10,000 square foot satellite store including a Starbucks Café to be located in downtown Westfield
Westfield State College President Evan S. Dobelle announced today the College has signed an agreement of principle with Barnes & Noble College Booksellers to manage bookstore operations beginning October 15, 2009. The company manages almost 700 college bookstores across the U.S.
Westfield State issued a request for proposal in December 2008. Candidates were reviewed by a committee comprised of students, faculty, and administration.
“Barnes & Noble was unanimously recommended to me by the committee because it has a proven track record plus the systems and experience to help us maximize efficiencies and space. Additionally, they have been highly successful in communities of all sizes,” said President Dobelle. “We look forward to working with them to meet the needs of our students, faculty on campus and the larger community of downtown Westfield.”
New On-Campus Location, New Look
The company will establish the on-campus bookstore in the newly renovated space on the first floor of Ely Library Campus Center. The bookstore will feature an inviting yet contemporary look that incorporates Owls tradition with the signature look carried by the bookseller nationwide. Textbooks and school supplies will be available as well as a line of campus clothing and merchandise.
Student committee member and former president of the WSC student government association Jessica Mowatt of Westfield was impressed by Barnes & Noble throughout the review process.
“Barnes & Noble understands what students are looking for in their campus bookstore. The company’s commitment to modern innovative thinking, and social responsibility reflects Westfield State’s own mission – students want these values and commitments seen implemented throughout all levels of the campus community,” said Mowatt.
Satellite Store To Be Located in Downtown Westfield
In addition to the on-campus store, Barnes & Noble will establish a satellite store in downtown Westfield slated to open in fall 2010. Barnes & Noble will manage the downtown bookstore, but the WSC Foundation will be leasing at least 10,000 square feet of space with the location to be determined. The company will contribute $500,000 to the renovation of the space. The store will provide books and materials for both students and the broader community as well as include a café featuring Starbucks products.
"We are honored and privileged to renew our relationship with Westfield State College. Barnes & Noble College Booksellers admires the vision of President Evan Dobelle and looks forward to becoming part of the Westfield State College community," said Paul Maloney, Vice President, Stores, Barnes & Noble College Booksellers.
Westfield State will provide further details on the development of the downtown bookstore as the project progresses.
“The addition of Barnes & Noble and Starbucks to downtown Westfield is cause for celebration. The downtown bookstore will be developed in a way that advances the campus-community connection, increases foot traffic downtown and provides a catalyst for other development,” said City of Westfield Mayor Michael Boulanger.
Barnes & Noble College Booksellers operates more than 20 campus bookstores in Massachusetts.
About Barnes & Noble College Booksellers: Based out of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, Barnes & Noble College Booksellers is a privately held sister-company to Barnes & Noble, Inc., the nation’s largest bookseller. Currently, they operate almost 700 campus bookstores across America.
About Westfield State College
Founded in 1838 by Horace Mann, Westfield State is an education leader committed to providing every generation of students with a learning experience built on its founding principle as the first co-educational college in America to offer an education without barrier to race, creed or economic status. This spirit of innovative thinking and social responsibility is forged in a curriculum of liberal arts and professional studies that creates a vital community of engaged learners who become confident, capable individuals prepared for leadership and service to society.
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