On Nov. 12, Barnes & Noble Co. announced that software firm AMTdirect will oversee the company’s store openings, store management, distribution lines, corporate office management and warehouse properties. Barnes & Noble employees in real estate, lease administration, facilities and construction will be able to manage the portfolio actively from a single source anywhere in the world. “We’re very excited about beginning this partnership with industry leader Barnes & Noble,” says AMTdirect CEO Scott Schubert. He adds that Barnes & Noble should expect annual savings of 3% to 6% of their total real estate expense.