May 7, 2026
On April 30th, 2026, the University of Chicago Bookstore began a new chapter with the grand reopening of the renovated shop. The remodel, a collaboration between Follett Higher Education, UChicago Creative, and the University’s campus architect, offers a clean, contemporary take on the UChicago aesthetic. “We wanted a space that feels as modern and intuitive as today’s best retail environments, but distinctly UChicago at its core,” said David Hibbler, Jr., Executive Director of Housing & Residence Life and Associate Dean of Students in the University.
The renovation was part of Follett’s long-term partnership with the University. “When Follett transitions into a new space with a university, it’s typically in our contracts to do a remodel,” said store manager Balo Gonzalez. “We study customer and student behaviors and buying trends to decide what the remodel will look like.”
The result is a brighter, more welcoming layout. The second floor, now featuring open windows that fill the space with natural light, has become Gonzalez’s favorite feature. “I can’t get over the sunlight coming through those windows and the way the light hits the space,” he said.
Laurie Buman, Director of Design and Identity for UChicago Creative, who worked closely with the architects and merchandise licensors to ensure the refreshed design adhered to University brand guidelines, also highlighted the impact of lightening up the space. “We removed the graphics and heavier wall colors and kept a light color palette so that you could really see the inventory when you walked in,” Buman said. “All the merchandise really pops now.”
Sustainability was front of the renovation team's minds, who selected and sourced environmentally friendly materials throughout the store. From using reclaimed fixtures to reduce waste to applying low-emitting, environmentally certified paint to support healthier indoor air quality, these choices reflect the University of Chicago’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
In addition to structural updates, the bookstore has expanded its merchandise offerings to include higher-end apparel, beauty and wellness products from Bath and Body Works, and an enhanced selection of gifts and accessories. Some of these additions came directly from student feedback, including a collegiate varsity jacket suggested at a Booth student council meeting that went on to become a bestseller.
Despite the scope of the project, the bookstore remained open throughout construction, which began August 11, 2025 and concluded by late September, a remarkably fast turnaround. “It was a lot of moving parts,” Gonzalez said. “But we never closed, and we never lost a day in sales. That just shows the dedication from our students and customers, who were excited to see the transformation.” That excitement has proven well-founded, reflected in the feedback Gonzalez hears most often: “Now I actually want to shop here.”
The redesign reflects a broader effort to make the store a cultural hub for the University and the greater Hyde Park community. With its adjacent café and new seating areas for gatherings, the bookstore is becoming a true campus destination where connection is just as important as commerce.