A rumor that has the Barnes and Noble bookstore moving to a different shopping center is just that – so far.

Kim Morris, general manager of Barnes and Nobles’ Wilmington location, said the nationwide chain bookseller is looking to expand but has not made any decisions to date.

“I’m pretty sure we’re going to be moving sometime within the next couple of years – it’s not immediate, but we’re not sure of the location yet,” Morris said.

Morris said the store recently conducted a zip code study to find out where their customers come from. The results of the study are not yet available. Morris is not sure if the store on South College Road, which is a popular place for UNCW students to study or kill time, will be closing when a newer store is completed.

Morris said she is aware of the relationship the store has with UNCW students and likes the store being located near the college.

“Some of our most loyal customers are the students who study in the café. They don’t always buy things, but when they finish studying, I think they sort of shop to celebrate, so it’s good to have them here,” she said.

Morris said she is also unsure of where the new store would be and that the Landfall area is one of several locations the company is researching.

“I like being near the college. Being near the beach would put us near a lot of students as well because I know a lot of students live down there,” Morris said.

Landfall is an affluent area of Wilmington located close to Wrightsville Beach known for its large homes, gated community and country club.

Located in the Lumina Station shopping center, the same area as Landfall, is Bristol Books, a locally owned independent bookstore.

Nicki Leone, manager and book buyer for Bristol Books, said she does not think her store should worry about competing directly with Barnes and Noble. She said Bristol Books has a helpful, knowledgeable staff and great customers.

“I think there is room for both of us,” Leone said.

Bristol Books offers an extensive selection of local and regional writers. The store also hosts readings and book signings of regional authors throughout the year. It also supplies and sells the books during the presentations of authors, lecturers and researchers whom visit UNCW. Leone, who was unaware that Barnes and Noble is considering the Landfall area, did not want to comment about the chains mobility. She is, however, aware of a nationwide trend involving large chain booksellers moving into areas and putting independent booksellers out of business. She said the trend has slowed recently and offered her sales as proof that her store will succeed regardless of competition with larger stores.

“So far, I think there’s room for both of us. As it stands now, we are comfortable with our store, and our sales keep going up,” Leone said.

There are plans for a new gourmet coffee shop and café next to Bristol Books, which Leone said, will only add to the stores success.

Morgan Gallo, a junior at UNCW, said she prefers studying in the Barnes and Noble cafe rather than in the library or at home. Gallo said she would be disappointed if the store on College Road were to close.

“Not only do I come here to study . . . but the books that they have here . . . I was able to use some of the books to study, and they don’t mind that,” she said.