The former William & Mary bookstore had a soft opening recently at its new location in the Triangle Building, at 601 Prince George St., Williamsburg, Va.; and under a new name: William & Mary Spirit Shop and Bookstore. The Virginia Gazette reported that the new space "is much smaller with just 4,000 square feet compared with the older store in Merchants Square and its approximately 25,000 square feet of display space." A grand opening celebration is planned for December 8.
"We're thrilled to be opening the new William & Mary Spirit Shop and Bookstore location in time for the holidays," said store manager Susan Lemerise. "William & Mary has been an incredible school partner throughout this whole process. We're so excited to welcome the community to the new store."
Barnes & Noble College has signed a new contract with W&M and secured a warehouse in the area to handle its textbook operation as well as storage space for some merchandise and clothing. W&M merchandise, memorabilia and brand/logo apparel will be the focus of the new retail outlet, with some trade books--hardcover and paperback--available. Primarily books about the college, titles by local authors and some bestsellers will be offered.
A B&N College spokesperson said the the location move "reflects the Bookstore's continued adaptations to the sale and delivery of university textbooks and course materials, while recognizing the value of in-person shopping for W&M merchandise and supplies."
The bookstore also features outdoor seating "to welcome the William & Mary community and is working to support other local businesses in the Triangle Black, such as a bakery and sandwich shops," the Gazette noted.