Syracuse Sun

Syracuse University has announced a partnership with Barnes & Noble College (BNC), part of Barnes & Noble Education, to manage the University's Campus Store. The transition will occur gradually during the fall semester, with BNC taking full control on January 1, 2025.

The collaboration aims to provide innovative programs and services for academic success while enhancing retail experiences and merchandise offerings. John Papazoglou, senior vice president and chief operations officer at Syracuse University, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: "We are excited to welcome Barnes & Noble College to Syracuse University and look forward to our partnership."

Papazoglou and Julie Hasenwinkel, associate provost for academic programs, will lead a working group focused on improving textbook affordability using BNC's options. This group includes representatives from Syracuse University Libraries, students, faculty, and staff. It seeks to improve textbook adoption rates and promote inclusive access courses.

Faculty members will benefit from access to BNC's Adoption & Insights Portal (AIP), allowing them to research affordable course materials easily. AIP provides real-time adoption rates and submission progress visibility at school or departmental levels.

Following a vendor transition period, an on-site textbook liaison will engage with faculty members through information sessions about course materials.

According to Papazoglou, shifts in consumer behavior have led to changes in store management. The trend away from traditional stores selling physical books has accelerated over the last five years due to increased demand for omnichannel purchase experiences.

The Campus Store will offer an expanded product assortment both in-store and online through personalized web and mobile experiences. Through partnerships with Fanatics and Lids, BNC will provide a wide range of collegiate licensed merchandise via shop.cuse.com starting July 1, 2025.

Current Campus Store employees can apply for positions within the University or with BNC as they transition throughout the fall semester.

Jonathan Shar, CEO of Barnes & Noble Education said: “We are thrilled to partner with Syracuse University... It is an honor...to transform the Campus Store into a destination that delivers innovative programs...and next-generation e-commerce capabilities.”