Wake Forest University Selects Follett to Manage University Stores

OAK BROOK, Ill., June 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Follett Higher Education Group announced it will partner with Wake Forest University to operate its University Stores, including the University Bookstore, the Deacon Shop and the Hanes Mall Deacon Shop location.  Follett will begin management of all retail operations on June 28, 2013.

Follett will bring to Wake Forest the largest inventory of course materials available today through a network of more than 8,000 publishers and providers, offering Wake Forest students the greatest selection of affordable course material options. Deacon fans and alumni will see a refreshed assortment of clothing, gifts and accessories.

In addition to management of the physical bookstore and Deacon Shop locations, Follett will also operate the university's online stores at www.wakeforest.bkstr.com - a door to expanded access, choice and convenience of the nation's largest online textbook and spirit shop portal, efollett.com.

Students will also have access to Follett's Rent-A-Text program, which saves, on average, 50 percent or more off the price of a new textbook. In addition, Wake Forest students gain access to an extensive selection of digital content, including its CafeScribe^® platform, Inkling's interactive digital textbooks, and more.

Wake Forest University selected Follett as having the best retail experience, resources, technology and course material offerings to support the university's students, faculty and staff and alumni. The university reviewed several store management options before selecting Follett.

"Follett's partnership will bring new services and products to the Wake Forest University stores," said John Wise, Assistant Vice President of Hospitality Services for Wake Forest University. "We're confident that the company's commitment to keeping our university stores on the leading edge of course materials fulfillment and providing access to more affordable options will benefit our students, fans and community."

The new partnership with Wake Forest strengthens Follett's already strong network in North Carolina. The company currently operates more than 27 stores in the state including University of North Carolina at Asheville, Guilford College, Queens University, and Fayetteville State University. Nationwide, Follett operates more than 950 campus stores.

"This partnership is a great opportunity to support student success at Wake Forest," said Thomas Christopher, president, Follett Higher Education Group.  "We're looking forward to working with the University community to offer new resources that will provide students and fans with affordable and convenient options."  

As part of its focus on creating tailored course material strategies that help improve learning outcomes, Follett recently launched a new program that provides students with access to both print and digital materials from any publisher, as part of tuition or a single fee.  includED™ ensures students will be equipped with all required materials and ready to learn on the first day of class.

For more information regarding Follett's services and locations please visit www.follett.com. To learn more about Follett's affordable textbook rental and digital programs please visit www.rentatext.com and www.cafescribe.com.

About Follett
Since 1873, Follett has served as the trusted partner in education for students and educators at all levels of learning. Today Follett delivers physical and digital learning materials, retail services, school content and management systems to more than 70,000 early childhood, primary and secondary schools, and on more than 1,000 college campuses.

SOURCE Follett Higher Education Group