UK Bookstore Celebrates Grand Opening
A week of special events marked the grand opening celebration of the newly renovated University of Kentucky Bookstore from Jan. 26 through Jan. 30.
When Follett Higher Education Group was awarded the contract to operate the UK Bookstore on July 1, 2007, the agreement included an extensive renovation of the existing facility to improve the appearance of the store and the merchandising of its products. After much thoughtful planning, work began in spring 2008 to achieve those goals.
UK and Follett recently completed a total facelift of the UK Bookstore, which now features more than 23,000 square feet, enhancing the shopping experience with wider aisles, a greater selection of merchandise and an accessible, inviting new entrance on Euclid Avenue. The joint project between the university and the Follett Higher Education Group cost more than $3 million.
The store's new floor design includes an additional 7,000 square feet to provide more efficient access during the high volume activities of fall and spring semesters' textbook sales with modified fixtures to create more space. The progressive glass design of the additional space includes an exterior entrance to the store from Euclid Avenue with improved natural lighting, trademark clothing as well as bestselling fiction and nonfiction, magazines, and books published by University Press of Kentucky.
“We are now a ‘one-stop shop’ for students who live on campus,” said Sally Wiatrowski, bookstore director. “This store will be a campus destination for textbooks, trade books, and Wildcat imprinted clothing, which includes a Nike shop for men and special sections for women’s and children’s apparel.”
“The strong partnership forged between the Follett management team and the University of Kentucky has complemented quite well the delivery of services to our students and the university community," said John Herbst, director of the UK Student Center. "This renovation and expansion will create an exciting opportunity to bring the UK Bookstore to a premiere level of service, with an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere that encourages our community be fully engaged in the task of becoming a Top 20 institution. The new bookstore reflects our values as a scholarly community.”
University of Kentucky Bookstore invites the UK campus and the community to attend the ribbon cutting.
Friday, Jan. 30: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
11 a.m. – Grand opening ceremony with UK President Lee T. Todd Jr., who will cut the ribbon to the new store. The National Champion UK Cheerleaders, along with the pep band and mascots will join the fun while the UK music group Paws & Listen will entertain.
The University of Kentucky Bookstore is the official bookstore of the University of Kentucky and is located in the 106 Student Center Annex on campus. Regular store hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:45 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Sunday. For more information, contact Sally Wiatrowski at (859) 257-6304.
