Student Stores celebrates grand re-opening
The $3.8 million project is part of the University's agreement with Barnes & Noble College to run the stores and, in turn, generate more funds for need-based student scholarships at Carolina.
UNC Student Stores has a new look and a new buzz about it.
With a revamped café, larger Bull’s Head Bookshop and a third-floor lounge, the store has been transformed into a campus destination where students can study, socialize and relax.
“It’s already becoming a buzzing center of student and faculty activity,” said Lloyd Kramer, director of Carolina Public Humanities and member of the Bulls Head Faculty Advisory Committee. “Every time I come through here there are a just a lot of people.”
On Sept. 12, Chancellor Carol L. Folt joined the store’s staff and Barnes & Noble College Vice President Paul Maloney to officially re-open the store with a ribbon cutting ceremony, signifying the completion of the summer-long renovations.
“This is a transformation for a place that means a lot to a lot of people,” Folt said.
The $3.8 million renovation included an expanded café with seating space for up to 100 people, a larger Bull’s Head Bookshop on the third floor with 70,000 titles, and a new lounge on the third floor. The store now boasts one of the largest campus Nike and Jordan shops in the country, along with a new “Glossary” cosmetic and care bar.
Renovations to UNC Student Stores were part of the University’s 10-year, $30 million agreement with Barnes & Noble, which took over operational control of the store last summer. Since then, Carolina students have saved nearly $2 million on textbooks.
As part of the agreement with Barnes & Noble, net proceeds from UNC Student Stores sales support need-based scholarships. Barnes & Noble forecasts an annual payment to the University of more than $3 million, with a guaranteed minimum payment of $3 million annually for the first two years. After the University covers operating expenses, it is expected that it could nearly quadruple its recent contribution to need-based scholarships annually.
In addition to an initial $1 million from the company for scholarships last September, Barnes & Noble expects to generate $15 million to $20 million for need-based scholarships over the length of the contract.
“Of all the things that make this public University true to what its real mission is, need-based aid is right there at the core,” Folt said.
The UNC Student Stores renovations, which was funded by Barnes & Noble, aimed to transform the store into a central destination for the campus community that could host events like book signings, lectures or live music.
Makayla Proctor, a course materials supervisor at UNC Student Stores, said renovations were catered to the students’ input and needs, and showcases Barnes & Noble’s commitment to the Carolina community.
“We want this store to be a staple for students,” said Proctor, a former student employee. “We’re here for when you start your first day of orientation all the way up until you buy your regalia.”
