Would you like some booze with your books?

Washington

WITH the unveiling of a revamped store design on Thursday, Barnes & Noble seems to be betting that the way to its customers' wallets is through their stomachs.

The bookselling behemoth said in a presentation for investors that it will market test four redesigned stores later this year that feature larger café areas offering wine, beer and an expanded food menu, as well as table service. The goal is to boost traffic to the stores and to grow food and beverage sales from just under 10 per cent of the retailer's total sales to a larger pillar of the business.