Barnes & Noble Might Copy CDs by 2001

We hear that Barnes & Noble plans to have digital CD “burning” (copying) capabilities at all of its stores, including the one in Fayetteville, by the end of 2001. That means that customers can request any compact disc ever recorded, and through a digital satellite connection, B&N will make the CD for them right there in the store.

We called Chuck Gorman, who heads the music operation for B&N at corporate headquarters in New York, but he said he couldn’t comment. He referred our questions to B&N’s public relations firm. We’re still waiting to hear back from them.

B&N sells books, magazines, CDs, software and accessories. The company has 1,009 bookstores in 49 states. For the 26 weeks ended July 29, revenues rose 26 percent to $1.82 billion.