Barnes and Noble at Mercer University held its first day of business Thursday in its new location at the corner of Montpelier and Linden Avenues. PHOTO BY CARL V. LEWIS/THE CLUSTER.

Mercer’s bookstore opened Thursday in its new location on the ground floor of The Lofts at Mercer Village, marking the latest retail addition in the university’s growing push to redevelop the formerly blighted area on the edge of campus.

The 7,600 square-foot store now operates under the Barnes and Noble name, allowing it to offer a wider range of merchandise than the former location in Penfield Hall.

Store manager Bill Green said he hopes the store’s new location and expanded selection will attract more shoppers from the Macon community.

“We will carry a broader array of products bearing the Mercer name or logo. There is a tremendous pride for our school – not just on campus but all over Macon. Our new merchandise will help more people show their Mercer pride,” Green said.

The store occupies about half of the ground floor space of the newly constructed four-story mixed-use retail and residential student loft building at the intersection of Montpelier and Linden Avenues.

Other businesses planning to open in the building in the coming months include Fountain of Juice cafe, Margaritas Mexican restaurant and Designer Tan salon.

A grand opening of the new complex will be held in early spring.

For more on this story, read next week’s Cluster, or check back in at www.mercercluster.com for updates.