Follett to operate Wake Forest bookstores
Oak Brook-based Follett Higher Education Group said it will partner with Wake Forest University to operate its University Stores, including the University Bookstore, the Deacon Shop and the Hanes Mall Deacon Shop location.
Follett will begin management of all retail operations on June 28, 2013.
Follett will bring to Wake Forest the largest inventory of course materials through a network of more than 8,000 publishers and providers. Deacon fans and alumni will see a refreshed assortment of clothing, gifts and accessories.
In addition to management of the physical bookstore and Deacon Shop locations, Follett will also operate the university's online stores at www.wakeforest.bkstr.com - a door to expanded access, choice and convenience of the nation's largest online textbook and spirit shop portal, efollett.com.
Students will also have access to Follett's Rent-A-Text program, which saves, on average, 50 percent or more off the price of a new textbook. In addition, Wake Forest students gain access to an extensive selection of digital content, including its CafeScribe platform, Inkling's interactive digital textbooks, and more.
Wake Forest University selected Follett as having the best retail experience, resources, technology and course material offerings to support the university's students, faculty and staff and alumni. The university reviewed several store management options before selecting Follett.
“Follett's partnership will bring new services and products to the Wake Forest University stores,” said John Wise, Assistant Vice President of Hospitality Services for Wake Forest University. “We're confident that the company's commitment to keeping our university stores on the leading edge of course materials fulfillment and providing access to more affordable options will benefit our students, fans and community.”
The new partnership with Wake Forest strengthens Follett's already strong network in North Carolina. The company currently operates more than 27 stores in the state including University of North Carolina at Asheville, Guilford College, Queens University, and Fayetteville State University. Nationwide, Follett operates more than 950 campus stores.
“This partnership is a great opportunity to support student success at Wake Forest,” said Thomas Christopher, president, Follett Higher Education Group. “We're looking forward to working with the University community to offer new resources that will provide students and fans with affordable and convenient options.”