Barnes & Noble wins Spartan bookstore deal

Originally published in Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal April 6, 2011

Spartan Shops, a nonprofit auxiliary of San Jose State University, on Wednesday announced an agreement with Barnes & Noble Booksellers to operate the school’s bookstore.

The 10-year contract will transfer management effective April 25.

“The students, faculty and staff on our board studied the situation carefully, and we are confident Barnes & Noble will improve Spartan Bookstore,” said Spartan Shops Executive Director Beth Pugliese. “This agreement will enable us to offer a wider range of products and services at lower prices as well as access to state-of-the-art technology that will enhance the learning experience and streamline textbook adoption for faculty.”

Barnes & Noble “has agreed to make a significant investment in building out a new bookstore when the Student Union expansion and renovation project is completed in fall 2013,” the school said.

Financial details were not disclosed.

In addition to new products and services, the bookstore will continue to sell general-interest books, clothing, supplies, gifts, sundries and computers, the school said, adding that all Spartan Bookstore employees will retain their jobs.

SJSU is the 13th CSU campus to contract with a bookstore operator, and the sixth campus in the system to select Barnes & Noble. Others include Cal State L.A., Sonoma State, and CSU Bakersfield.