The Barnes & Noble University District Bookstore--the partnership between B&N and University Book Store through which B&N will operate the store's general books department--will officially open in Seattle, Wash., this week. Author Matt Dinniman (Dungeon Crawler Carl) will be on hand for a ribbon cutting and book signing.
Under B&N's management, the trade book department will span 17,000 square feet, about double the size of the previous trade book department. UBS, meanwhile, will remain independent and focus on providing textbooks, student supplies, and apparel to the University of Washington community.
Earlier this spring, UW student newspaper the Daily reported that the agreement is set to run for 10 years, with the possibility of a reevaluation after four years. B&N will pay rent and a percentage of sales, and per the agreement, all UBS staff who worked in the trade book department have been retained
University Book Store was founded in 1900 by UW students. It is independent from the university and operates as a corporate trust for the benefit of UW students, faculty, and staff. At one time it had nine locations in the greater Seattle area.