference was continued to January 27, 2011. Plaintiff’s counsel filed an amended complaint on January 26, 2011, adding two new named Plaintiffs, Jacob Allum and Cesar Caminiero. At the Case Management Conference held on January 27, 2011, the Court ordered the parties to complete mediation by May 6, 2011. The parties held a mediation on April 11, 2011 and reached a tentative settlement. On August 29, 2011, the Court continued a hearing to consider granting

23

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

preliminary approval of the settlement. On November 10, 2011, the parties appeared before the Court for the hearing on preliminary approval. At the Court’s request, the parties subsequently submitted supplemental papers to address outstanding issues raised by the Court at the hearing. The Court granted preliminary approval of the settlement on November 22, 2011 and has now set March 26, 2012 for the final approval hearing.

In re Barnes & Noble Stockholder Derivative Litigation (Consolidated Cases Formerly Captioned Separately as: Louisiana Municipal Police Employees Retirement System v. Riggio et al.; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority v. Riggio et al.; City of Ann Arbor Employees’ Retirement System v. Riggio et al.; Louise Schuman v. Riggio et al.; Virgin Islands Government Employees’ Retirement System v. Riggio et al.; Electrical Workers Pension Fund, Local 103, I.B.E.W. v. Riggio et al.)

Between August 17, 2009 and August 31, 2009, five putative shareholder derivative complaints were filed in Delaware Chancery Court against the Company’s directors. The complaints generally allege breach of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets and unjust enrichment in connection with the Company’s entry into a definitive agreement to purchase Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, which was announced on August 10, 2009 (the Transaction). The complaints generally seek damages in favor of the Company in an unspecified amount; costs, fees and interest; disgorgement; restitution; and equitable relief, including injunctive relief. On September 1, 2009, the Delaware Chancery Court issued an Order of Consolidation consolidating the five lawsuits (the Consolidated Cases) and directing plaintiffs to file a consolidated amended complaint. In a related development, on August 27, 2009, the Company received a demand pursuant to Delaware General Corporation Law, Section 220, on behalf of the Electrical Workers Pension Fund, Local 103, I.B.E.W., a shareholder, seeking to inspect certain books and records related to the Transaction. The Company provided this shareholder with certain documents, on a confidential basis, in response to its demand. On September 18, 2009, this shareholder filed a shareholder derivative complaint in Delaware Chancery Court against certain of the Company’s directors alleging breach of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment and seeking to enjoin the consummation of the Transaction. At that time, this shareholder also filed a motion for expedited proceedings. At a hearing held on September 21, 2009, the court denied plaintiff’s request for expedited proceedings. On October 6, 2009, the plaintiffs in the Consolidated Cases filed a motion seeking to consolidate the later-filed sixth case with the Consolidated Cases. Also on October 6, 2009, the plaintiff in the sixth case filed a separate motion seeking to consolidate its case with the Consolidated Cases and appoint it as co-lead plaintiff and to appoint its counsel as co-lead counsel. On November 3, 2009, a Consolidated Complaint was filed in the Consolidated Cases. The Company and defendants sought an extension of their time to answer or otherwise respond to the complaints while the plaintiffs’ respective consolidation motions were pending. On December 11, 2009, the court entered an order consolidating all actions and appointing co-lead counsel for plaintiffs. Plaintiffs designated the Consolidated Complaint filed on November 3, 2009 to be the operative Complaint. The Company and defendants filed motions to dismiss the Consolidated Complaint on January 12, 2010. On January 29, 2010, plaintiffs informed defendants that they would amend their Complaint rather than respond to defendants’ motions to dismiss. Plaintiffs filed an Amended Consolidated Complaint on March 16, 2010. The Company and defendants filed motions to dismiss the Amended Consolidated Complaint on April 30, 2010. Plaintiffs filed their response to the motion to dismiss on June 2, 2010. Oral argument on the motions to dismiss was held on October 21, 2010.

24

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

Following those arguments, the Court denied the Company’s motion to dismiss, denied in part and granted in part the motion to dismiss filed by Defendants Leonard Riggio, Stephen Riggio and Lawrence Zilavy, and denied in part and granted in part the motion to dismiss filed by the remaining defendants, dismissing all claims asserted against Directors George Campbell, Jr. and Patricia Higgins. Pursuant to the Court’s January 19, 2011 Scheduling Order, trial was scheduled to commence on December 12, 2011. On September 28, 2011, the Court adjourned the trial at the request of plaintiffs. On January 17, 2012, the Court issued a revised Scheduling Order. Trial is now scheduled to commence on June 18, 2012. All defendants except Leonard Riggio moved for summary judgment on December 21, 2011. Those motions were briefed on March 2, 2012 and argument has been scheduled for March 27, 2012. Discovery in this matter is proceeding.

Stephen Strugala v. Leonard Riggio, et al.

On December 21, 2010, a complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against the Company’s current directors and former directors Lawrence Zilavy and Michael Del Giudice. The complaint is purportedly brought both directly, on behalf of a putative class of shareholders, and derivatively, on behalf of the Company. The complaint generally alleges breaches of fiduciary duties, waste and unjust enrichment in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, the adoption of the Shareholder Rights Plan, and other unspecified instances of alleged mismanagement and alleged wrongful conduct. The complaint also generally alleges violations of Section 14(a) of the 1934 Act in connection with the issuance of various proxy statements by the Company. The complaint generally seeks declaratory and equitable relief, including injunctive relief, and costs and fees. On January 19, 2011, the Court granted the parties’ Stipulation and Order. On February 18, 2011, the plaintiff filed a Notice of Voluntary Dismissal of Claim, dismissing without prejudice his putative class claim for violations of Section 14(a) of the 1934 Act. On March 8, 2011, defendants filed a motion to dismiss all claims in the litigation. On October 4, 2011, the Court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss, but also granted plaintiff leave to replead within 30 days. On November 3, 2011, plaintiff requested a pre-motion conference with the Court to discuss an anticipated motion to substitute a new plaintiff, Ms. Whitney Parker, for Mr. Strugala, and simultaneously filed an amended complaint on behalf of Ms. Parker asserting the same claims asserted in Mr. Strugala’s original complaint. The Court held a pre-motion conference on December 9, 2011, at which the parties agreed that Ms. Parker could be substituted for Mr. Strugala without prejudice to any of defendants’ rights. On January 20, 2012, defendants moved to dismiss the amended complaint. Briefing on that motion is scheduled to be completed on May 4, 2012.

25

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

Microsoft Corp. v. Barnes & Noble, Inc. et al.

On April 25, 2011, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) published notice that it had instituted an investigation under Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 into allegations by Microsoft Corporation that certain of the Company’s NOOK eReader infringe Microsoft’s U.S. Patent Nos. 5,778,372; 5,889,522; 6,339,780; 6,891,551; and 6,957,233. Microsoft sought a prospective order from the ITC excluding allegedly infringing NOOK products from the United States. Barnes & Noble vigorously contested Microsoft’s allegations, and alleged that Microsoft was abusing its patents to coerce the Company into licensing Microsoft’s patent portfolio. On January 31, 2012, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) rejected the Company’s patent misuse defense by granting Microsoft’s summary determination motion directed to that defense. Barnes & Noble filed a petition asking the ITC to review the ALJ’s summary determination ruling. That petition is pending. Microsoft withdrew the ‘780 and ‘551 patents from the investigation, and the case was tried before an ALJ on the three remaining patents on February 6-10, 2012. The Commission’s staff attorney supported Barnes & Noble’s position that each of Microsoft’s asserted patents is invalid and/or not infringed by Barnes & Noble. The ITC is presently scheduled to issue its final determination on August 27, 2012. Microsoft also filed suit against the Company in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington alleging infringement of the same set of patents. The district court litigation has been stayed pending final resolution of the ITC matter.

Lina v. Barnes & Noble, Inc., and Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc. et al.

On August 5, 2011, a purported class action complaint was filed against Barnes & Noble, Inc. and Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc. in the Superior Court for the State of California making the following allegations against defendants with respect to salaried Store Managers at Barnes & Noble stores located in the State of California from the period of August 5, 2007 to present: (1) failure to pay wages and overtime; (2) failure to pay for missed meal and/or rest breaks; (3) waiting time penalties; (4) failure to pay minimum wage; (5) failure to provide reimbursement for business expenses; and (6) failure to provide itemized wage statements. The claims are generally derivative of the allegation that these salaried managers were improperly classified as exempt from California’s wage and hour laws. The complaint contains no allegations concerning the number of any such alleged violations or the amount of recovery sought on behalf the purported class. The Company was served with the complaint on August 11, 2011. On August 30, 2011, the Company filed an answer in state court, and on August 31, 2011 it removed the action to federal court pursuant to the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005, 28 U.S.C. § 1332(d). On October 28, 2011, the district court granted plaintiff’s motion to remand the action back to state court, over the Company’s opposition. The Company believes that the district court remanded the action in error. On November 7, 2011, Barnes & Noble petitioned the Ninth Circuit for an appeal of the district court’s remand order. The case is currently in state court, pending the Ninth Circuit’s decision regarding the Company’s petition for permission to review the remand order.

26

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

Rhonda Burstein v. Hachette Book Group, Inc., et al.

On August 12, 2011, a purported class action complaint was filed against Hachette Book Group, Inc., Harper Collins Publishers, Inc., Macmillan Publishers, Inc., Penguin Group (USA) Inc., Simon & Schuster, Inc., Random House, Inc., (collectively, the Publisher Defendants) and Apple, Inc., Amazon.Com, Inc., and Barnes & Noble, Inc. (collectively with the Publisher Defendants, the Defendants) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of purchasers of eBooks of Publisher Defendants through Apple, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other eBook retailers. The complaint generally alleges a horizontal price fixing and a vertical conspiracy among the Defendants to restrain trade in the consumer retail market of eBooks in the United States in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act, 15 U.S.C. §1 and Section 2 of the Sherman Act, 15 U.S.C. §2. The complaint generally seeks treble damages in an undetermined amount sustained pursuant to Section 4 of the Clayton Act 15 U.S.C. § 15, costs and fees, and injunctive relief. Other complaints have been filed against the Publisher Defendants, Apple and/or Amazon that do not name the Company as a defendant resulting in a petition to the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (MDL Panel) to coordinate these cases, including the Burstein action, and consolidate them for pretrial purposes in the Southern District of New York or the Northern District of California. The MDL Panel held a hearing on December 1, 2011. The Company’s date to file a motion to dismiss the Complaint has been extended until after a consolidated amended complaint is filed in the jurisdiction chosen by the MDL Panel. The Company denies liability and intends to vigorously defend its interests.

Barnes & Noble, Inc. and Barnesandnoble.com llc v. LSI Corporation and Agere Systems, Inc.

On June 6, 2011, Barnes & Noble, Inc. filed a complaint against LSI Corporation in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Case No. 11-CV-2709 EMC. The complaint sought a declaratory judgment that Barnes & Noble, Inc. does not infringe U.S. Patent Nos. 5,546,420; 5,670,730; 5,862,182; 5,920,552; 6,044,073; 6,119,091; 6,404,732; 6,452,958; 6,707,867 and 7,583,582. Barnes & Noble, Inc. amended the complaint on August 10, 2011 to add barnesandnoble.com llc as a plaintiff, to add Agere Systems, Inc. as a defendant, to add a cause of action seeking a declaratory judgment that neither Barnes & Noble, Inc. nor barnesandnoble.com llc infringes U.S. Patent No. 7,477,633, and to add causes of action seeking a declaratory judgment that each of the eleven patents-in-suit is invalid. On November 1, 2011, LSI and Agere answered the amended complaint and asserted counterclaims against Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc, alleging infringement of the eleven patents-in-suit. On November 28, 2011, Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc answered the counterclaims and asserted several affirmative defenses, including the defense that seven of the patents-in-suit are unenforceable as a result of standard-setting misconduct. The Court has set certain pretrial dates in the case, including a claim construction hearing on November 19, 2012. The Court has not yet set a trial date in the case.

27

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

(21) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment (ASU 2011-08). ASU 2011-08 gives the Company the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, the Company determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. This ASU is effective for the Company’s financial statements for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The adoption is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s Fiscal 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income (ASU 2011-05). ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The amendment requires that all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. In addition, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05.(ASU 2011-12). ASU 2011-12 effectively defers only those changes in Update 2011-05 that relate to the presentation of reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income. All other requirements in ASU 2011-05 are not affected by this update. These ASUs are effective for the Company’s financial statements for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011 and must be applied retrospectively. The adoption is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s Fiscal 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements.

28

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors

Barnes & Noble, Inc.

New York, New York

We have reviewed the condensed consolidated balance sheets of Barnes & Noble, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations for the 13 and 39 week periods ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, changes in shareholders’ equity for the 39 week period ended January 28, 2012, and cash flows for the 39 week periods ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011 included in the accompanying Securities and Exchange Commission Form 10-Q for the period ended January 28, 2012. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the condensed consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the consolidated balance sheet of Barnes & Noble, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of April 30, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein) and in our report dated June 29, 2011, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of April 30, 2011 is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

BDO USA, LLP

New York, New York

March 8, 2012

29

Item 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The primary sources of Barnes & Noble, Inc.’s (Barnes & Noble or the Company) cash are net cash flows from operating activities, funds available under its senior credit facility and short-term vendor financing.

The Company’s cash and cash equivalents were $27.4 million as of January 28, 2012, compared with $26.5 million as of January 29, 2011.

Merchandise inventories increased $199.0 million, or 12.3%, to $1.815 billion as of January 28, 2012, compared with $1.616 billion as of January 29, 2011. This increase was primarily due to higher device and accessory inventories, as the Company over-anticipated the growth in consumer demand for its NOOK Simple Touch devices this holiday season. Receivables, net increased $40.3 million or 11.3% to $396.9 million as of January 28, 2012, compared to $356.5 million as of January 29, 2011. This increase was primarily due to higher shipments of NOOK products to third party channel partners. Prepaid expenses and other current assets increased $51.0 million or 43.1% to $169.5 million as of January 28, 2012, compared to $118.5 million as of January 29, 2011. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the B&N College textbook rental business. Accounts payable increased $244.2 million or 19.6% to $1.489 billion as of January 28, 2012, compared to $1.244 billion as of January 29, 2011 due to device purchases and increased digital content sales. Accrued liabilities increased $119.8 million or 15.2% to $910.1 million as of January 28, 2012, compared to $790.2 million as of January 29, 2011 due primarily to changes in accrued taxes, gift cards and deferred textbook rental income.

On December 29, 2011, the Company sold its distribution facility located in South Brunswick, New Jersey for $18.0 million, which resulted in a loss of $2.2 million.

The Company’s investing activities consist principally of capital expenditures for the Company’s website and digital initiatives, new store construction, the maintenance of existing stores and system enhancements for the Company’s stores. Capital expenditures totaled $123.5 million and $82.1 million during the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively. This increase was primarily due to the build-out of digital shops and other merchandising initiatives in the B&N Retail stores, as well as increased digital investments.

On April 29, 2011, the Company entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the Amended Credit Agreement) with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent and swing line lender, and other lenders, which amends and restates the Credit Agreement entered into on September 30, 2009. Under the Amended Credit Agreement, Lenders are providing up to $1.0 billion in aggregate commitments under a five-year asset-backed revolving credit facility (the Amended Credit Facility), which is secured by eligible inventory with the ability to include eligible real estate and accounts receivable and related assets. Borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement are limited to a specified percentage of eligible inventories and accounts receivable and accrued interest, at the election of the Company, at Base Rate or LIBO Rate, plus, in each case, an Applicable Margin (each term as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement). In addition, the Company has the option to request an increase in commitments under the Amended Credit Agreement by up to $300 million, subject to certain restrictions.

30

The Amended Credit Agreement requires Availability (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) to be greater than the greater of (i) 10% of the Loan Cap (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) and (ii) $50 million. In addition, the Amended Credit Agreement contains covenants that limit, among other things, the Company’s ability to incur indebtedness, create liens, make investments, make restricted payments, merge or acquire assets, and contains default provisions that are typical for this type of financing, among other things. Proceeds from the Amended Credit Agreement are used for general corporate purposes, including seasonal working capital needs.

The Company had $101.6 million of outstanding debt under its Credit Facility as of January 28, 2012 compared with $304.4 million as of January 29, 2011. The decrease in borrowings was due to proceeds received from the issuance of Series J Preferred Stock.

On August 18, 2011, the Company entered into an investment agreement between the Company and Liberty GIC, Inc. (Liberty) pursuant to which the Company issued and sold to Liberty, and Liberty purchased, 204,000 shares of the Company’s Series J Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (Preferred Stock), for an aggregate purchase price of $204 million in a private placement exempt from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act. The shares of Preferred Stock will be convertible, at the option of the holders, into shares of Common Stock representing 16.6% of the Common Stock outstanding as of August 29, 2011, (after giving pro forma effect to the issuance of the Preferred Stock), based on the initial conversion rate. The initial conversion rate reflects an initial conversion price of $17.00 and is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. The initial dividend rate for the Preferred Stock is equal to 7.75% per annum of the initial liquidation preference of the Preferred Stock to be paid quarterly and subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. The entry into the investment agreement and the issuance and sale of the Preferred Stock was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors following a recommendation made by a Special Committee of the Board of Directors. The terms, rights, obligations and preferences of the Preferred Stock are set forth in a Certificate of Designations of the Company, which was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on August 18, 2011. For further detail, please see the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 18, 2011.

Based upon the Company’s current operating levels, management believes cash and cash equivalents on hand, net cash flows from operating activities, short-term vendor financing and the capacity under the Amended Credit Facility will be sufficient to meet the Company’s normal working capital and debt service requirements for at least the next twelve months. The Company regularly evaluates its capital structure and conditions in the financing markets to ensure it maintains adequate flexibility to successfully execute its business plan.

The Company identifies its operating segments based on the way the business is managed (focusing on the financial information distributed) and the manner in which the chief operating decision maker interacts with other members of management. The Company has three operating segments: B&N Retail, B&N College and B&N.com. As previously announced on January 5, 2012, the Company is evaluating its reporting segments due to the increased significance of the NOOK business platform. The evaluation is expected to be complete by the end of this fiscal year, which may result in reporting NOOK as a separate operating segment.

31

Seasonality

The B&N Retail and B&N.com business, like that of many retailers, is seasonal, with the major portion of sales and operating profit realized during the third fiscal quarter, which includes the holiday selling season. The B&N College business is also seasonal, with the major portion of sales and operating profit realized during the second and third fiscal quarters, when college students generally purchase textbooks for the upcoming semesters.

Business Overview

The Company’s financial performance has been adversely impacted in recent years by a number of factors, including the economic downturn, increased competition and the expanding digital market. However, recently the Company has benefited from reduced physical bookstore competition in the marketplace, as well as the successful execution of new marketing strategies.

The Company’s core business is the operation of B&N Retail and B&N College stores, from which it derives the majority of its sales and net income.

B&N Retail comparable store sales trends have improved as one of B&N Retail’s largest competitors in the sale of physical books, Borders Group, Inc. (Borders), completed liquidating all of its stores under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code earlier this fiscal year. While the Company expects declining physical book trends to continue industry wide as consumer spending shifts further online and toward digital products, it expects to be the beneficiary of further market consolidation as other non-book retailers reduce their presence in the book category. Additionally, the Company continues to experience positive trends in its juvenile, gift and toys & games businesses as a result of the successful execution of new marketing strategies. Other categories such as Café and Newsstand also improved as a result of increased store traffic.

The Company has leveraged its unique assets, iconic brands and reach to become a leader in the distribution of digital content. In 2009, the Company entered the eBook market with its acquisition of Fictionwise, a leader in the eBook marketplace, and the popularity of its eBook site continues to grow. Since then, the Company launched its NOOK™ brand of eReading products, which provide a fun, easy-to-use and immersive digital reading experience. With NOOK™, customers gain access to the Company’s expansive NOOK Bookstore™ of more than two million digital titles, and the ability to enjoy content across a wide array of popular devices.

The Company is an innovator in the eReader category, and in October 2010, Barnes & Noble introduced NOOK Color™, the first full-color touch Reader’s Tablet, complementing its NOOK 1^st Edition™ and NOOK Wi-Fi 1^st Edition™ devices, which offer a paper-like reading experience with a color touch screen for navigation. In May 2011, the Company introduced NOOK Simple Touch ™, the easy-to-use, intuitive eReader that is ultra light, features best-in-class battery performance, a 6-inch full touchscreen and the most advanced E Ink Pearl display at a desirable market price point. On November 7, 2011, Barnes & Noble launched NOOK Tablet™, the Company’s fastest and lightest tablet with the best in entertainment. On February 21, 2012, Barnes & Noble launched NOOK Tablet™ – 8GB, a new addition to the highly rated NOOK Tablet line.

In addition to NOOK™ devices, the Company makes it easy for customers to enjoy any book, anytime, anywhere with its free line of NOOK™ software specific application, which has won the Webby People’s Voice Award. Customers can use Barnes & Noble’s free eReading software to access and read books from their personal Barnes & Noble digital library on devices including iPad™, iPhone^®, Android™ smartphones and tablets, PC and Mac^®. The Lifetime Library™ helps ensure that Barnes & Noble customers will always be able

32

to access their digital libraries on NOOK™ products and software-enabled devices and BN.com. The Company also offers NOOK Newsstand™, which provides an extensive selection of digital newspapers and magazines, available in both subscription and single copy format, NOOK Kids™, a collection of digital picture and chapter books for children and NOOK Study™, an innovative study platform and software solution for higher education.

As digital and electronic sales become a larger part of its business, the Company believes its footprint of more than 1,300 stores will continue to be a major competitive asset. The Company is utilizing its traditional retail bookstores to promote NOOK™ via NOOK counters, NOOK Boutiques and NOOK Digital Shop within the bookstores. These dedicated areas provide customers the ability to see, feel and experiment with NOOK™, speak to knowledgeable NOOKsellers and receive pre- and post-sales customer support. Barnes & Noble offers NOOK™ owners Always Free NOOK Support in all of its retail bookstores, as well as free Wi-Fi^® connectivity to enjoy the Read In Store™ feature to read NOOK Books™ for free, and the More In Store™ program, which offers free, exclusive content and special promotions.

Although the stores will be just a part of the offering, they will remain a key driver of sales and cash flow as the Company expands its multi-channel relationships with its customers. The Company does not expect to expand the total number of retail stores in the near future.

B&N College provides direct access to a large and well-educated demographic group, enabling the Company to build relationships with students throughout their college years and beyond. The Company also expects to be the beneficiary of market consolidation as more and more schools outsource their bookstore management. The Company is in a unique market position to benefit from this trend given its full suite of services: bookstore management, textbook rental and digital delivery.

Although the Company believes cash on hand, cash flows from operating activities, funds available from its senior credit facility and short-term vendor financing provide the Company with adequate liquidity and capital resources for seasonal working capital requirements, the Company may raise additional capital to support the growth of its digital businesses.

33

Results of Operations

13 and 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 compared with the 13 and 39 weeks ended January 29, 2011

Sales

The following table summarizes the Company’s sales for the 13 and 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011:

	13 weeks ended										39 weeks ended
Dollars in thousands	January 28, 2012		% Total			January 29, 2011		% Total			January 28, 2012		% Total			January 29, 2011		% Total
B&N Retail	$	1,494,050		61.3	%	$	1,464,457		63.0	%	$	3,412,191		59.4	%	$	3,421,519		60.8	%
B&N College		524,604		21.5	%		539,893		23.2	%		1,512,859		26.3	%		1,561,404		27.8	%
B&N.com		420,470		17.2	%		319,430		13.8	%		824,440		14.3	%		640,845		11.4	%
Total Sales	$	2,439,124		100.0	%	$	2,323,780		100.0	%	$	5,749,490		100.0	%	$	5,623,768		100.0	%

During the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012, the Company’s sales increased $115.3 million, or 5.0%, to $2.439 billion from $2.324 billion during the 13 weeks ended January 29, 2011. The increase or (decrease) by segment is as follows:

• B&N Retail sales for the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012 increased $29.6 million, or 2.0%, to $1.494 billion from $1.464 billion during the same period a year ago, and accounted for 61.3% of total Company sales. This increase was primarily attributable to a 2.8% increase in comparable store sales, which increased sales by $39.0 million, offset by closed stores that decreased sales by $17.6 million. The comparable sales increase was primarily driven by higher physical book sales. Store traffic increased as the Company benefitted from a consolidating physical book market. B&N Retail also experienced positive comparable sales in categories where it has relayed its stores and expanded its product assortment, such as juvenile, toys and games, and gift. The balance of the sales change was primarily due to lower deferred device revenues. B&N Retail also includes third-party sales of Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

• B&N College sales decreased $15.3 million, or 2.8%, to $524.6 million during the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012 from $539.9 million during the 13 weeks ended January 29, 2011. The decrease in sales was primarily due to a higher mix of textbook rentals, which have a lower price than new or used textbooks. In addition, a portion of textbook rental sales are deferred over the rental period. Comparable store sales, however, for the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012 were flat. For the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012, closed stores decreased sales by $12.5 million, while new B&N College stores contributed to an increase in sales of $19.0 million.

• B&N.com sales increased $101.0 million, or 31.6%, to $420.5 million during the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012 from $319.4 million during the 13 weeks ended January 29, 2011. Comparable sales for B&N.com increased 42.1% for the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012. This increase to sales was primarily due to the continued growth in the NOOK business, offset by lower online physical product sales.

During the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012, B&N Retail had no store openings and 12 store closings, and B&N College added four stores and closed none.

34

During the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012, the Company’s sales increased $125.7 million, or 2.2%, to $5.750 billion from $5.624 billion during the 39 weeks ended January 29, 2011. The increase or (decrease) by segment is as follows:

• B&N Retail sales for the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 decreased $9.3 million, or 0.3%, to $3.412 billion from $3.422 billion during the same period a year ago, and accounted for 59.4% of total Company sales. This decrease was primarily attributable to closed stores, which decreased sales by $44.9 million, offset by a 0.6% increase in comparable store sales, which increased sales by $18.7 million. The increase in comparable sales was primarily due to higher sales of NOOK products, offset by lower physical book sales. B&N Retail also experienced positive comparable sales in categories where it has relayed its stores and expanded its product assortment, such as juvenile, toys and games, and gift. The balance of the sales change was primarily due to lower deferred device revenues.

• B&N College sales decreased $48.5 million, or 3.1%, to $1.513 billion during the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 from $1.561 billion during the 39 weeks ended January 29, 2011. The decrease in sales was primarily due to a higher mix of textbook rentals, which have a lower price than new or used textbooks. In addition, a portion of textbook rental sales are deferred over the rental period. Comparable store sales, however, for the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 decreased 0.1%. For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012, closed stores decreased sales by $33.4 million and new B&N College stores contributed to an increase in sales of $43.2 million.

• B&N.com sales increased $183.6 million, or 28.6%, to $824.4 million during the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 from $640.8 million during the 39 weeks ended January 29, 2011. Comparable sales for B&N.com increased 46.0% for the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012. This increase to sales was primarily due to the continued growth in the NOOK business offset by lower online physical product sales.

During the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012, B&N Retail had no store openings and 14 store closings, bringing its total number of Barnes & Noble stores to 691 with 18.0 million square feet, and B&N College added 23 stores and closed 18, ending the period with 641 B&N College stores. As of January 28, 2012, the Company operated 1,332 stores in the fifty states and the District of Columbia.

Cost of Sales and Occupancy

	13 weeks ended										39 weeks ended
Dollars in thousands	January 28, 2012		% of Sales			January 29, 2011		% of Sales			January 28, 2012		% of Sales			January 29, 2011		% of Sales
B&N Retail	$	997,444		66.8	%	$	993,106		67.8	%	$	2,347,649		68.8	%	$	2,384,784		69.7	%
B&N College		418,063		79.7	%		427,782		79.2	%		1,187,574		78.5	%		1,229,446		78.7	%
B&N.com		370,801		88.2	%		289,220		90.5	%		702,228		85.2	%		594,046		92.7	%
Total Cost of Sales and Occupancy	$	1,786,308		73.2	%	$	1,710,108		73.6	%	$	4,237,451		73.7	%	$	4,208,276		74.8	%

The Company’s cost of sales and occupancy includes costs such as merchandise costs, distribution center costs (including payroll, freight, supplies, depreciation and other operating expenses), rental expense, common area maintenance and real estate taxes, partially offset by landlord tenant allowances amortized over the life of the lease.

35

During the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012, cost of sales and occupancy increased $76.2 million, or 4.5%, to $1.786 billion from $1.710 billion during the 13 weeks ended January 29, 2011. Cost of sales and occupancy decreased as a percentage of sales to 73.2% from 73.6% during the same period one year ago. The increase or (decrease) by segment is as follows:

• B&N Retail cost of sales and occupancy decreased as a percentage of sales to 66.8% from 67.8% during the same period one year ago. This decrease was primarily attributable to higher product margins and lower occupancy costs.

• B&N College cost of sales and occupancy increased as a percentage of sales to 79.7% from 79.2% during the same period one year ago driven by increased occupancy costs associated with renewals and by deleveraging. In the third quarter, an incremental $12 million of textbook rental margin was deferred as compared to last year, the majority of which will be realized in the fourth quarter.

• B&N.com cost of sales and occupancy decreased as a percentage of sales to 88.2% from 90.5% during the same period one year ago. This decrease was primarily attributable to a stronger mix of digital products.

During the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012, cost of sales and occupancy increased $29.2 million, or 0.7%, to $4.237 billion from $4.208 billion during the 39 weeks ended January 29, 2011. Cost of sales and occupancy decreased as a percentage of sales to 73.7% from 74.8% during the same period one year ago. The decrease by segment is as follows:

• B&N Retail cost of sales and occupancy decreased as a percentage of sales to 68.8% from 69.7% during the same period one year ago. This decrease was primarily attributable to higher product margins and lower occupancy costs.

• B&N College cost of sales and occupancy slightly decreased as a percentage of sales to 78.5% from 78.7% during the same period one year ago.

• B&N.com cost of sales and occupancy decreased as a percentage of sales to 85.2% from 92.7% during the same period one year ago. This decrease was primarily attributable to a stronger mix of digital products.

Gross Margin

	13 weeks ended										39 weeks ended
Dollars in thousands	January 28, 2012		% of Sales			January 29, 2011		% of Sales			January 28, 2012		% of Sales			January 29, 2011		% of Sales
B&N Retail	$	496,606		33.2	%	$	471,351		32.2	%	$	1,064,542		31.2	%	$	1,036,735		30.3	%
B&N College		106,541		20.3	%		112,111		20.8	%		325,285		21.5	%		331,958		21.3	%
B&N.com		49,669		11.8	%		30,210		9.5	%		122,212		14.8	%		46,799		7.3	%
Total Gross Margin	$	652,816		26.8	%	$	613,672		26.4	%	$	1,512,039		26.3	%	$	1,415,492		25.2	%

36

The Company’s consolidated gross margin increased $39.1 million, or 6.4%, to $652.8 million during the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012 from $613.7 million during the 13 weeks ended January 29, 2011. This increase was due to the matters discussed above.

The Company’s consolidated gross margin increased $96.5 million, or 6.8%, to $1.512 billion during the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 from $1.415 billion during the 39 weeks ended January 29, 2011. This increase was due to the matters discussed above.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

	13 weeks ended										39 weeks ended
Dollars in thousands	January 28, 2012		% of Sales			January 29, 2011		% of Sales			January 28, 2012		% of Sales			January 29, 2011		% of Sales
B&N Retail	$	289,685		19.4	%	$	293,759		20.1	%	$	791,084		23.2	%	$	832,357		24.3	%
B&N College		69,843		13.3	%		69,098		12.8	%		205,485		13.6	%		203,197		13.0	%
B&N.com		143,342		34.1	%		80,674		25.3	%		333,050		40.4	%		194,208		30.3	%
Total Selling and Administrative Expenses	$	502,870		20.6	%	$	443,531		19.1	%	$	1,329,619		23.1	%	$	1,229,762		21.9	%

Selling and administrative expenses increased $59.3 million, or 13.4%, to $502.9 million during the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012 from $443.5 million during the 13 weeks ended January 29, 2011. Selling and administrative expenses increased as a percentage of sales to 20.6% from 19.1% during the same period one year ago. The increase or (decrease) by segment is as follows:

• B&N Retail selling and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of sales to 19.4% from 20.1% during the same period one year ago primarily due to sales leverage and increased store productivity, partially offset by higher asset impairments and loss recorded on the sale of a distribution facility.

• B&N College selling and administrative expenses increased as a percentage of sales to 13.3% from 12.8% during the same period one year ago primarily attributable to sales deleverage against the increase in textbook rentals.

• B&N.com selling and administrative expenses increased as a percentage of sales to 34.1% from 25.3% during the same period one year ago. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in advertising costs, higher legal fees and additional resources hired over the past year to support digital growth.

Selling and administrative expenses increased $99.9 million, or 8.1%, to $1.330 billion during the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 from $1.230 billion during the 39 weeks ended January 29, 2011. Selling and administrative expenses increased as a percentage of sales to 23.1% from 21.9% during the same period one year ago. The increase (decrease) by segment is as follows:

• B&N Retail selling and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of sales to 23.2% from 24.3% during the same period one year ago due primarily to sales leverage and increased store productivity, partially offset by higher asset impairments.

37

• B&N College selling and administrative expenses increased as a percentage of sales to 13.6% from 13.0% during the same period one year ago primarily attributable to sales deleverage against the increase in textbook rentals.

• B&N.com selling and administrative expenses increased as a percentage of sales to 40.4% from 30.3% during the same period one year ago. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in advertising costs, higher legal fees and additional resources hired over the past year to support digital growth.

Depreciation and Amortization

	13 weeks ended										39 weeks ended
Dollars in thousands	January 28, 2012		% of Sales			January 29, 2011		% of Sales			January 28, 2012		% of Sales			January 29, 2011		% of Sales
B&N Retail	$	40,590		2.7	%	$	40,052		2.7	%	$	117,411		3.4	%	$	119,372		3.5	%
B&N College		11,484		2.2	%		10,821		2.0	%		33,760		2.2	%		32,147		2.1	%
B&N.com		8,199		1.9	%		6,137		1.9	%		22,530		2.7	%		19,172		3.0	%
Total Depreciation and Amortization	$	60,273		2.5	%	$	57,010		2.5	%	$	173,701		3.0	%	$	170,691		3.0	%

During the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012, depreciation and amortization increased $3.3 million, or 5.7%, to $60.3 million from $57.0 million during the same period one year ago primarily due to amortization of intellectual property assets purchased from the Borders Group, Inc.

During the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012, depreciation and amortization increased $3.0 million, or 1.8%, to $173.7 million from $170.7 million during the same period last year primarily due to amortization of intellectual property assets purchased from the Borders Group, Inc.

Operating Profit (Loss)

	13 weeks ended												39 weeks ended
Dollars in thousands	January 28, 2012			% of Sales			January 29, 2011			% of Sales			January 28, 2012			% of Sales			January 29, 2011			% of Sales
B&N Retail	$	166,331			11.1	%	$	137,540			9.4	%	$	156,047			4.6	%	$	85,006			2.5	%
B&N College		25,214			4.8	%		32,192			6.0	%		86,040			5.7	%		96,614			6.2	%
B&N.com		(101,872	)		-24.2	%		(56,601	)		-17.7	%		(233,368	)		-28.3	%		(166,581	)		-26.0	%
Total Operating Profit	$	89,673			3.7	%	$	113,131			4.9	%	$	8,719			0.2	%	$	15,039			0.3	%

The Company’s consolidated operating profit decreased $23.5 million, or 20.7%, to $89.7 million during the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012 from $113.1 million during the 13 weeks ended January 29, 2011. This decrease was due to the matters discussed above.

The Company’s consolidated operating profit decreased $6.3 million, or 42.0%, to $8.7 million during the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 from an operating profit of $15.0 million during the 39 weeks ended January 29, 2011. This decrease was due to the matters discussed above.

38

Interest Expense, Net and Amortization of Deferred Financing Fees

	13 weeks ended							39 weeks ended
Dollars in thousands	January 28, 2012		January 29, 2011		% of Change			January 28, 2012		January 29, 2011		% of Change
Interest Expense, Net and Amortization of Deferred Financing Fees	$	8,773	$	13,639		-35.7	%	$	26,675	$	39,693		-32.8	%

Net interest expense and amortization of deferred financing fees decreased $4.9 million, to $8.8 million during the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012 from $13.6 million during the 13 weeks ended January 29, 2011. This decrease was primarily due to the more favorable rates on the amended Credit Facility, lower borrowings driven by the Liberty investment and the payoff of the senior note in December 2010 relating to the acquisition of B&N College.

Net interest expense and amortization of deferred financing fees decreased $13.0 million, to $26.7 million during the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 from $39.7 million during the 39 weeks ended January 29, 2011. This decrease was due to the same matters discussed above.

Income Taxes

	13 weeks ended										39 weeks ended
Dollars in thousands	January 28, 2012		Effective Rate			January 29, 2011		Effective Rate			January 28, 2012			Effective Rate			January 29, 2011			Effective Rate
Income Taxes	$	28,869		35.7	%	$	38,909		39.1	%	$	(6,818	)		38.0	%	$	(10,114	)		41.0	%

The Company had income tax expense of $28.9 million during the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012 compared with an income tax expense of $38.9 million during the 13 weeks ended January 29, 2011. The Company’s effective tax rate was 35.7% and 39.1% for the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively. The lower effective tax rate for the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012 is primarily due to a lower state effective tax rate in the current period combined with discrete items in the prior year.

Income tax benefit during the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 was $(6.8) million compared with an income tax benefit of $(10.1) million during the 39 weeks ended January 29, 2011. The Company’s effective tax rate was 38.0% and 41.0% for the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively. The lower effective tax rate for the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 is primarily due to a lower state effective tax rate in the current period combined with discrete items in the prior period.

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc.

	13 weeks ended				39 weeks ended
Dollars in thousands	January 28, 2012		January 29, 2011		January 28, 2012			January 29, 2011
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc.	$	52,031	$	60,583	$	(11,138	)	$	(14,503	)

39

As a result of the factors discussed above, the Company reported consolidated net income attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc. of $52.0 million during the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012, compared with consolidated net income attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc. of $60.6 million during the 13 weeks ended January 29, 2011.

As a result of the factors discussed above, the Company reported a consolidated net loss attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc. of $(11.1) million during the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012, compared with a consolidated net loss attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc. of $(14.5) million during the 39 weeks ended January 29, 2011.

Critical Accounting Policies

During the third quarter of fiscal 2012, there were no changes in the Company’s policies regarding the use of estimates and other critical accounting policies. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2011 for additional information relating to the Company’s use of estimates and other critical accounting policies.

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q may contain certain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) and information relating to the Company that are based on the beliefs of the management of the Company as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the management of the Company. When used in this report, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “will” and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or the management of the Company, identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of Barnes & Noble with respect to future events, the outcome of which is subject to certain risks, including, among others, the general economic environment and consumer spending patterns, decreased consumer demand for Barnes & Noble’s products, low growth or declining sales and net income due to various factors, risk that international expansion will not be successfully achieved or may be achieved later than expected, possible disruptions in Barnes & Noble’s computer systems, telephone systems or supply chain, possible risks associated with data privacy, information security and intellectual property, possible work stoppages or increases in labor costs, possible increases in shipping rates or interruptions in shipping service, effects of competition, possible risks that inventory in channels of distribution may be larger than able to be sold, possible risk that returns from consumers or channels of distribution may be greater than estimated, the risk that the expected sales lift from Borders’ store closures is not achieved in whole or part, the risk that digital sales growth is less than expectations and the risk that it does not exceed the rate of investment spend, higher-than-anticipated store closing or relocation costs, higher interest rates, the performance of Barnes & Noble’s online, digital and other initiatives,

40

the performance and successful integration of acquired businesses, the success of Barnes & Noble’s strategic investments, unanticipated increases in merchandise, component or occupancy costs, unanticipated adverse litigation results or effects, product and component shortages, the potential adverse impact on the business resulting from the review of a potential separation of the NOOK digital business, the possibility that no NOOK digital business separation transaction may occur or the form or nature of any such separation or any other transaction which may arise out of such review, the impact on the retail business of any separation of the NOOK digital business, the costs and disruptions arising out of a separation of the NOOK digital business, the risk that Barnes & Noble may not recoup its investments in the NOOK digital business as part of any separation of the NOOK digital business and other factors which may be outside of Barnes & Noble’s control, including those factors discussed in detail in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in Barnes & Noble’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Form 10-K/A, and in Barnes & Noble’s other filings made hereafter from time to time with the SEC. The forward looking statements relating to international expansion are also subject to the following risks, among others that may affect the introduction, success and timing of the NOOK eReader and content in countries outside the United States: the Company may not be successful in reaching agreements with international companies, the terms of agreements that we reach may not be advantageous to the Company, the Company’s NOOK device may require technological changes to comply with applicable laws, and marketplace acceptance and other companies have already entered the marketplace with products that have achieved some customer acceptance. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results or outcomes may vary materially from those described as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended or planned. Subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date of this Form 10-Q.

Item 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company limits its interest rate risks by investing certain of its excess cash balances in short-term, highly-liquid instruments with an original maturity of one year or less. The Company does not expect any material losses from its invested cash balances and the Company believes that its interest rate exposure is modest. As of January 28, 2012, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled approximately $27.4 million.

Additionally, the Company may from time to time borrow money under its credit facility at various interest rate options based on the Base Rate or LIBO Rate (each term as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) depending upon certain financial tests. Accordingly, the Company may be exposed to interest rate risk on borrowings under its credit facility. The Company had $101.6 million and $304.4 million in borrowings under its credit facility at January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively.

The Company does not have any material foreign currency exposure as nearly all of its business is transacted in United States currency.

41

Item 4: Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s management conducted an evaluation (as required under Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b) under the Exchange Act), under the supervision and with the participation of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that it will detect or uncover failures within the Company to disclose material information otherwise required to be set forth in the Company’s periodic reports. Based on management’s evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level.

(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved in a variety of claims, suits, investigations and proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of its business, including actions with respect to contracts, intellectual property, taxation, employment, benefits, securities, personal injuries and other matters. The results of these proceedings in the ordinary course of business are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

The following is a discussion of the material legal matters involving the Company.

Minor v. Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc. et al.

On May 1, 2009, a purported class action complaint was filed against B&N Booksellers, Inc. (B&N Booksellers) in the Superior Court for the State of California alleging wage payments by instruments in a form that did not comply with the requirements of the California Labor Code, allegedly resulting in impermissible wage payment reductions and calling for imposition of statutory penalties. The complaint also alleges a violation of the California Labor Code’s Private Attorneys General Act and seeks restitution of such allegedly unpaid wages under California’s unfair competition law, and an injunction compelling compliance with the California Labor Code. The complaint alleges two subclasses of 500 and 200 employees, respectively (there may be overlap among the subclasses), but contains no allegations concerning the number of alleged violations or the amount of recovery sought on behalf of the purported class. On June 3, 2009, B&N Booksellers filed an answer denying all claims. Discovery concerning purported class member payroll checks and related information is ongoing. On August 19, 2010, B&N Booksellers filed a motion to dismiss the case for lack of a class representative when the named plaintiff advised she did not wish to continue to serve in that role. On October 15, 2010, the Court issued an order denying B&N Bookseller’s motion to dismiss. The Court further ruled that Ms. Minor could not serve as a class representative. The Court also granted Plaintiff’s Motion to Compel Further Responses to previously-

42

served discovery seeking contact information for the putative class. B&N Booksellers provided that information on October 15, 2010. The previously scheduled Case Management Conference was continued to January 27, 2011. Plaintiff’s counsel filed an amended complaint on January 26, 2011, adding two new named Plaintiffs, Jacob Allum and Cesar Caminiero. At the Case Management Conference held on January 27, 2011, the Court ordered the parties to complete mediation by May 6, 2011. The parties held a mediation on April 11, 2011 and reached a tentative settlement. On August 29, 2011, the Court continued a hearing to consider granting preliminary approval of the settlement. On November 10, 2011, the parties appeared before the Court for the hearing on preliminary approval. At the Court’s request, the parties subsequently submitted supplemental papers to address outstanding issues raised by the Court at the hearing. The Court granted preliminary approval of the settlement on November 22, 2011 and has now set March 26, 2012 for the final approval hearing.

In re Barnes & Noble Stockholder Derivative Litigation (Consolidated Cases Formerly Captioned Separately as: Louisiana Municipal Police Employees Retirement System v. Riggio et al.; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority v. Riggio et al.; City of Ann Arbor Employees’ Retirement System v. Riggio et al.; Louise Schuman v. Riggio et al.; Virgin Islands Government Employees’ Retirement System v. Riggio et al.; Electrical Workers Pension Fund, Local 103, I.B.E.W. v. Riggio et al.)

Between August 17, 2009 and August 31, 2009, five putative shareholder derivative complaints were filed in Delaware Chancery Court against the Company’s directors. The complaints generally allege breach of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets and unjust enrichment in connection with the Company’s entry into a definitive agreement to purchase Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, which was announced on August 10, 2009 (the Transaction). The complaints generally seek damages in favor of the Company in an unspecified amount; costs, fees and interest; disgorgement; restitution; and equitable relief, including injunctive relief. On September 1, 2009, the Delaware Chancery Court issued an Order of Consolidation consolidating the five lawsuits (the Consolidated Cases) and directing plaintiffs to file a consolidated amended complaint. In a related development, on August 27, 2009, the Company received a demand pursuant to Delaware General Corporation Law, Section 220, on behalf of the Electrical Workers Pension Fund, Local 103, I.B.E.W., a shareholder, seeking to inspect certain books and records related to the Transaction. The Company provided this shareholder with certain documents, on a confidential basis, in response to its demand. On September 18, 2009, this shareholder filed a shareholder derivative complaint in Delaware Chancery Court against certain of the Company’s directors alleging breach of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment and seeking to enjoin the consummation of the Transaction. At that time, this shareholder also filed a motion for expedited proceedings. At a hearing held on September 21, 2009, the court denied plaintiff’s request for expedited proceedings. On October 6, 2009, the plaintiffs in the Consolidated Cases filed a motion seeking to consolidate the later-filed sixth case with the Consolidated Cases. Also on October 6, 2009, the plaintiff in the sixth case filed a separate motion seeking to consolidate its case with the Consolidated Cases and appoint it as co-lead plaintiff and to appoint its counsel as co-lead counsel. On November 3, 2009, a Consolidated Complaint was filed in the Consolidated Cases. The Company and defendants sought an extension of their time to answer or otherwise respond to the complaints while the plaintiffs’ respective consolidation motions were pending. On December 11, 2009, the court entered an order consolidating all actions and appointing co-lead counsel for plaintiffs. Plaintiffs designated the Consolidated Complaint filed on November 3, 2009 to be the operative Complaint. The Company and defendants filed motions to dismiss the Consolidated Complaint on January 12, 2010. On January 29, 2010, plaintiffs informed defendants that they would amend their Complaint rather than respond to defendants’ motions to dismiss. Plaintiffs filed an Amended Consolidated Complaint on March 16, 2010. The Company and defendants filed motions to dismiss the Amended Consolidated Complaint on April 30, 2010. Plaintiffs filed their response to

43

the motion to dismiss on June 2, 2010. Oral argument on the motions to dismiss was held on October 21, 2010. Following those arguments, the Court denied the Company’s motion to dismiss, denied in part and granted in part the motion to dismiss filed by Defendants Leonard Riggio, Stephen Riggio and Lawrence Zilavy, and denied in part and granted in part the motion to dismiss filed by the remaining defendants, dismissing all claims asserted against Directors George Campbell, Jr. and Patricia Higgins. Pursuant to the Court’s January 19, 2011 Scheduling Order, trial was scheduled to commence on December 12, 2011. On September 28, 2011, the Court adjourned the trial at the request of plaintiffs. On January 17, 2012, the Court issued a revised Scheduling Order. Trial is now scheduled to commence on June 18, 2012. All defendants except Leonard Riggio moved for summary judgment on December 21, 2011. Those motions were briefed on March 2, 2012 and argument has been scheduled for March 27, 2012. Discovery in this matter is proceeding.

Stephen Strugala v. Leonard Riggio, et al.

On December 21, 2010, a complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against the Company’s current directors and former directors Lawrence Zilavy and Michael Del Giudice. The complaint is purportedly brought both directly, on behalf of a putative class of shareholders, and derivatively, on behalf of the Company. The complaint generally alleges breaches of fiduciary duties, waste and unjust enrichment in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, the adoption of the Shareholder Rights Plan, and other unspecified instances of alleged mismanagement and alleged wrongful conduct. The complaint also generally alleges violations of Section 14(a) of the 1934 Act in connection with the issuance of various proxy statements by the Company. The complaint generally seeks declaratory and equitable relief, including injunctive relief, and costs and fees. On January 19, 2011, the Court granted the parties’ Stipulation and Order. On February 18, 2011, the plaintiff filed a Notice of Voluntary Dismissal of Claim, dismissing without prejudice his putative class claim for violations of Section 14(a) of the 1934 Act. On March 8, 2011, defendants filed a motion to dismiss all claims in the litigation. On October 4, 2011, the Court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss, but also granted plaintiff leave to replead within 30 days. On November 3, 2011, plaintiff requested a pre-motion conference with the Court to discuss an anticipated motion to substitute a new plaintiff, Ms. Whitney Parker, for Mr. Strugala, and simultaneously filed an amended complaint on behalf of Ms. Parker asserting the same claims asserted in Mr. Strugala’s original complaint. The Court held a pre-motion conference on December 9, 2011, at which the parties agreed that Ms. Parker could be substituted for Mr. Strugala without prejudice to any of defendants’ rights. On January 20, 2012, defendants moved to dismiss the amended complaint. Briefing on that motion is scheduled to be completed on May 4, 2012.

Microsoft Corp. v. Barnes & Noble, Inc. et al.

On April 25, 2011, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) published notice that it had instituted an investigation under Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 into allegations by Microsoft Corporation that certain of the Company’s NOOK eReaders infringe Microsoft’s U.S. Patent Nos. 5,778,372; 5,889,522; 6,339,780; 6,891,551; and 6,957,233. Microsoft sought a prospective order from the ITC excluding allegedly infringing NOOK products from the United States. Barnes & Noble vigorously contested Microsoft’s allegations, and alleged that Microsoft was abusing its patents to coerce the Company into licensing Microsoft’s patent

44

portfolio. On January 31, 2012, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) rejected the Company’s patent misuse defense by granting Microsoft’s summary determination motion directed to that defense. Barnes & Noble filed a petition asking the ITC to review the ALJ’s summary determination ruling. That petition is pending. Microsoft withdrew the ‘780 and ‘551 patents from the investigation, and the case was tried before an ALJ on the three remaining patents on February 6-10, 2012. The Commission’s staff attorney supported Barnes & Noble’s position that each of Microsoft’s asserted patents is invalid and/or not infringed by Barnes & Noble. The ITC is presently scheduled to issue its final determination on August 27, 2012. Microsoft also filed suit against the Company in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington alleging infringement of the same set of patents. The district court litigation has been stayed pending final resolution of the ITC matter.

Lina v. Barnes & Noble, Inc., and Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc. et al.

On August 5, 2011, a purported class action complaint was filed against Barnes & Noble, Inc. and Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc. in the Superior Court for the State of California making the following allegations against defendants with respect to salaried Store Managers at Barnes & Noble stores located in the State of California from the period of August 5, 2007 to present: (1) failure to pay wages and overtime; (2) failure to pay for missed meal and/or rest breaks; (3) waiting time penalties; (4) failure to pay minimum wage; (5) failure to provide reimbursement for business expenses; and (6) failure to provide itemized wage statements. The claims are generally derivative of the allegation that these salaried managers were improperly classified as exempt from California’s wage and hour laws. The complaint contains no allegations concerning the number of any such alleged violations or the amount of recovery sought on behalf the purported class. The Company was served with the complaint on August 11, 2011. On August 30, 2011, the Company filed an answer in state court, and on August 31, 2011 it removed the action to federal court pursuant to the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005, 28 U.S.C. § 1332(d). On October 28, 2011, the district court granted plaintiff’s motion to remand the action back to state court, over the Company’s opposition. The Company believes that the district court remanded the action in error. On November 7, 2011, Barnes & Noble petitioned the Ninth Circuit for an appeal of the district court’s remand order. The case is currently in state court, pending the Ninth Circuit’s decision regarding the Company’s petition for permission to review the remand order.

Rhonda Burstein v. Hachette Book Group, Inc., et al.

On August 12, 2011, a purported class action complaint was filed against Hachette Book Group, Inc., Harper Collins Publishers, Inc., Macmillan Publishers, Inc., Penguin Group (USA) Inc., Simon & Schuster, Inc., Random House, Inc., (collectively, the Publisher Defendants) and Apple, Inc., Amazon.Com, Inc., and Barnes & Noble, Inc. (collectively with the Publisher Defendants, the Defendants) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of purchasers of eBooks of Publisher Defendants through Apple, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other eBook retailers. The complaint generally alleges a horizontal price fixing and a vertical conspiracy among the Defendants to restrain trade in the consumer retail market of eBooks in the United States in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act, 15 U.S.C. §1 and Section 2 of the Sherman Act, 15 U.S.C. §2. The complaint generally seeks treble damages in an undetermined amount sustained pursuant to Section 4 of the Clayton Act 15 U.S.C. § 15, costs and fees, and injunctive relief. Other complaints have been filed against the Publisher Defendants, Apple and/or Amazon that do not name the Company as a defendant resulting in a petition to the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (MDL Panel) to coordinate these cases, including the Burstein action, and consolidate them for pretrial purposes in the Southern District of New York or the Northern District of California. The MDL Panel held a hearing on December 1, 2011. The Company’s date to file a motion to dismiss the Complaint has been extended until after a consolidated amended complaint is filed in the jurisdiction chosen by the MDL Panel. The Company denies liability and intends to vigorously defend its interests.

45

Barnes & Noble, Inc. and Barnesandnoble.com llc v. LSI Corporation and Agere Systems, Inc.

On June 6, 2011, Barnes & Noble, Inc. filed a complaint against LSI Corporation in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Case No. 11-CV-2709 EMC. The complaint sought a declaratory judgment that Barnes & Noble, Inc. does not infringe U.S. Patent Nos. 5,546,420; 5,670,730; 5,862,182; 5,920,552; 6,044,073; 6,119,091; 6,404,732; 6,452,958; 6,707,867 and 7,583,582. Barnes & Noble, Inc. amended the complaint on August 10, 2011 to add barnesandnoble.com llc as a plaintiff, to add Agere Systems, Inc. as a defendant, to add a cause of action seeking a declaratory judgment that neither Barnes & Noble, Inc. nor barnesandnoble.com llc infringes U.S. Patent No. 7,477,633, and to add causes of action seeking a declaratory judgment that each of the eleven patents-in-suit is invalid. On November 1, 2011, LSI and Agere answered the amended complaint and asserted counterclaims against Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc, alleging infringement of the eleven patents-in-suit. On November 28, 2011, Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc answered the counterclaims and asserted several affirmative defenses, including the defense that seven of the patents-in-suit are unenforceable as a result of standard-setting misconduct. The Court has set certain pretrial dates in the case, including a claim construction hearing on November 19, 2012. The Court has not yet set a trial date in the case.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2011.

46

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased (a)		Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs		Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
October 30, 2011 – November 28, 2011		7,177	$	11.85		—	$	2,470,561
November 29, 2011 – December 28, 2011		2,133	$	14.60		—	$	2,470,561
December 29, 2011 – January 28, 2012		1,011	$	14.12		—	$	2,470,561
Total		10,321	$	12.64		—

(a) All of the shares on this table above were originally granted to employees as restricted stock pursuant to the Company’s 2004 Incentive Plan and 2009 Incentive Plan. Both Incentive Plans provide for the withholding of shares to satisfy tax obligations due upon the vesting of restricted stock, and pursuant to the 2004 Incentive Plan and the 2009 Incentive Plan, the shares reflected above were relinquished by employees in exchange for the Company’s agreement to pay federal and state withholding obligations resulting from the vesting of the Company’s restricted stock.

On May 15, 2007, the Company announced its Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program for the purchase of up to $400.0 million of the Company’s common stock. The maximum dollar value of common stock that may yet be purchased under this program is approximately $2.5 million as of January 28, 2012.

Stock repurchases under this program may be made through open market and privately negotiated transactions from time to time and in such amounts as management deems appropriate. As of January 28, 2012, the Company has repurchased 33,537,180 shares at a cost of approximately $1.056 billion. The repurchased shares are held in treasury.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure

Not Applicable.

47

Item 6. Exhibits

(a) Exhibits filed with this Form 10-Q:

15.11	Letter from BDO USA, LLP regarding unaudited interim financial information.
31.11	Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.21	Certification by the Interim Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.11	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.21	Certification of Interim Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document 1
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document1
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document1
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document1
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document1
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document1

¹ Filed herewith.

48

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

BARNES & NOBLE, INC.
(Registrant)
By:	/s/    ALLEN LINDSTROM
	Allen Lindstrom
	Interim Chief Financial Officer
	(principal financial and accounting officer)

March 8, 2012

49

EXHIBIT INDEX

15.11	Letter from BDO USA, LLP regarding unaudited interim financial information.
31.11	Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.21	Certification by the Interim Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.11	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.21	Certification of Interim Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document 1
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document1
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document1
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document1
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document1
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document1

¹ Filed herewith.

50

EX-15.1

Exhibit 15.1

March 8, 2012

Securities and Exchange Commission

450 Fifth Street N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20549

We are aware that Barnes & Noble, Inc. has incorporated by reference in its Registration Statements on Form S-3 (No. 333-23855, No. 333-69731, No. 333-62210, No. 33-84826 and No. 33-89258) and Form S-8 (No. 333-27033, No. 33-89260, No. 333-90538, No. 333-116382, No. 333-59111 and No. 333-160560) our report dated March 8, 2012, relating to the Company’s unaudited interim consolidated financial statements appearing in its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 28, 2012. Pursuant to Regulation C under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”), that report is not considered a part of the registration statement prepared or certified by our firm or a report prepared or certified by our firm within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act. It should be noted that we have not performed any procedures subsequent to March 8, 2012.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

BDO USA, LLP

New York, New York

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION BY THE

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO

17 CFR 240.13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a),

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, William J. Lynch, Jr., certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended January 28, 2012 of Barnes & Noble, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 8, 2012

By:	/s/ William J. Lynch, Jr.
	William J. Lynch, Jr. Chief Executive Officer Barnes & Noble, Inc.

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION BY THE

INTERIM CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO

17 CFR 240.13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a),

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Allen Lindstrom, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended January 28, 2012 of Barnes & Noble, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 8, 2012

By:	/s/ Allen Lindstrom
	Allen Lindstrom Interim Chief Financial Officer Barnes & Noble, Inc.

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

RULE 13a-14(b) UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

AND 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the quarterly report of Barnes & Noble, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended January 28, 2012, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, William J. Lynch, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, to the best of my knowledge, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ William J. Lynch, Jr.

William J. Lynch, Jr.

Chief Executive Officer

Barnes & Noble, Inc.

March 8, 2012

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

RULE 13a-14(b) UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

AND 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the quarterly report of Barnes & Noble, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended January 28, 2012, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Allen Lindstrom, Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, to the best of my knowledge, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Allen Lindstrom

Allen Lindstrom

Interim Chief Financial Officer

Barnes & Noble, Inc.

March 8, 2012

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

XML

Segment Reporting (Summarized Financial Information Of Reportable Segments) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ 2,439,124	$ 2,323,780	$ 5,749,490	$ 5,623,768
Depreciation and Amortization	60,273	57,010	173,701	170,691
Operating Profit (Loss)	89,673	113,131	8,719	15,039
Capital Expenditures	47,955	30,623	123,471	82,072
Total Assets	4,189,873	3,996,620	4,189,873	3,996,620	3,596,466
B&N Retail [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	1,494,050	1,464,457	3,412,191	3,421,519
Depreciation and Amortization	40,590	40,052	117,411	119,372
Operating Profit (Loss)	166,331	137,540	156,047	85,006
Capital Expenditures	26,590	16,634	57,428	40,254
Total Assets	2,603,027	2,431,407	2,603,027	2,431,407
B&N College [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	524,604	539,893	1,512,859	1,561,404
Depreciation and Amortization	11,484	10,821	33,760	32,147
Operating Profit (Loss)	25,214	32,192	86,040	96,614
Capital Expenditures	8,646	8,510	30,043	24,878
Total Assets	1,369,474	1,317,920	1,369,474	1,317,920
B&N.com [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	420,470	319,430	824,440	640,845
Depreciation and Amortization	8,199	6,137	22,530	19,172
Operating Profit (Loss)	(101,872)	(56,601)	(233,368)	(166,581)
Capital Expenditures	12,719	5,479	36,000	16,940
Total Assets	$ 217,372	$ 247,293	$ 217,372	$ 247,293

XML

Liberty Investment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012 Private Placement [Member]	Aug. 29, 2011 Private Placement [Member]	Aug. 18, 2011 Private Placement [Member] Series J Preferred Stock [Member]
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock issued, shares				204,000
Preferred Stock, par value per share				$ 0.001
Aggregate purchase price of Preferred Stock				$ 204,000
Percentage representation of common stock outstanding upon conversion			16.60%
Preferred Stock, initial conversion price		$ 17.00
Initial dividend rate for the Preferred Stock		7.75%
Percentage of conversion price of the Preferred Stock	150.00%
Number of consecutive trading days applicable to the conversion of Preferred Stock	20
Legal and accounting fees	$ 12,621

XML

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 28, 2012
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 17,269
Accrued interest and penalties included in unrecognized tax benefits	$ 3,853

XML

Acquisition Of Noncontrolling Interest (Details) (Begin Smart LLC [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2010	Jan. 29, 2011
Begin Smart LLC [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Prior joint venture interest ownership percentage		50.00%
Increase in ownership percentage	50.00%
Purchase price for remaining interest	$ 300
Ownership percentage, post acquisition		100.00%

XML

Gift Cards (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011
Gift Cards [Abstract]
Recognized gift card breakage	$ 12,554	$ 10,685	$ 23,199	$ 20,599
Gift card liabilities	$ 367,555	$ 354,775	$ 367,555	$ 354,775

XML

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Other Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract]

Long-Term Liabilities

	January 28, 2012		January 29, 2011		April 30, 2011
Deferred Rent	$	230,542	$	286,417	$	271,451
Junior Seller Note		150,000		150,000		150,000
Other		27,749		36,961		27,196
Total long-term liabilities	$	408,291	$	473,378	$	448,647

XML

Legal Proceedings (Details)	0 Months Ended
	Jan. 26, 2011 Minor [Member]	May 01, 2009 Minor [Member]	Oct. 06, 2009 Stockholder Derivative Litigation [Member]	Sep. 01, 2009 Stockholder Derivative Litigation [Member]	Aug. 31, 2009 Stockholder Derivative Litigation [Member]	Dec. 21, 2010 Strugala [Member]	Mar. 21, 2011 Microsoft [Member]	Aug. 05, 2010 Lina [Member]	Aug. 12, 2010 Burstein [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Total number of employees under subclass one		500
Total number of employees under subclass two		200
Number of plaintiffs added to case management conference	2
Consolidated cases, number of lawsuits				5
Number of putative shareholder derivative complaints filed			1		5	1	1	1	1

XML

Liberty Investment

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Liberty Investment [Abstract]

Liberty Investment

(17) Liberty Investment

On August 18, 2011, the Company entered into an investment agreement between the Company and Liberty GIC, Inc. (Liberty), a subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation, pursuant to which the Company issued and sold to Liberty, and Liberty purchased, 204,000 shares of the Company's Series J Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (Preferred Stock), for an aggregate purchase price of $204,000, in a private placement exempt from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act. The shares of Preferred Stock will be convertible, at the option of the holders, into shares of Common Stock representing 16.6% of the Common Stock outstanding as of August 29, 2011, (after giving pro forma effect to the issuance of the Preferred Stock), based on the initial conversion rate. The initial conversion rate reflects an initial conversion price of $17.00 and is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. The initial dividend rate for the Preferred Stock is equal to 7.75% per annum of the initial liquidation preference of the Preferred Stock, to be paid quarterly and subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. The Preferred Stock is mandatorily redeemable on August 18, 2021 and may be redeemed at the discretion of the Company anytime after August 17, 2016. Starting August 18, 2013, if the closing price of the Common Stock exceeds 150% of the then-applicable conversion price of the Preferred Stock for 20 consecutive trading days, the Company may require conversion of all the Preferred Stock to Common Stock.

The holders of the Preferred Stock have the same voting rights as holders of the Company Common Stock and are entitled to elect one or two directors to the board of directors of the Company as long as certain Preferred Share ownership requirements are met.

The entry into the investment agreement and the issuance and sale of the Preferred Stock was approved by the Company's Board of Directors following a recommendation made by a Special Committee of the Board of Directors. In light of the investment by Liberty, the Company and Liberty Media Corporation have ceased discussions regarding Liberty Media Corporation's previously announced acquisition proposal. The terms, rights, obligations and preferences of the Preferred Stock are set forth in a Certificate of Designations of the Company, which was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on August 18, 2011. On August 18, 2011, the Company amended the Rights Agreement to reflect the issuance of the Preferred Stock.

The Preferred Stock does not meet the categories of ASC 480-10, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, and is therefore reported as temporary equity for classification purposes. The related issuance costs, which include advisory, legal and accounting fees, of $12,621 were recorded in temporary equity as a reduction of the proceeds from the Liberty investment. The Company will be required to accrete these fees on a straight line basis as dividends over the ten year term. This is in line with ASC 480-10-S99 for SEC registrants, which requires shares to be classified outside of permanent equity as temporary equity or mezzanine equity when there are events not solely within the control of the issuer that could trigger redemption. The Company has determined that the various embedded options did not require bifurcation from the Preferred Stock. Additionally, the Company concluded that a beneficial conversion feature did not exist as the effective conversion price was greater than the Company's share price on the commitment date.

XML

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-Based Compensation Expense			$ 14,835	$ 15,660
Selling And Administrative Expenses [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Restricted Stock Expense	4,279	5,048	12,410	14,945
Stock Option Expense	751	238	1,227	715
Stock-Based Compensation Expense	5,460	5,286	14,835	15,660
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Selling And Administrative Expenses [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Restricted Stock Expense	$ 430		$ 1,198

XML

Changes In Intangible Assets And Goodwill (Unamortizable Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 28, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 29, 2011
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Unamortizable intangible assets	$ 314,736
Total intangible assets	569,488	566,578	570,110
Trade Name [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Unamortizable intangible assets	293,400
Publishing Contracts [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Unamortizable intangible assets	$ 21,336

XML

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Reconciliation Of Basic And Diluted Loss Per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011
Earnings (Loss) Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc., basic	$ 52,031	$ 60,583	$ (11,138)	$ (14,503)
Accrual of preferred stock dividends, basic	(3,963)		(7,081)
Accrual of preferred stock dividends, diluted	3,963
Accretion of dividends on preferred stock, basic	(316)		(578)
Accretion of dividends on preferred stock, diluted	316
Less allocation of earnings and dividends to participating securities, basic	(2,735)	(3,329)
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders, basic	45,017	57,254	(18,797)	(14,503)
Effect of dilutive options	3	6
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders, diluted	49,299	57,260	(18,797)	(14,503)
Basic weighted average common shares	57,371	56,894	57,261	56,457
Preferred shares	$ 12,000
Average dilutive options	76	142
Diluted weighted average common shares	69,447	57,036	57,261	56,457
Net income (loss) attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc. - Basic	$ 0.78	$ 1.01	$ (0.33)	$ (0.26)
Net income (loss) attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc. - Diluted	$ 0.71	$ 1.00	$ (0.33)	$ (0.26)

XML

Sale Of Distribution Facility (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2011	Jan. 28, 2012
Sale Of Distribution Facility [Abstract]
Sale of distribution facility	$ 18,000	$ 18,000
Loss on sale of distribution facility	$ 2,178

XML

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Long-Term Liabilities) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 28, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 29, 2011
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred Rent	$ 230,542	$ 271,451	$ 286,417
Junior Seller Note	150,000	150,000	150,000
Other	27,749	27,196	36,961
Total long-term liabilities	$ 408,291	$ 448,647	$ 473,378

XML

Merchandise Inventories

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Merchandise Inventories [Abstract]

Merchandise Inventories

(1) Merchandise Inventories

Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined primarily by the retail inventory method under both the first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis and the last-in, first-out (LIFO) basis. B&N College's textbook and trade book inventories are valued using the LIFO method, where the related reserve was not material to the recorded amount of the Company's inventories or results of operations.

Market is determined based on the estimated net realizable value, which is generally the selling price. Reserves for non-returnable inventory are based on the Company's history of liquidating non-returnable inventory.

The Company also estimates and accrues shortage for the period between the last physical count of inventory and the balance sheet date. Shortage rates are estimated and accrued based on historical rates and can be affected by changes in merchandise mix and changes in actual shortage trends.

XML

Changes In Intangible Assets And Goodwill (Aggregate Amortization Expense) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011
Changes In Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Abstract]
Aggregate Amortization Expense	$ 12,980	$ 10,972

XML

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

(21) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment (ASU 2011-08). ASU 2011-08 gives the Company the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, the Company determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. This ASU is effective for the Company's financial statements for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The adoption is not expected to have an impact on the Company's Fiscal 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income (ASU 2011-05). ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders' equity. The amendment requires that all non-owner changes in stockholders' equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. In addition, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05.(ASU 2011-12). ASU 2011-12 effectively defers only those changes in Update 2011-05 that relate to the presentation of reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income. All other requirements in ASU 2011-05 are not affected by this update. These ASUs are effective for the Company's financial statements for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011 and must be applied retrospectively. The adoption is not expected to have an impact on the Company's Fiscal 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements.

XML

Legal Proceedings

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Legal Proceedings [Abstract]

Legal Proceedings

(20) Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved in a variety of claims, suits, investigations and proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of its business, including actions with respect to contracts, intellectual property, taxation, employment, benefits, securities, personal injuries and other matters. The results of these proceedings in the ordinary course of business are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

The following is a discussion of the material legal matters involving the Company.

Minor v. Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc. et al.

On May 1, 2009, a purported class action complaint was filed against B&N Booksellers, Inc. (B&N Booksellers) in the Superior Court for the State of California alleging wage payments by instruments in a form that did not comply with the requirements of the California Labor Code, allegedly resulting in impermissible wage payment reductions and calling for imposition of statutory penalties. The complaint also alleges a violation of the California Labor Code's Private Attorneys General Act and seeks restitution of such allegedly unpaid wages under California's unfair competition law, and an injunction compelling compliance with the California Labor Code. The complaint alleges two subclasses of 500 and 200 employees, respectively (there may be overlap among the subclasses), but contains no allegations concerning the number of alleged violations or the amount of recovery sought on behalf of the purported class. On June 3, 2009, B&N Booksellers filed an answer denying all claims. Discovery concerning purported class member payroll checks and related information is ongoing. On August 19, 2010, B&N Booksellers filed a motion to dismiss the case for lack of a class representative when the named plaintiff advised she did not wish to continue to serve in that role. On October 15, 2010, the Court issued an order denying B&N Bookseller's motion to dismiss. The Court further ruled that Ms. Minor could not serve as a class representative. The Court also granted Plaintiff's Motion to Compel Further Responses to previously-served discovery seeking contact information for the putative class. B&N Booksellers provided that information on October 15, 2010. The previously scheduled Case Management Conference was continued to January 27, 2011. Plaintiff's counsel filed an amended complaint on January 26, 2011, adding two new named Plaintiffs, Jacob Allum and Cesar Caminiero. At the Case Management Conference held on January 27, 2011, the Court ordered the parties to complete mediation by May 6, 2011. The parties held a mediation on April 11, 2011 and reached a tentative settlement. On August 29, 2011, the Court continued a hearing to consider granting preliminary approval of the settlement. On November 10, 2011, the parties appeared before the Court for the hearing on preliminary approval. At the Court's request, the parties subsequently submitted supplemental papers to address outstanding issues raised by the Court at the hearing. The Court granted preliminary approval of the settlement on November 22, 2011 and has now set March 26, 2012 for the final approval hearing.

In re Barnes & Noble Stockholder Derivative Litigation (Consolidated Cases Formerly Captioned Separately as: Louisiana Municipal Police Employees Retirement System v. Riggio et al.; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority v. Riggio et al.; City of Ann Arbor Employees' Retirement System v. Riggio et al.; Louise Schuman v. Riggio et al.; Virgin Islands Government Employees' Retirement System v. Riggio et al.; Electrical Workers Pension Fund, Local 103, I.B.E.W. v. Riggio et al.)

Between August 17, 2009 and August 31, 2009, five putative shareholder derivative complaints were filed in Delaware Chancery Court against the Company's directors. The complaints generally allege breach of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets and unjust enrichment in connection with the Company's entry into a definitive agreement to purchase Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, which was announced on August 10, 2009 (the Transaction). The complaints generally seek damages in favor of the Company in an unspecified amount; costs, fees and interest; disgorgement; restitution; and equitable relief, including injunctive relief. On September 1, 2009, the Delaware Chancery Court issued an Order of Consolidation consolidating the five lawsuits (the Consolidated Cases) and directing plaintiffs to file a consolidated amended complaint. In a related development, on August 27, 2009, the Company received a demand pursuant to Delaware General Corporation Law, Section 220, on behalf of the Electrical Workers Pension Fund, Local 103, I.B.E.W., a shareholder, seeking to inspect certain books and records related to the Transaction. The Company provided this shareholder with certain documents, on a confidential basis, in response to its demand. On September 18, 2009, this shareholder filed a shareholder derivative complaint in Delaware Chancery Court against certain of the Company's directors alleging breach of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment and seeking to enjoin the consummation of the Transaction. At that time, this shareholder also filed a motion for expedited proceedings. At a hearing held on September 21, 2009, the court denied plaintiff's request for expedited proceedings. On October 6, 2009, the plaintiffs in the Consolidated Cases filed a motion seeking to consolidate the later-filed sixth case with the Consolidated Cases. Also on October 6, 2009, the plaintiff in the sixth case filed a separate motion seeking to consolidate its case with the Consolidated Cases and appoint it as co-lead plaintiff and to appoint its counsel as co-lead counsel. On November 3, 2009, a Consolidated Complaint was filed in the Consolidated Cases. The Company and defendants sought an extension of their time to answer or otherwise respond to the complaints while the plaintiffs' respective consolidation motions were pending. On December 11, 2009, the court entered an order consolidating all actions and appointing co-lead counsel for plaintiffs. Plaintiffs designated the Consolidated Complaint filed on November 3, 2009 to be the operative Complaint. The Company and defendants filed motions to dismiss the Consolidated Complaint on January 12, 2010. On January 29, 2010, plaintiffs informed defendants that they would amend their Complaint rather than respond to defendants' motions to dismiss. Plaintiffs filed an Amended Consolidated Complaint on March 16, 2010. The Company and defendants filed motions to dismiss the Amended Consolidated Complaint on April 30, 2010. Plaintiffs filed their response to the motion to dismiss on June 2, 2010. Oral argument on the motions to dismiss was held on October 21, 2010. Following those arguments, the Court denied the Company's motion to dismiss, denied in part and granted in part the motion to dismiss filed by Defendants Leonard Riggio, Stephen Riggio and Lawrence Zilavy, and denied in part and granted in part the motion to dismiss filed by the remaining defendants, dismissing all claims asserted against Directors George Campbell, Jr. and Patricia Higgins. Pursuant to the Court's January 19, 2011 Scheduling Order, trial was scheduled to commence on December 12, 2011. On September 28, 2011, the Court adjourned the trial at the request of plaintiffs. On January 17, 2012, the Court issued a revised Scheduling Order. Trial is now scheduled to commence on June 18, 2012. All defendants except Leonard Riggio moved for summary judgment on December 21, 2011. Those motions were briefed on March 2, 2012 and argument has been scheduled for March 27, 2012. Discovery in this matter is proceeding.

Stephen Strugala v. Leonard Riggio, et al.

On December 21, 2010, a complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against the Company's current directors and former directors Lawrence Zilavy and Michael Del Giudice. The complaint is purportedly brought both directly, on behalf of a putative class of shareholders, and derivatively, on behalf of the Company. The complaint generally alleges breaches of fiduciary duties, waste and unjust enrichment in connection with the Company's acquisition of Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, the adoption of the Shareholder Rights Plan, and other unspecified instances of alleged mismanagement and alleged wrongful conduct. The complaint also generally alleges violations of Section 14(a) of the 1934 Act in connection with the issuance of various proxy statements by the Company. The complaint generally seeks declaratory and equitable relief, including injunctive relief, and costs and fees. On January 19, 2011, the Court granted the parties' Stipulation and Order. On February 18, 2011, the plaintiff filed a Notice of Voluntary Dismissal of Claim, dismissing without prejudice his putative class claim for violations of Section 14(a) of the 1934 Act. On March 8, 2011, defendants filed a motion to dismiss all claims in the litigation. On October 4, 2011, the Court granted defendants' motion to dismiss, but also granted plaintiff leave to replead within 30 days. On November 3, 2011, plaintiff requested a pre-motion conference with the Court to discuss an anticipated motion to substitute a new plaintiff, Ms. Whitney Parker, for Mr. Strugala, and simultaneously filed an amended complaint on behalf of Ms. Parker asserting the same claims asserted in Mr. Strugala's original complaint. The Court held a pre-motion conference on December 9, 2011, at which the parties agreed that Ms. Parker could be substituted for Mr. Strugala without prejudice to any of defendants' rights. On January 20, 2012, defendants moved to dismiss the amended complaint. Briefing on that motion is scheduled to be completed on May 4, 2012.

Microsoft Corp. v. Barnes & Noble, Inc. et al.

On April 25, 2011, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) published notice that it had instituted an investigation under Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 into allegations by Microsoft Corporation that certain of the Company's NOOK eReader infringe Microsoft's U.S. Patent Nos. 5,778,372; 5,889,522; 6,339,780; 6,891,551; and 6,957,233. Microsoft sought a prospective order from the ITC excluding allegedly infringing NOOK products from the United States. Barnes & Noble vigorously contested Microsoft's allegations, and alleged that Microsoft was abusing its patents to coerce the Company into licensing Microsoft's patent portfolio. On January 31, 2012, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) rejected the Company's patent misuse defense by granting Microsoft's summary determination motion directed to that defense. Barnes & Noble filed a petition asking the ITC to review the ALJ's summary determination ruling. That petition is pending. Microsoft withdrew the '780 and '551 patents from the investigation, and the case was tried before an ALJ on the three remaining patents on February 6-10, 2012. The Commission's staff attorney supported Barnes & Noble's position that each of Microsoft's asserted patents is invalid and/or not infringed by Barnes & Noble. The ITC is presently scheduled to issue its final determination on August 27, 2012. Microsoft also filed suit against the Company in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington alleging infringement of the same set of patents. The district court litigation has been stayed pending final resolution of the ITC matter.

Lina v. Barnes & Noble, Inc., and Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc. et al.

On August 5, 2011, a purported class action complaint was filed against Barnes & Noble, Inc. and Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc. in the Superior Court for the State of California making the following allegations against defendants with respect to salaried Store Managers at Barnes & Noble stores located in the State of California from the period of August 5, 2007 to present: (1) failure to pay wages and overtime; (2) failure to pay for missed meal and/or rest breaks; (3) waiting time penalties; (4) failure to pay minimum wage; (5) failure to provide reimbursement for business expenses; and (6) failure to provide itemized wage statements. The claims are generally derivative of the allegation that these salaried managers were improperly classified as exempt from California's wage and hour laws. The complaint contains no allegations concerning the number of any such alleged violations or the amount of recovery sought on behalf the purported class. The Company was served with the complaint on August 11, 2011. On August 30, 2011, the Company filed an answer in state court, and on August 31, 2011 it removed the action to federal court pursuant to the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005, 28 U.S.C. § 1332(d). On October 28, 2011, the district court granted plaintiff's motion to remand the action back to state court, over the Company's opposition. The Company believes that the district court remanded the action in error. On November 7, 2011, Barnes & Noble petitioned the Ninth Circuit for an appeal of the district court's remand order. The case is currently in state court, pending the Ninth Circuit's decision regarding the Company's petition for permission to review the remand order.

Rhonda Burstein v. Hachette Book Group, Inc., et al.

On August 12, 2011, a purported class action complaint was filed against Hachette Book Group, Inc., Harper Collins Publishers, Inc., Macmillan Publishers, Inc., Penguin Group (USA) Inc., Simon & Schuster, Inc., Random House, Inc., (collectively, the Publisher Defendants) and Apple, Inc., Amazon.Com, Inc., and Barnes & Noble, Inc. (collectively with the Publisher Defendants, the Defendants) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of purchasers of eBooks of Publisher Defendants through Apple, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other eBook retailers. The complaint generally alleges a horizontal price fixing and a vertical conspiracy among the Defendants to restrain trade in the consumer retail market of eBooks in the United States in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act, 15 U.S.C. §1 and Section 2 of the Sherman Act, 15 U.S.C. §2. The complaint generally seeks treble damages in an undetermined amount sustained pursuant to Section 4 of the Clayton Act 15 U.S.C. § 15, costs and fees, and injunctive relief. Other complaints have been filed against the Publisher Defendants, Apple and/or Amazon that do not name the Company as a defendant resulting in a petition to the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (MDL Panel) to coordinate these cases, including the Burstein action, and consolidate them for pretrial purposes in the Southern District of New York or the Northern District of California. The MDL Panel held a hearing on December 1, 2011. The Company's date to file a motion to dismiss the Complaint has been extended until after a consolidated amended complaint is filed in the jurisdiction chosen by the MDL Panel. The Company denies liability and intends to vigorously defend its interests.

Barnes & Noble, Inc. and Barnesandnoble.com llc v. LSI Corporation and Agere Systems, Inc.

On June 6, 2011, Barnes & Noble, Inc. filed a complaint against LSI Corporation in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Case No. 11-CV-2709 EMC. The complaint sought a declaratory judgment that Barnes & Noble, Inc. does not infringe U.S. Patent Nos. 5,546,420; 5,670,730; 5,862,182; 5,920,552; 6,044,073; 6,119,091; 6,404,732; 6,452,958; 6,707,867 and 7,583,582. Barnes & Noble, Inc. amended the complaint on August 10, 2011 to add barnesandnoble.com llc as a plaintiff, to add Agere Systems, Inc. as a defendant, to add a cause of action seeking a declaratory judgment that neither Barnes & Noble, Inc. nor barnesandnoble.com llc infringes U.S. Patent No. 7,477,633, and to add causes of action seeking a declaratory judgment that each of the eleven patents-in-suit is invalid. On November 1, 2011, LSI and Agere answered the amended complaint and asserted counterclaims against Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc, alleging infringement of the eleven patents-in-suit. On November 28, 2011, Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc answered the counterclaims and asserted several affirmative defenses, including the defense that seven of the patents-in-suit are unenforceable as a result of standard-setting misconduct. The Court has set certain pretrial dates in the case, including a claim construction hearing on November 19, 2012. The Court has not yet set a trial date in the case.

XML

Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 29, 2011
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividend declared date	Nov. 17, 2009
Dividend payable, record date	Nov. 27, 2009
Common stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Proportion of preferred stock in common stock	0.001
Preferred stock price per share	$ 100.00
Rights expiry date	November 17, 2012
Percent of assets sold to acquiring entity, threshold for discounted share purchase	50.00%
Rate of discounted share purchase	50.00%
Current beneficial ownership threshold percentage	20.00%
Series I Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, par value per share	$ 0.001

XML

Changes In Intangible Assets And Goodwill (Estimated Amortization Expense) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2011
Changes In Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Abstract]
2012	$ 18,416
2013	19,463
2014	17,212
2015	13,277
2016	$ 11,241

XML

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Earnings (Loss) Per Share [Abstract]

Reconciliation Of Basic And Diluted Loss Per Share

	13 weeks ended						39 weeks ended
	January 28, 2012			January 29, 2011			January 28, 2012			January 29, 2011
Numerator for basic income (loss) per share:
Net income (loss) attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc.	$	52,031			60,583		$	(11,138	)		(14,503	)
Accrual of preferred stock dividends		(3,963	)		—			(7,081	)		—
Accretion of dividends on preferred stock		(316	)		—			(578	)		—
Less allocation of earnings and dividends to participating securities		(2,735	)		(3,329	)		—			—
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	45,017			57,254		$	(18,797	)		(14,503	)
Numerator for diluted income (loss) per share:
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	45,017			57,254		$	(18,797	)		(14,503	)
Accrual of preferred stock dividends		3,963			—			—			—
Accretion of dividends on preferred stock		316			—			—			—
Effect of dilutive options		3			6			—			—
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	49,299			57,260		$	(18,797	)		(14,503	)
Denominator for basic income (loss) per share:
Basic weighted average common shares		57,371			56,894			57,261			56,457
Denominator for diluted income (loss) per share:
Basic weighted average common shares		57,371			56,894			57,261			56,457
Preferred shares		12,000			—			—			—
Average dilutive options		76			142			—			—
Diluted weighted average common shares		69,447			57,036			57,261			56,457
Basic income (loss) per common share
Net income (loss) attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc. available for common shareholders	$	0.78			1.01		$	(0.33	)		(0.26	)
Diluted income (loss) per common share
Net income (loss) attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc. available for common shareholders	$	0.71			1.00		$	(0.33	)		(0.26	)

XML

Segment Reporting (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Summarized Financial Information Of Reportable Segments

Sales	13 weeks ended				39 weeks ended
	January 28,		January 29,		January 28,		January 29,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
B&N Retail	$	1,494,050	$	1,464,457	$	3,412,191	$	3,421,519
B&N College		524,604		539,893		1,512,859		1,561,404
B&N.com		420,470		319,430		824,440		640,845
Total	$	2,439,124	$	2,323,780	$	5,749,490	$	5,623,768

Depreciation and Amortization	13 weeks ended				39 weeks ended
	January 28,		January 29,		January 28,		January 29,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
B&N Retail	$	40,590	$	40,052	$	117,411	$	119,372
B&N College		11,484		10,821		33,760		32,147
B&N.com		8,199		6,137		22,530		19,172
Total	$	60,273	$	57,010	$	173,701	$	170,691

Operating Profit (Loss)	13 weeks ended						39 weeks ended
	January 28,			January 29,			January 28,			January 29,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
B&N Retail	$	166,331		$	137,540		$	156,047		$	85,006
B&N College		25,214			32,192			86,040			96,614
B&N.com		(101,872	)		(56,601	)		(233,368	)		(166,581	)
Total	$	89,673		$	113,131		$	8,719		$	15,039

Capital Expenditures	13 weeks ended				39 weeks ended
	January 28,		January 29,		January 28,		January 29,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
B&N Retail	$	26,590	$	16,634	$	57,428	$	40,254
B&N College		8,646		8,510		30,043		24,878
B&N.com		12,719		5,479		36,000		16,940
Total	$	47,955	$	30,623	$	123,471	$	82,072

Total Assets	January 28, 2012		January 29, 2011
B&N Retail	$	2,603,027	$	2,431,407
B&N College		1,369,474		1,317,920
B&N.com		217,372		247,293
Total	$	4,189,873	$	3,996,620

Reconciliation Of Operating Profit (Loss) From Reportable Segments

	13 weeks ended				39 weeks ended
	January 28,		January 29,		January 28,			January 29,
	2012		2011		2012			2011
Reportable segments operating profit	$	89,673	$	113,131	$	8,719		$	15,039
Interest, net		8,773		13,639		26,675			39,693
Consolidated income (loss) before taxes	$	80,900	$	99,492	$	(17,956	)	$	(24,654	)

XML

Basis Of Presentation

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]

Basis Of Presentation

The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Barnes & Noble, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, Barnes & Noble or the Company).

In the opinion of the Company's management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly its consolidated financial position as of January 28, 2012 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the 39 weeks then ended. These consolidated financial statements are condensed and therefore do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles. The consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 52 weeks ended April 30, 2011 (fiscal 2011).

Due to the seasonal nature of the business, the results of operations for the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 are not indicative of the results to be expected for the 52 weeks ending April 28, 2012 (fiscal 2012).

XML

Changes In Intangible Assets And Goodwill (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Changes In Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Abstract]

Amortizable Intangible Assets

			As of January 28, 2012
	Useful Life		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Total
Amortizable intangible assets
Customer relationships and other acquired intangible assets		3-25	$	271,938	$	(27,985	)	$	243,953
Author contracts		10		18,461		(16,588	)		1,873
Technology		5-10		5,850		(2,225	)		3,625
Distribution contracts		10		8,325		(4,775	)		3,550
Other		3-10		6,175		(4,424	)		1,751
			$	310,749	$	(55,997	)	$	254,752

Unamortizable Intangible Assets

Unamortizable intangible assets
Trade name	$	293,400
Publishing contracts		21,336
	$	314,736
Total intangible assets	$	569,488

Aggregate Amortization Expense

Aggregate Amortization Expense:
For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012	$	12,980
For the 39 weeks ended January 29, 2011	$	10,972

Estimated Amortization Expense

Estimated Amortization Expense:
(12 months ending on or about April 30)
2012	$	18,416
2013	$	19,463
2014	$	17,212
2015	$	13,277
2016	$	11,241

Changes In The Carrying Amount Of Goodwill By Segment

	B&N Retail		B&N College		B&N.com			Total Company
Balance as of April 30, 2011	$	225,336		274,070		24,707		$	524,113
Benefit of excess tax amortization (a)		—		—		(3,321	)		(3,321	)
Balance as of January 28, 2012	$	225,336		274,070		21,386			$520,792

(a) The tax basis of goodwill arising from an acquisition during the 52 weeks ended January 29, 2005 exceeded the related basis for financial reporting purposes by approximately $96,576. In accordance with ASC 740-10-30, Accounting for Income Taxes, the Company is recognizing the tax benefits of amortizing such excess as a reduction of goodwill as it is realized on the Company's income tax return.

XML

Segment Reporting (Reconciliation Of Operating Profit (Loss) From Reportable Segments) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reportable segments operating profit	$ 89,673	$ 113,131	$ 8,719	$ 15,039
Interest, net	8,773	13,639	26,675	39,693
Income (loss) before taxes	$ 80,900	$ 99,492	$ (17,956)	$ (24,654)

XML

Acquisition Of Certain Borders' Intellectual Property Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 28, 2012	Oct. 17, 2011
Acquisition Of Certain Borders' Intellectual Property Assets [Abstract]
Purchase price of intellectual property assets				$ 14,528
Intellectual property assets, amortization period (years)			3
Amortization expense related to acquisition	$ 1,816	$ 2,119

XML

Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011
Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]
Sales	$ 2,439,124	$ 2,323,780	$ 5,749,490	$ 5,623,768
Cost of sales and occupancy	1,786,308	1,710,108	4,237,451	4,208,276
Gross profit	652,816	613,672	1,512,039	1,415,492
Selling and administrative expenses	502,870	443,531	1,329,619	1,229,762
Depreciation and amortization	60,273	57,010	173,701	170,691
Operating profit	89,673	113,131	8,719	15,039
Interest expense, net and amortization of deferred financing fees	8,773	13,639	26,675	39,693
Income (loss) before taxes	80,900	99,492	(17,956)	(24,654)
Income taxes	28,869	38,909	(6,818)	(10,114)
Net income (loss)	52,031	60,583	(11,138)	(14,540)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests				37
Net income (loss) attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc.	$ 52,031	$ 60,583	$ (11,138)	$ (14,503)
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
Net income (loss) attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc. available for common shareholders	$ 0.78	$ 1.01	$ (0.33)	$ (0.26)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
Net income (loss) attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc. available for common shareholders	$ 0.71	$ 1.00	$ (0.33)	$ (0.26)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic	57,371	56,894	57,261	56,457
Diluted	69,447	57,036	57,261	56,457
Dividends declared per common share		$ 0.25		$ 0.75

XML

Changes In Intangible Assets And Goodwill (Changes In The Carrying Amount Of Goodwill By Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended							9 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012		Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 28, 2012 B&N Retail [Member]	Apr. 30, 2011 B&N Retail [Member]	Jan. 28, 2012 B&N College [Member]	Apr. 30, 2011 B&N College [Member]	Jan. 28, 2012 B&N.com [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance as of April 30, 2011	$ 524,113		$ 525,220	$ 225,336	$ 225,336	$ 274,070	$ 274,070	$ 24,707
Benefit of excess tax amortization	(3,321)	[1]						(3,321)	[1]
Balance as of January 28, 2012	520,792		525,220	225,336	225,336	274,070	274,070	21,386
Tax basis of goodwill in excess of related basis	$ 96,576

[1] The tax basis of goodwill arising from an acquisition during the 52 weeks ended January 29, 2005 exceeded the related basis for financial reporting purposes by approximately $96,576. In accordance with ASC 740-10-30, Accounting for Income Taxes, the Company is recognizing the tax benefits of amortizing such excess as a reduction of goodwill as it is realized on the Company's income tax return.

XML

Consolidated Statement Of Changes In Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012
Consolidated Statement Of Changes In Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Stock options exercised, shares	89
Treasury stock acquired, shares	127

XML

Revenue Recognition (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012 years
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Estimated life of NOOK, years	2
Annual Fee [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Non-refundable, after first 30 days, annual fee	25.00

XML

Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Abstract]

Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

(14) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

As of December 31, 1999, substantially all employees of the Company were covered under a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (the Pension Plan). As of January 1, 2000, the Pension Plan was amended so that employees no longer earn benefits for subsequent service. Effective December 31, 2004, the barnesandnoble.com llc (Barnes & Noble.com) Employees' Retirement Plan (the B&N.com Retirement Plan) was merged with the Pension Plan. Substantially all employees of Barnes & Noble.com were covered under the B&N.com Retirement Plan. As of July 1, 2000, the B&N.com Retirement Plan was amended so that employees no longer earn benefits for subsequent service. Subsequent service continues to be the basis for vesting of benefits not yet vested at December 31, 1999 and June 30, 2000 for the Pension Plan and the B&N.com Retirement Plan, respectively, and the Pension Plan will continue to hold assets and pay benefits. The actuarial assumptions used to calculate pension costs are reviewed annually. Pension expense was $504 and $665 for the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively, and $1,608 and $1,909 for the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively.

The Company provides certain health care and life insurance benefits (the Postretirement Plan) to certain retired employees, limited to those receiving benefits or retired as of April 1, 1993. Total Company contributions charged to employee benefit expenses for the Postretirement Plan were $38 for the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively, $113 for the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively.

XML

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011
Earnings (Loss) Per Share [Abstract]
Participating securities excluded from the calculation of earnings per share	3,476,296	3,227,690

XML

Acquisition Of Certain Borders' Intellectual Property Assets

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Acquisition Of Certain Borders' Intellectual Property Assets [Abstract]

Acquisition Of Certain Borders' Intellectual Property Assets

(16) Acquisition of Certain Borders' Intellectual Property Assets

On October 17, 2011, the Company finalized the purchase of certain intellectual property assets from the Borders Group, Inc. Chapter 11 Bankruptcy for $14,528 including acquisition related fees. These intellectual property assets include a customer list, trade names and URLs. The Company accounted for the transaction as an asset purchase, and these assets are included on its consolidated balance sheet as Intangible Assets. The intangible assets are being amortized on an accelerated basis over a three year period, commencing October 17, 2011. Amortization expense related to the acquisition for the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 was $1,816 and $2,119, respectively.

XML

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (11,138)	$ (14,540)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization (including amortization of deferred financing fees)	177,735	177,818
Stock-based compensation expense	14,835	15,660
Property and equipment impairment charge	11,586	2,589
Deferred taxes	(1,375)	1,982
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment	2,365	(573)
Decrease in other long-term liabilities	(40,356)	(32,525)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net	(36,334)	(20,694)
Net cash flows from operating activities	117,318	129,717
Cash flows used in investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of distribution center	18,000
Purchases of property and equipment	(123,471)	(82,072)
Net (increase) decrease in other noncurrent assets	(5,712)	5,889
Purchase of Borders Group, Inc. intellectual property	(14,528)
Fictionwise earn-out payments		(4,418)
Purchase of non-controlling interest		(300)
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(125,711)	(80,901)
Cash flows used in financing activities:
Net proceeds from issuance of Series J preferred stock	191,380
Net (decrease) increase in credit facility	(211,500)	44,000
Cash dividend paid to shareholders	(3,118)	(44,783)
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options	1,056	17,074
Purchase of treasury stock	(1,650)	(1,326)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	193	1,731
Payment of short term note payable		(100,000)
Net cash flows used in financing activities	(23,639)	(83,304)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(32,032)	(34,488)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	59,429	60,965
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	27,397	26,477
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net:
Receivables, net	(246,560)	(249,970)
Merchandise inventories	(439,536)	(245,763)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(7,599)	(13,637)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	657,361	488,676
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net	(36,334)	(20,694)
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid	17,722	39,216
Income taxes (net of refunds)	2,179	17,854
Supplemental disclosure of subsidiaries acquired:
Assets acquired (net of cash acquired)		1,513
Liabilities assumed (including Seller Notes)		1,213
Cash paid		300
Non-cash financing activity:
Accrued dividend on redeemable preferred stock	$ 3,963

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 28, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 29, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 27,397	$ 59,429	$ 26,477
Receivables, net	396,854	150,294	356,546
Merchandise inventories	1,814,898	1,375,362	1,615,874
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	169,535	161,936	118,486
Total current assets	2,408,684	1,747,021	2,117,383
Property and equipment:
Land and land improvements	2,541	8,617	8,617
Buildings and leasehold improvements	1,191,224	1,204,108	1,206,172
Fixtures and equipment	1,752,333	1,670,488	1,648,244
Property and equipment, gross	2,946,098	2,883,213	2,863,033
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	2,309,607	2,178,562	2,130,662
Net property and equipment	636,491	704,651	732,371
Goodwill	520,792	524,113	525,220
Intangible assets, net	569,488	566,578	570,110
Other noncurrent assets	54,418	54,103	51,536
Total assets	4,189,873	3,596,466	3,996,620
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable	1,488,552	949,010	1,244,363
Accrued liabilities	910,058	785,667	790,215
Total current liabilities	2,398,610	1,734,677	2,034,578
Long-term debt	101,600	313,100	304,400
Long-term deferred taxes	275,436	280,132	310,268
Other long-term liabilities	408,291	448,647	473,378
Redeemable Preferred Shares; $.001 par value; 5,000 shares authorized; 204, zero and zero shares issued, respectively	191,958
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock; $.001 par value; 300,000 shares authorized; 90,928, 90,274 and 90,465 shares issued, respectively	91	90	90
Additional paid-in capital	1,337,777	1,323,263	1,319,004
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(11,630)	(11,630)	(13,212)
Retained earnings	543,582	562,379	621,796
Treasury stock, at cost, 33,537, 33,363 and 33,410 shares, respectively	(1,055,842)	(1,054,192)	(1,053,682)
Total shareholders' equity	813,978	819,910	873,996
Commitments and contingencies
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 4,189,873	$ 3,596,466	$ 3,996,620

XML

Other Long-Term Liabilities

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Other Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract]

Other Long-Term Liabilities

(9) Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities consist primarily of deferred rent and obligations under a junior seller note related to the acquisition of B&N College. The Company provides for minimum rent expense over the lease terms (including the build-out period) on a straight-line basis. The excess of such rent expense over actual lease payments (net of tenant allowances) is classified as deferred rent. Other long-term liabilities also include accrued pension liabilities and store closing expenses. The Company had the following long-term liabilities at January 28, 2012, January 29, 2011 and April 30, 2011:

	January 28, 2012		January 29, 2011		April 30, 2011
Deferred Rent	$	230,542	$	286,417	$	271,451
Junior Seller Note		150,000		150,000		150,000
Other		27,749		36,961		27,196
Total long-term liabilities	$	408,291	$	473,378	$	448,647

XML

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012	Feb. 29, 2012
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jan. 28, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Registrant Name	BARNES & NOBLE INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000890491
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--01-28
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Trading Symbol	bks
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		60,195,555

XML

Income Taxes

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

(10) Income Taxes

As of January 28, 2012, the Company had $17,269 of unrecognized tax benefits, all of which, if recognized, would affect the Company's effective tax rate. The Company's continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Company had $3,853 accrued for interest and penalties, which is included in the $17,269 of unrecognized tax benefits noted above.

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax in jurisdictions of each state having an income tax. The tax years that remain subject to examination are primarily 2007 and forward. Some earlier years remain open for a small minority of states.

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 28, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 29, 2011
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Redeemable Preferred Shares, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Redeemable Preferred Shares, shares authorized	5,000	5,000	5,000
Redeemable Preferred Shares, shares issued	204	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000	300,000	300,000
Common stock, shares issued	90,928	90,465	90,274
Treasury stock, shares	33,537	33,410	33,363

XML

Research And Development Costs For Software Products

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Research And Development Costs For Software Products [Abstract]

Research And Development Costs For Software Products

(4) Research and Development Costs for Software Products

Software development costs for products to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed are capitalized in accordance with ASC 985-20. Capitalization of software development costs begins upon the establishment of technological feasibility and is discontinued when the product is available for sale. A certain amount of judgment and estimation is required to assess when technological feasibility is established, as well as the ongoing assessment of the recoverability of capitalized costs. The Company's products reach technological feasibility shortly before the products are released and therefore research and development costs are generally expensed as incurred.

XML

Revenue Recognition

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Revenue Recognition [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition

(3) Revenue Recognition

Revenue from sales of the Company's products is recognized at the time of sale, other than those with multiple elements. The Company accrues for estimated sales returns in the period in which the related revenue is recognized based on historical experience and industry standards. Sales taxes collected from retail customers are excluded from reported revenues. All of the Company's sales are recognized as revenue on a "net" basis, including sales in connection with any periodic promotions offered to customers. The Company does not treat any promotional offers as expenses.

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 605-25, Revenue Recognition, Multiple Element Arrangements and Accounting Standards Updates (ASU) 2009-13 and 2009-14, for multiple-element arrangements that involve tangible products that contain software that is essential to the tangible product's functionality, undelivered software elements that relate to the tangible product's essential software and other separable elements, the Company allocates revenue to all deliverables using the relative selling-price method. Under this method, revenue is allocated at the time of sale to all deliverables based on their relative selling price using a specific hierarchy. The hierarchy is as follows: vendor-specific objective evidence, third-party evidence of selling price, or best estimate of selling price. NOOK™ (references to NOOK™ include the Company's NOOK 1^st Edition™, NOOK Wi-Fi 1^st Edition™, NOOK Color™, NOOK Simple Touch™ and NOOK Tablet™ eBook Reader devices) eBook Reader revenue is recognized at the segment point of sale.

The Company includes post-service customer support (PCS) in the form of software updates and potential increased functionality on a when-and-if-available basis, as well as wireless access and wireless connectivity with the purchase of certain NOOK™ devices from the Company. Using the relative selling price described above, the Company allocates revenue based on the best estimate of selling price for the deliverables as no vendor-specific objective evidence or third-party evidence exists for any of the elements. Revenue allocated to NOOK™ and the software essential to its functionality is recognized at the time of sale, provided all other conditions for revenue recognition are met. Revenue allocated to the PCS and the wireless access is deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the 2-year estimated life of NOOK™.

The Company also pays certain vendors who distribute NOOK™ a commission on the content sales sold through that device. The Company accounts for these transactions as a reduction in the sales price of the NOOK™ based on historical trends of content sales and a liability is established for the estimated commission expected to be paid over the life of the product. The Company recognizes revenue of the content at the point of sale of the content.

The Company records revenue from sales of digital content, sales of third-party extended warranties, service contracts and other products, for which the Company is not obligated to perform, and for which the Company does not meet the criteria for gross revenue recognition under ASC 605-45-45, Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent, on a net basis. All other revenue is recognized on a gross basis.

The Barnes & Noble Member Program offers members greater discounts and other benefits for products and services, as well as exclusive offers and promotions via e-mail or direct mail for an annual fee of $25.00, which is non-refundable after the first 30 days. Revenue is recognized over the twelve-month period based upon historical spending patterns for Barnes & Noble Members.

XML

Sale Of Distribution Facility

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Sale Of Distribution Facility [Abstract]

Sale Of Distribution Facility

(15) Sale of Distribution Facility

On December 29, 2011, the Company sold its distribution facility located in South Brunswick, New Jersey for $18,000, which resulted in a loss of $2,178.

XML

Fair Values Of Financial Instruments

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Fair Values Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Fair Values Of Financial Instruments

(11) Fair Values of Financial Instruments

In accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, the fair value of an asset is considered to be the price at which the asset could be sold in an orderly transaction between unrelated, knowledgeable and willing parties. A liability's fair value is defined as the amount that would be paid to transfer the liability to a new obligor, not the amount that would be paid to settle the liability with the creditor. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are measured using a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include:

Level 1 – Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices in active markets

Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring the Company to develop its own assumptions

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company's financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable approximated carrying values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. The Company believes that its credit facility approximates fair value since interest rates are adjusted to reflect current rates. The Company believes that the terms and conditions of the Junior Seller Note are consistent with comparable market debt issues.

XML

Changes In Intangible Assets And Goodwill

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Changes In Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Abstract]

Changes In Intangible Assets And Goodwill

(7) Changes in Intangible Assets and Goodwill

			As of January 28, 2012
	Useful Life		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Total
Amortizable intangible assets
Customer relationships and other acquired intangible assets		3-25	$	271,938	$	(27,985	)	$	243,953
Author contracts		10		18,461		(16,588	)		1,873
Technology		5-10		5,850		(2,225	)		3,625
Distribution contracts		10		8,325		(4,775	)		3,550
Other		3-10		6,175		(4,424	)		1,751
			$	310,749	$	(55,997	)	$	254,752

Unamortizable intangible assets
Trade name	$	293,400
Publishing contracts		21,336
	$	314,736
Total intangible assets	$	569,488

Amortizable intangible assets are generally amortized over their useful life on a straight-line basis, with the exception of certain items such as customer relationships and other acquired intangible assets, which are amortized on an accelerated basis.

Aggregate Amortization Expense:
For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012	$	12,980
For the 39 weeks ended January 29, 2011	$	10,972

Estimated Amortization Expense:
(12 months ending on or about April 30)
2012	$	18,416
2013	$	19,463
2014	$	17,212
2015	$	13,277
2016	$	11,241

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 are as follows:

	B&N Retail		B&N College		B&N.com			Total Company
Balance as of April 30, 2011	$	225,336		274,070		24,707		$	524,113
Benefit of excess tax amortization (a)		—		—		(3,321	)		(3,321	)
Balance as of January 28, 2012	$	225,336		274,070		21,386			$520,792

(a) The tax basis of goodwill arising from an acquisition during the 52 weeks ended January 29, 2005 exceeded the related basis for financial reporting purposes by approximately $96,576. In accordance with ASC 740-10-30, Accounting for Income Taxes, the Company is recognizing the tax benefits of amortizing such excess as a reduction of goodwill as it is realized on the Company's income tax return.

 

XML

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Earnings (Loss) Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

(5) Earnings (Loss) per Share

In accordance with ASC 260-10-45, Share-Based Payment Arrangements and Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method, the Company's unvested restricted shares, unvested restricted stock units and shares issuable under the Company's deferred compensation plan are considered participating securities. During periods of net income, the calculation of earnings per share for common stock are reclassified to exclude the income attributable to unvested restricted shares, unvested restricted stock units and shares issuable under the Company's deferred compensation plan from the numerator and exclude the dilutive impact of those shares from the denominator. Diluted earnings per share for the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011 was calculated using the two-class method for stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units, and the if-converted method for the preferred stock.

During periods of net loss, no effect is given to the participating securities because they do not share in the losses of the Company. Due to the net loss during the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, participating securities in the amounts of 3,476,296 and 3,227,690, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of loss per share using the two-class method because the effect would be antidilutive. The Company's outstanding stock options were also excluded from the calculation of loss per share using the two-class method because the effect would be antidilutive.

The following is a reconciliation of the Company's basic and diluted loss per share calculation:

	13 weeks ended						39 weeks ended
	January 28, 2012			January 29, 2011			January 28, 2012			January 29, 2011
Numerator for basic income (loss) per share:
Net income (loss) attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc.	$	52,031			60,583		$	(11,138	)		(14,503	)
Accrual of preferred stock dividends		(3,963	)		—			(7,081	)		—
Accretion of dividends on preferred stock		(316	)		—			(578	)		—
Less allocation of earnings and dividends to participating securities		(2,735	)		(3,329	)		—			—
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	45,017			57,254		$	(18,797	)		(14,503	)
Numerator for diluted income (loss) per share:
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	45,017			57,254		$	(18,797	)		(14,503	)
Accrual of preferred stock dividends		3,963			—			—			—
Accretion of dividends on preferred stock		316			—			—			—
Effect of dilutive options		3			6			—			—
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	49,299			57,260		$	(18,797	)		(14,503	)
Denominator for basic income (loss) per share:
Basic weighted average common shares		57,371			56,894			57,261			56,457
Denominator for diluted income (loss) per share:
Basic weighted average common shares		57,371			56,894			57,261			56,457
Preferred shares		12,000			—			—			—
Average dilutive options		76			142			—			—
Diluted weighted average common shares		69,447			57,036			57,261			56,457
Basic income (loss) per common share
Net income (loss) attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc. available for common shareholders	$	0.78			1.01		$	(0.33	)		(0.26	)
Diluted income (loss) per common share
Net income (loss) attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc. available for common shareholders	$	0.71			1.00		$	(0.33	)		(0.26	)

XML

Segment Reporting

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting

(6) Segment Reporting

The Company identifies its operating segments based on the way the business is managed (focusing on the financial information distributed) and the manner in which the chief operating decision maker interacts with other members of management. The Company has determined that it has three operating segments: B&N Retail, B&N College and B&N.com. As previously announced on January 5, 2012, the Company is evaluating its reporting segments due to the increased significance of the NOOK business platform. The evaluation is expected to be complete by the end of this fiscal year, which may result in reporting NOOK as a separate operating segment.

B&N Retail

This segment includes 691 bookstores as of January 28, 2012, primarily under the Barnes & Noble Booksellers trade name. The 691 Barnes & Noble stores generally offer a NOOK™ Boutique/Counter, a comprehensive title base, a café, a children's section, a Toys & Games department, a DVD/BluRay department, a music department, a magazine section, a gift section, a bargain section and a calendar of ongoing events, including author appearances and children's activities. The B&N Retail segment also includes the Company's publishing operation, Sterling Publishing.

B&N College

This segment includes 641 stores as of January 28, 2012 that are primarily school-owned stores operated under contracts by B&N College. The 641 B&N College stores generally sell and rent textbooks, and sell course-related materials, emblematic apparel and gifts, trade books, computer products and NOOK™ eBook Readers and accessories, school and dorm supplies, and convenience and café items.

B&N.com

This segment includes the Company's online business, which includes the Company's eCommerce site and features an eBookstore, and digital newsstand. Additionally, this segment includes the development and support of the Company's NOOK™ product offerings as well as channel partner sales. These products enable customers to buy and read eBooks on the widest range of platforms, including NOOK™ eBook Readers and hundreds of the most popular mobile and computing devices using free NOOK™ software.

Summarized financial information concerning the Company's reportable segments is presented below:

Sales	13 weeks ended				39 weeks ended
	January 28,		January 29,		January 28,		January 29,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
B&N Retail	$	1,494,050	$	1,464,457	$	3,412,191	$	3,421,519
B&N College		524,604		539,893		1,512,859		1,561,404
B&N.com		420,470		319,430		824,440		640,845
Total	$	2,439,124	$	2,323,780	$	5,749,490	$	5,623,768

Depreciation and Amortization	13 weeks ended				39 weeks ended
	January 28,		January 29,		January 28,		January 29,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
B&N Retail	$	40,590	$	40,052	$	117,411	$	119,372
B&N College		11,484		10,821		33,760		32,147
B&N.com		8,199		6,137		22,530		19,172
Total	$	60,273	$	57,010	$	173,701	$	170,691

Operating Profit (Loss)	13 weeks ended						39 weeks ended
	January 28,			January 29,			January 28,			January 29,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
B&N Retail	$	166,331		$	137,540		$	156,047		$	85,006
B&N College		25,214			32,192			86,040			96,614
B&N.com		(101,872	)		(56,601	)		(233,368	)		(166,581	)
Total	$	89,673		$	113,131		$	8,719		$	15,039

Capital Expenditures	13 weeks ended				39 weeks ended
	January 28,		January 29,		January 28,		January 29,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
B&N Retail	$	26,590	$	16,634	$	57,428	$	40,254
B&N College		8,646		8,510		30,043		24,878
B&N.com		12,719		5,479		36,000		16,940
Total	$	47,955	$	30,623	$	123,471	$	82,072

Total Assets	January 28, 2012		January 29, 2011
B&N Retail	$	2,603,027	$	2,431,407
B&N College		1,369,474		1,317,920
B&N.com		217,372		247,293
Total	$	4,189,873	$	3,996,620

A reconciliation of operating profit from reportable segments to income (loss) from operations before taxes in the consolidated financial statements is as follows:

	13 weeks ended				39 weeks ended
	January 28,		January 29,		January 28,			January 29,
	2012		2011		2012			2011
Reportable segments operating profit	$	89,673	$	113,131	$	8,719		$	15,039
Interest, net		8,773		13,639		26,675			39,693
Consolidated income (loss) before taxes	$	80,900	$	99,492	$	(17,956	)	$	(24,654	)

XML

Gift Cards

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Gift Cards [Abstract]

Gift Cards

(8) Gift Cards

The Company sells gift cards which can be used in its stores or on Barnes & Noble.com. The Company does not charge administrative or dormancy fees on gift cards and gift cards have no expiration dates. Upon the purchase of a gift card, a liability is established for its cash value. Revenue associated with gift cards is deferred until redemption of the gift card. Over time, some portion of the gift cards issued is not redeemed. The Company estimates the portion of the gift card liability for which the likelihood of redemption is remote based upon the Company's historical redemption patterns. The Company records this amount in income on a straight-line basis over a 12-month period beginning in the 13th month after the month the gift card was originally sold. If actual redemption patterns vary from the Company's estimates, actual gift card breakage may differ from the amounts recorded. The Company recognized gift card breakage of $12,554 and $10,685 during the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively and $23,199 and $20,599 during the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively. The Company had gift card liabilities of $367,555 and $354,775 as of January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively, which amounts are included in accrued liabilities.

XML

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

	13 weeks ended				39 weeks ended
	January 28, 2012		January 29, 2011		January 28, 2012		January 29, 2011
Restricted Stock Expense	$	4,279		5,048	$	12,410		14,945
Restricted Stock Units Expense		430		—		1,198		—
Stock Option Expense		751		238		1,227		715
Stock-Based Compensation Expense	$	5,460		5,286	$	14,835		15,660

XML

Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Pension expense	$ 504	$ 665	$ 1,608	$ 1,909
Company contributions for postretirement plan	$ 38	$ 38	$ 113	$ 113

XML

Stock-Based Compensation

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

(13) Stock-Based Compensation

For the 13 and 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense included in selling and administrative expenses as follows:

	13 weeks ended				39 weeks ended
	January 28, 2012		January 29, 2011		January 28, 2012		January 29, 2011
Restricted Stock Expense	$	4,279		5,048	$	12,410		14,945
Restricted Stock Units Expense		430		—		1,198		—
Stock Option Expense		751		238		1,227		715
Stock-Based Compensation Expense	$	5,460		5,286	$	14,835		15,660

XML

Acquisition Of Noncontrolling Interest

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Acquisition Of Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]

Acquisition Of Noncontrolling Interest

(18) Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interest

Sterling Publishing had a 50% joint venture interest in Begin Smart LLC (Begin Smart), to develop, sell, and distribute books for infants, toddlers, and children under the brand name BEGIN SMART^®. During the 13 weeks ended October 30, 2010, the Company purchased the remaining 50% outside interest in Begin Smart for $300. 100% of Begin Smart results of operations for the period subsequent to the Begin Smart acquisition date are included in the consolidated financial statements.

XML

Credit Facility (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			0 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011	Apr. 29, 2011 Amended Credit Agreement [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility, borrowing capacity			$ 1,000,000
Credit facility maturity term, in years			5
Increase in commitments under the Amended Credit Agreement, maximum			300,000
Percentage of Loan Cap under Amended Credit Agreement			10.00%
Amount of Loan Cap under Amended Credit Agreement			50,000
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 101,600	$ 304,400

XML

Changes In Intangible Assets And Goodwill (Amortizable Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life, years	3
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 310,749
Accumulated Amortization	(55,997)
Total	254,752
Customer Relationships And Other Acquired Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life, minimum, years	3
Useful Life, maximum, years	25
Gross Carrying Amount	271,938
Accumulated Amortization	(27,985)
Total	243,953
Author Contracts [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life, years	10
Gross Carrying Amount	18,461
Accumulated Amortization	(16,588)
Total	1,873
Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life, minimum, years	5
Useful Life, maximum, years	10
Gross Carrying Amount	5,850
Accumulated Amortization	(2,225)
Total	3,625
Distribution Contracts [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life, years	10
Gross Carrying Amount	8,325
Accumulated Amortization	(4,775)
Total	3,550
Other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life, minimum, years	3
Useful Life, maximum, years	10
Gross Carrying Amount	6,175
Accumulated Amortization	(4,424)
Total	$ 1,751

XML

Consolidated Statement Of Changes In Shareholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Losses [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock At Cost [Member]	Total
Balance at Apr. 30, 2011	$ 90	$ 1,323,263	$ (11,630)	$ 562,379	$ (1,054,192)	$ 819,910
Comprehensive loss:
Net loss				(11,138)		(11,138)
Total comprehensive loss						(11,138)
Exercise of 89 common stock options	1	1,055				1,056
Stock options and restricted stock tax benefits		(1,376)				(1,376)
Stock-based compensation expense		14,835				14,835
Accretive dividend on preferred stock				(578)		(578)
Accrued/paid cash dividends for preferred stockholders				(7,081)		(7,081)
Treasury stock acquired, 127 shares					(1,650)	(1,650)
Balance at Jan. 28, 2012	$ 91	$ 1,337,777	$ (11,630)	$ 543,582	$ (1,055,842)	$ 813,978

XML

Reclassifications

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Reclassifications [Abstract]

Reclassifications

(2) Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

XML

Shareholders' Equity

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]

Shareholders' Equity

(19) Shareholders' Equity

On November 17, 2009, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a dividend, payable to stockholders of record on November 27, 2009 of one right (a Right) per each share of outstanding Common Stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share (Common Stock), to purchase 1/1000th of a share of Series I Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company (the Preferred Stock), at a price of $100.00 per share (such amount, as may be adjusted from time to time as provided in the Rights Agreement described below, the Purchase Price). In connection therewith, on November 17, 2009, the Company entered into a Rights Agreement, dated November 17, 2009 (as amended February 17, 2010, June 23, 2010, October 29, 2010, and August 18, 2011, and as may be further amended from time to time, the Rights Agreement) with Mellon Investor Services LLC, as Rights Agent. The Rights will be exercisable upon the earlier of (i) such date the Company learns that a person or group, without Board approval, acquires or obtains the right to acquire beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the Company's outstanding common stock (taking into account the common stock issuable under the Series J Preferred Stock but excluding acquisitions as a result of certain increases in liquidation preference of or other adjustments under the Series J Preferred Stock) or a person or group that already beneficially owns 20% or more of the Company's outstanding common stock at the time the Rights Agreement was entered into, without Board approval, acquires any additional shares (other than pursuant to the Company's compensation or benefit plans) (any person or group specified in this sentence, an Acquiring Person) and (ii) such date a person or group announces an intention to commence or following the commencement of (as designated by the Board) a tender or exchange offer which could result in the beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the Company's outstanding common stock (taking into account the common stock issuable under the Series J Preferred Stock). The Rights will expire on November 17, 2012, unless earlier redeemed or canceled by the Company. If a person or group becomes an Acquiring Person, each Rights holder (other than the Acquiring Person) will be entitled to receive, upon exercise of the Right and payment of the Purchase Price, that number of 1/1000ths of a share of Preferred Stock equal to the number of shares of Common Stock which at the time of the applicable triggering transaction would have a market value of twice the Purchase Price. In the event the Company is acquired in a merger or other business combination by an Acquiring Person, or 50% or more of the Company's assets are sold to an Acquiring Person, each Right will entitle its holder (other than an Acquiring Person) to purchase common shares in the surviving entity at 50% of the market price.

XML

Segment Reporting (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012 segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number Of Operating Segments	3
B&N College [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Stores	641
B&N Retail [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Stores	691

XML

Credit Facility

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Credit Facility [Abstract]

Credit Facility

(12) Credit Facility

On April 29, 2011, the Company entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the Amended Credit Agreement) with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent and swing line lender, and other lenders, which amends and restates the Credit Agreement entered into on September 30, 2009. Under the Amended Credit Agreement, Lenders are providing up to $1,000,000 in aggregate commitments under a five-year asset-backed revolving credit facility (the Amended Credit Facility), which is secured by eligible inventory with the ability to include eligible real estate and accounts receivable and related assets. Borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement are limited to a specified percentage of eligible inventories and accounts receivable and accrued interest, at the election of the Company, at Base Rate or LIBO Rate, plus, in each case, an Applicable Margin (each term as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement). In addition, the Company has the option to request an increase in commitments under the Amended Credit Agreement by up to $300,000, subject to certain restrictions.

The Amended Credit Agreement requires Availability (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) to be greater than the greater of (i) 10% of the Loan Cap (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) and (ii) $50,000. In addition, the Amended Credit Agreement contains covenants that limit, among other things, the Company's ability to incur indebtedness, create liens, make investments, make restricted payments, merge or acquire assets, and contains default provisions that are typical for this type of financing, among other things. Proceeds from the Amended Credit Agreement are used for general corporate purposes, including seasonal working capital needs.

The Company had $101,600 of outstanding debt under its Credit Facility as of January 28, 2012 compared with $304,400 as of January 29, 2011.