Barrington Books, Barrington, R.I., plans to open a second store, in Cranston's Garden City Center this fall. The Cranston Patch reported that the addition of the new 5,000-square-foot space "marks the end of a frustrating four-year absence of a bookstore in Garden City Center, a popular destination shopping center that watched Borders Bookstore close in 2011 when that company imploded."
"Barrington Books has evolved into a shopping destination on the East Bay, and we are excited to duplicate the indie bookstore experience that we have long been known for at Garden City Center," said Jennifer Massotti, general manager of Barrington Books. "After a long period of diligence to find the right home for our second location, we believe Garden City Center, with its goal of offering the very best shopping experience around combined with its long history as part of Rhode Island's retail landscape, is the perfect fit for us."
Deb DiMeo, v-p of leasing for the Wilder Companies, the management company for Garden City Center, said that the new store "meets consumer demand and provides yet another unique reason for shoppers to visit Garden City Center. Barrington Books, known for its community events, a knowledgeable, book-loving staff and hand selected toys and gifts, fits perfectly with Garden City Center's emphasis on offering unique to Rhode Island local, regional and national retailers."
Cranston Mayor Allan Fung said the bookseller "will be a wonderful asset to the West Bay and our city. I look forward to visiting them when they open later this year."
