Barnes & Noble's new prototype store at Concord Square in North Wilmington will open this morning. The launch of the store at 4209 Concord Pike comes one day after the closure of the bookstore chain's Concord Mall location. Delaware Business Times first reported the news in March. 

"We are thrilled to continue to serve the Wilmington community by launching a new prototype store at Concord Square," said Frank Morabito, vice president of stores at Barnes & Noble. "This new prototype is part of our ongoing testing of new stores across the country and offers a clean, contemporary design that is easy to shop and friendly to our customers."

New design features include lower profile bookshelves, so that customers can see around the entire store; two large "book theaters," which allow customers to see products wrapped around them in a new 360-degree shopping experience; and illuminated bookcases.

The location features a 700-square-foot flexible event space for community events, book signings and readings. 

A coffee shop with a selection of Starbucks beverages, baked goods, sandwiches and other grab-and-go snacks is also operates within the store.