Barnes & Noble College will manage the bookstore on the campus of St. Cloud State University, in St. Cloud, Minn. St. Cloud Live reported that the university made the decision in the wake of an expiring contract with Follett, which ran the bookstore for more than 10 years. B&N will also oversee the spirit shop.
Director of business services Kyle Welch noted that the school went through a state-mandated RFP process that included presentations from three vendors to faculty, staff and students. "Why we went with Barnes & Noble compared to others is we felt that it was best for the students; they do have the largest inventory of physical and digital course materials so that provided the best supply for the students," Welch noted. "They also have a price match program and very convenient options for picking up any physical items that they might need."