NEW YORK–Copco’s Mario Batali kitchenware line is making an appearance at a limited number of Barnes & Noble locations, displayed on a baker’s rack along with his cookbooks.
“We are a bookstore and we are trying to expand the book experience with categories and items that have a tie in or support books,” said Jeanne Allen, director of product development for Barnes & Noble. The test is initially with Batali’s line, and “We will try a few more cooks that have cookbooks to see if it is viable as a business,” she said. “If so, we will roll it out to other stores.” However, housewares will not be added as a category, she added.
At a location in Omaha, Neb., the Mario Batali display included a salt cellar ($19.99); tongs ($19.99); stovetop espresso makers, aprons, oven mitts, wood spatulas and espresso cup sets ($24.99 each); a ceramic oil drizzler ($9.99); and tall mug sets, pastry brushes and five-piece measuring prep bowl sets ($11.99), along with four titles of the celebrity chef’s cookbooks.