May 11, 2018
DeKALB, Ill. -- Huskie Books and Gear will soon transition to Follett Higher Education management, bringing new products, savings and support for campus store customers. NIU selected Follett as the campus retail partner with the best resources, technology and product selection to support the unique needs of the campus community. The transition is tentatively scheduled for June 4, 2018.
"Partnering with Follett puts the bookstore in the hands of experts at a time when the college textbook industry is evolving quickly," said NIU Acting President Lisa Freeman.
"Follett is better equipped to respond to the many, developing challenges in that fast-changing sector," Freeman said. "By leaving the management of the bookstore to experts we can devote more of our time and resources to our core mission and focus our attention on preparing students for success in their lives and careers.”
With this new partnership, NIU faculty and students will have access to Follett's expansive inventory of affordable course material choices. Cost-saving print options include used books as well as Follett’s text rental program that saves students up to 80 percent compared to purchasing new. Follett also delivers a varied selection of digital learning technologies that help promote anywhere, anytime access to needed materials.
New store services include Follett’s year-round buyback program and also price match, which helps students get their materials at the lowest cost possible. Beyond course materials, Follett will refresh general merchandise offerings to be a one-stop shop for class and campus life essentials. Huskie Books & Gear customers can expect a custom merchandise assortment that reflects local interests as well as national trends in supplies, technology, clothing, gifts and more.
"Follett’s focus is on enhancing the NIU experience, so you can expect a campus store that delivers great products, welcomes the community, celebrates campus spirit and promotes affordable course material options," said Clay Wahl, president of Follett Higher Education. "We look forward to serving NIU students, parents, alumni, fans, faculty and staff." For more information regarding Follett's services, please visit www.follett.com.
About Huskie Books and Gear
Huskie Books and Gear is devoted to serving NIU students, faculty, staff, alumni, fans and the local DeKalb community – offering products and services both in-store and online at eFollett.com. Huskie Books and Gear is located at 340 Carroll Ave, Holmes Student Center and is open 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
About Follett Corporation
For more than 140 years, Follett has been a trusted partner to preK-12 schools, colleges and campus stores, taking care of the critical details that make it easier for schools to run, teachers to teach, students to learn and fans to celebrate. A leading provider of education technology, services and physical and digital content, Follett currently works with 70,000 schools and operates more than 1,250 local campus stores and 1,600 virtual stores. With the 2016 acquisition of Baker & Taylor, LLC, Follett’s reach also extends into the public library and global retail markets. Today Follett Corporation is the world’s largest single source of books, entertainment products, digital content and multi-media for libraries, schools and retailers. Follett is a $3.6 billion privately held company headquartered in Westchester, Illinois.