Dear Campus Community,
I want to take this opportunity to provide the Clarkson community with an update regarding the ongoing operations of the Clarkson University Bookstore. For the past 10 years the Bookstore operations have been managed by a third-party organization, Follett. The University’s contract with Follett ends effective June 30, 2020. In preparation for this, the University began working with an outside consultant, Duvall Consulting Group, to determine the best model of operation for the Bookstore and assist in facilitating a formal RFP process for the management of the bookstore’s operations.
In March a formal review of the RFP responses was performed and Barnes & Noble College was selected to provide managerial oversight of the bookstore operations. Barnes & Noble College is a strategic partner to over 970+ colleges and universities across the country and has been managing campus stores since 1968.
It became clear through this process that Clarkson will be well served through Barnes & Noble’s expansive textbook network and supply chain logistics, continuing investment in new technologies and customer specific marketing. Through this partnership we expect significant increases in marketing efforts to Clarkson students, parents, alum, faculty and staff, as well as, increased merchandise offerings that should all result in an increase overall annual sales volume.
The transition from Follett to Barnes & Noble College is currently underway and is expected to be completed by June 30. It’s important to note that during this transition period online inventory and the ability to purchase goods online will be limited. Barnes & Noble expects to have the Potsdam store location opened by month end.
Please continue to check the University Bookstore website as Barnes & Noble works to increase the available inventory online over the next few weeks.
Thank you,
Robert Cree
Chief Financial Officer,
Clarkson University
