Barnes & Noble is a multi-channel distribution platform that provides access to trade books, textbooks, magazines, newspapers, and other content. It operates as a content, commerce, and technology company. Barnes & Noble’s main business is the sale of trade books, mass-market paperbacks, children’s books, bargain books,magazines, gift, cafe products and services, music, and movies direct to customers. As of January 2009, the company operated 778 bookstores and a website. Barnes & Noble was founded in 1917 by Leonard Riggio. It is headquartered in New York, N.Y.