Follett to Run Virginia Tech's Bookstores

Follett Higher Education Group will take over operations of Virginia Tech bookstores and some other services, including University Bookstore, Volume Two Bookstore, Dietrick Convenience Store, the North End Center Hokie Centric and North End Center Starbucks, as well as various websites, catalogues and stadium athletics stores, the Roanoke Times reported. Follett's agreement with Virginia Tech Services, which had run the operations since 1968, is effective for 10 years. 

"We look forward to a bold new retail operation aligned with the future of Virginia Tech," Donald Williams, executive director of Virginia Tech Services. "It is our mission to serve the students, faculty, and staff of the Virginia Tech community, and we will continue to provide retail services and revenue to Virginia Tech. The partnership with Follett Higher Education Group will support the continuing mission and vision of Virginia Tech and Virginia Tech Services."

No employees will lose their jobs in the move. Of the Virginia Tech Services staff, 35 will shift to comparable jobs with Follett and four will be retained by Virginia Tech Services. The more than 200 student and part-time workers employed by Virginia Tech Services will also be retained by Follett, according to the university.

In the next year to 18 months, several facilities will receive renovations and upgrades, including a new Starbucks at the University Bookstore on campus.

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