Listen to this articleFlorham Park-based Barnes & Noble Education Inc. is taking the helm of campus stores at one of the top public universities in the U.S.
As part of an agreement announced Jan. 6, the company’s Barnes & Noble College subsidiary will manage all course materials, retail and e-commerce operations for the University of California, Berkeley.
According to Barnes & Noble Education, key benefits of the partnership include a transformed retail experience that offers a modernized, customer-friendly layout and a seamless omnichannel shopping experience.
Additionally, it calls for an elevated lineup of merchandise, as well as an enhanced technology assortment and support services.
Barnes & Noble Education also vowed to expand access to affordable course materials through programs that reduce costs and improve convenience.
According to Barnes & Noble Education, UC Berkeley selected Barnes & Noble College as its partner following a “highly competitive process.” The agreement officially begins Jan. 20, the company said. The company declined to provide additional details on financial terms and length of the partnership.
A ‘Golden’ moment
Barnes & Noble Education CEO Jonathan Shar commented, “UC Berkeley is one of the most respected universities in the world, and we’re honored to partner with them to reimagine the campus store as a destination that supports their academic mission, enhances the customer experience and strengthens connections across the broader UC Berkeley community.
Off campus moves
Barnes & Noble is relocating its Livingston store to a space formerly occupied by Buybuy Baby. Get the details here.
“We’re proud to bring our proven solutions and expertise in campus retail and course material affordability in ways that deliver meaningful impact for UC Berkeley,” he went on.
UC Berkeley Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Stephen Sutton shared, “We’re excited to collaborate with Barnes & Noble College to reimagine our campus store as a welcoming hub for the entire Golden Bear community.”
“Such partnerships are critical to enhancing the student experience. Our relationship with Barnes & Noble College will expand access to essential course materials and create a modern, vibrant retail environment that reflects UC Berkeley’s values and spirit,” Sutton continued.
According to Barnes & Noble Education, BNC runs more than 1,160 physical and school-branded e-commerce sites nationwide.
Within New Jersey, BNC operates at more than a dozen schools, including Caldwell University, Kean University, Rider University, Rowan College, Rowan University, Rutgers University, Stevens Institute of Technology and The College of New Jersey.
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 4 p.m. Jan. 8, 2026, to update the list of partner schools.
