BY JAMIE REESE
SC Web Editor

Starting March 28, 2013, Barnes & Noble will manage the University Book Store. This transition entails certain changes, and students should familiarize themselves with them.

Despite Barnes & Noble being a prominent retailer, the University Book Store itself will not change drastically. In other words, the University Book Store will not become a Barnes & Noble, but will merely be managed by them. This being the case, certain programs will be terminated, such as the Burgy Bucks Program, but the items available will be roughly the same as they have always been. ESU merchandise will still be available.

Fred Moses, Executive Director of the Student Activity Association (SAA), briefly spoke with me concerning the details of this new management.

“They [Barnes & Noble] will most likely introduce new programs that a small store could not possibly offer,” said Fred. Just as with all major retailers, there is a high probability they will offer a rewards program. “Burgy Bucks is something we have to do away with.”

The last day to receive and use Burgy Bucks is February 15, 2013. After this day, all accounts will be forfeited and the program will cease to exist. As with the Burgy Bucks program, gift cards will be cancelled. The last day to redeem gift cards is March 22, 2013.

The University Store has put many items on sale, so if you are hoping to use your Burgy Bucks and/or gift cards before the aforementioned dates, you may take advantage of sales.

As far as books are concerned, Fred says, “They’re going to have many more titles available for rent.  I think they will have a more expansive offer.” Known primarily as a book retailer, it will only make sense that Barnes & Noble will have a stronger base with which to offer more prominent, and more relevant titles.

Although students are generally unaware of this change, some have other concerns or hopes for the new management.

“I’m pretty okay with this as long as prices don’t rise any higher than they actually are now,” said Cory Wickward, a senior at ESU.

The current staff has also shown some concern.

“I have not been told about my future employment,” said store employee, Briana Magistro, and ESU sophomore.  I’ve brought it up with them, and they did not give me an answer.”

“The current staff “has been provided the opportunity to work in store for a minimum of a year,” said Fred, so this concern seems to have been dealt with in the contract.

Email Jamie at:
jreese6@live.esu.edu