By Briana Williams–

In April, Follett Higher Education Group replaced Barnes and Noble as U of L’s bookstore partner. In May, the bookstore closed for four days in order to update the store and add a wider variety of merchandise. But nearly two months after the “renovation,” the store looks virtually the same.

With the exception of the Barnes and Noble signs no longer hanging, the thousands of students who return to campus may not realize that any renovations happened. One student shopping in the store didn’t notice any changes.

“I didn’t know we were supposed to get a new bookstore,” the student said.

There were new displays and products in the store, including Fitbit and Kate Spade items. There was also a slightly wider variety of school supplies and apparel, but prices were still similar to those under Barnes and Noble.

Follett Higher Education Group partners with thousands of schools across the country. U of L officials expressed their optimism for the new partnership in May.

With the SAC undergoing a costly facelift for the next few years, the bookstore is bound to change with it. Due to relatively low foot traffic over summer, it’s possible that some updates may be made in the next few weeks before the fall semester begins. But, at least for now, the overall layout of the store will remain familiar to students.

Photo by Briana Williams / The Louisville Cardinal