Barnes and Noble is one of the largest and most well-known book retailers in the United States, with an extensive selection of books, magazines, stationery, toys, and gifts. If you’re in the UK and trying to order from their website, the big question is: can you get their products shipped internationally?
The answer is no — Barnes and Noble does not currently ship directly to the UK through their standard checkout. They only ship within the United States and to APO/FPO military addresses, US territories, and Canada. This can be disappointing for UK customers looking for exclusive US titles or special editions.
Can You Still Order from Barnes and Noble in the UK?
While direct international shipping isn’t available, there are still a couple of workarounds. The most common method is to use a US parcel forwarding service, which provides you with a US-based shipping address. You place your order with Barnes and Noble as if you're in the US, and the forwarding company then receives and reships the package to your UK address.
This process adds time and cost, but it does allow UK customers to access products not available from local retailers. Services like Stackry, MyUS, and Shipito are commonly used for this purpose.
What Products Does Barnes and Noble Sell?
Barnes and Noble is best known for books — including new releases, classics, textbooks, and exclusive signed editions. However, they also offer a wide selection of gifts, games, puzzles, journals, vinyl records, toys, and their own line of eReaders called NOOK. Some products, such as Barnes and Noble exclusives, aren’t available through other booksellers, making the site especially appealing for collectors and fans of limited editions.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship to the UK?
If you use a parcel forwarding service, the shipping cost depends on the size and weight of the item, as well as the courier and speed you select. Most forwarding services also charge a handling or membership fee. Expect to pay significantly more than you would for a domestic UK order, especially for larger books or box sets.
You’ll also need to consider import VAT and customs duties, which may be charged upon arrival in the UK. These are usually collected by the courier or postal service before delivery.
Is It Worth Ordering Barnes and Noble Products from the UK?
Ordering from Barnes and Noble as a UK customer is generally only worth it if you’re looking for something you can’t easily get elsewhere — such as a US-only edition, a signed book, or an exclusive gift item. For regular titles, UK-based booksellers like Waterstones, WHSmith, Blackwell’s, or even Amazon UK will be faster and more cost-effective.
If you're set on something from Barnes and Noble, make sure to calculate the full cost — including the product, forwarding fees, shipping, and customs charges — before placing your order.
Are There Any UK Retailers That Stock Barnes and Noble Editions?
Some third-party sellers on Amazon UK and eBay import Barnes and Noble exclusive editions, especially leatherbound classics and collector's items. Prices are usually marked up, but they often still work out cheaper and easier than ordering direct through a forwarding service. If you're not concerned about having the item brand new from the official store, these can be a solid alternative.
Additional Details
NOOK eBooks and Digital Content
Even though Barnes and Noble doesn’t ship physical items to the UK, UK customers can buy NOOK eBooks and digital content, provided they create an account and access the platform via the NOOK app or compatible devices. This is a good alternative if you’re interested in their eBook exclusives but don’t want to deal with international shipping.
However, some NOOK content may be geo-restricted, so availability can vary depending on UK copyright rules and publisher agreements. It’s worth checking individual book listings before purchasing.
Membership Program Limitations
Barnes and Noble offers a membership programme with perks like discounts and free US shipping — but it’s only valid for customers with a US billing and shipping address. UK-based shoppers won’t be able to use it unless they’re routing their orders through a parcel forwarder and using a US billing method. This can cause checkout issues, so it’s worth avoiding if you’re not a US resident.
Gift Cards May Not Work Internationally
Barnes and Noble gift cards are primarily restricted to use within the US and may not work through Global-e or other third-party checkouts. UK customers should be cautious when buying or redeeming gift cards, as you might run into payment rejections if the billing details don’t match a US address.
Pre-Orders and Delays
If you're ordering a pre-order item through a parcel forwarding service, keep in mind that there may be a delay between the release date and when your forwarder receives the item. Add to that the extra time for international shipping, and you could be waiting significantly longer than if you bought from a UK retailer with local stock. This is especially relevant for new releases or time-sensitive purchases.
Signed Editions and Collectibles
One of the biggest reasons UK customers go to Barnes and Noble is for their exclusive signed editions and collector's items, which often aren’t sold anywhere else. These can include limited-run hardcovers, boxed sets, and leatherbound classics. If you're a collector, it may be worth the extra effort and shipping cost — just be sure the item is well-packaged when forwarded, especially for books with delicate finishes.
Use of a US-Based Friend or Family Address
As an alternative to paid parcel forwarding, some customers use a US-based friend or relative’s address for delivery and ask them to forward it manually. This can reduce costs and give you more control over packaging and shipping methods. Of course, it depends on whether you have someone you trust in the US.
Summary
Barnes and Noble does not offer direct shipping to the UK, but UK customers can still access their products by using a US parcel forwarding service. While this makes it possible to buy exclusive or US-only editions, the added cost of shipping, customs, and handling often makes it impractical for everyday purchases. For special items, though, it's a workable solution — especially if you're after a collector’s edition or limited print run not sold anywhere else in the UK.