Johns Hopkins University Chooses a New Business Partner for Its Campus Retail Operations
Johns Hopkins University selects Follett Higher Education Group as new campus store operator in Charles Village
Johns Hopkins University has chosen Follett Higher Education Group, a leading national campus store operator, to manage its retail outlet in the Homewood campus following a thorough selection process involving feedback from faculty and students.
Follett, which currently operates over 1,000 retail locations across the country, will take over from Barnes & Noble, which has run the store since its relocation to the corner of St. Paul and 33rd streets in 2006.
The new partnership aims to support the distribution of course materials on Johns Hopkins' website and enhance the student experience through an improved in-store environment and increased digital integration.
Follett's commitment to sustainable practices aligns with the university's strategic plan, offering local procurement, merchandise, and eco-friendly products. The company has also expressed a willingness to customize Hopkins-branded merchandise, according to Matt Moss, assistant vice provost for Hopkins Dining and auxiliary services.
Plans for the campus store under Follett's direction include expanding merchandise and apparel offerings, allowing students to customize their own Hopkins-branded items via the Follett website. The store will also continue hosting popular events such as book signings, art exhibitions, and live music events.
As part of the transition, course material purchases will shift online, providing students with easy access to materials and options for direct delivery or store pickup. The university Tech Store will also relocate to the campus store space this summer.
A larger-scale renovation of the campus store is anticipated during summer 2026.
The new partnership aims to improve service to university faculty, students, and community members, with Follett demonstrating a profound understanding of the higher education and bookstore industries while balancing innovation and service enhancement.
Follett's potential contributions to the Johns Hopkins campus store may include enhanced customer experience, digital integration, sustainability initiatives, diverse course material options, and organized events and partnerships to engage the community, although specific changes will depend on the company's unique approach.
- Theselected Follett Higher Education Group is anticipated to bring innovation to Johns Hopkins University's education-and-self-development by enhancing the student life through an improved in-store environment and increased digital integration.
- The new university news about Johns Hopkins University's partnership with Follett Higher Education Group emphasizes a commitment to sustainability, as the company intends to offer local procurement, merchandise, and eco-friendly products.
- The expansion of merchandise and apparel offerings, allowing students to customize their own Hopkins-branded items via the Follett website, is part of the efforts to foster a vibrant student life and improve the overall university news experience.
