Follett began managing the Citadel Bookstore at the military college in Charleston, S.C., two days ago. The bookstore is closed until Sunday, November 8, for the transition, and reopening under Follett's management the following day. The full range of Follett's products and services will be available in-store and online, with Citadel products to be added soon.
"Follett was chosen as the vendor that would offer the best programs and opportunities for cadets and students to save on the overall costs of course materials," said Kevin Reid, assistant v-p for auxiliary enterprises at the Citadel. "Additionally, through Follett's retail innovation strategies, the Citadel community can look forward to a campus store environment fostering collaboration, fun events and community initiatives."
Clay Wahl, Follett's COO, commented: "The Citadel's cadets and students will be able to quickly search, browse and shop for all their campus essentials whether they're on a computer, tablet or phone and conveniently choose in-store pickup if needed." Follett operates more than 1,200 local campus stores and 1,600 virtual stores.
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Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, N.Y., has made Barnes & Noble as its official bookstore and campus store provider, effective October 22. After a national competitive bid process, B&N "stood out as a partner that would offer a better program and expand opportunities for students to save on their overall costs of course materials including textbook rentals," according to the university. B&N is operating the two campus stores, as well as the online store sbushopred.com.
"Our goal is to focus on providing the best service to our students, making their day better in any way we can, and improving the affordability of textbooks and course materials," said Van Sullivan, executive director of the Faculty Student Association. The campus stores closed for at the end of October for 10 days but have since reopened after "a store refresh."
Amanda Alicea, FSA business development manager, said the association "is working closely with Barnes & Noble to provide a smooth, successful and speedy transition."