Follett Higher Education has completed a $2.5 million renovation of the University of Florida bookstore under a renewed ten-year partnership, expanding the campus’s sports-merchandise retail offer.
In its October 28 announcement, Follett described an enlarged Nike and Jordan Brand department, a customization zone and more name, image and likeness merchandise. The release announced the grand reopening that day and described a ribbon-cutting celebration, without specifying a separate ceremony date.
Customers can personalize jerseys, T-shirts and hats. An expanded assortment through Campus Ink includes player-specific jerseys and apparel, giving student-athlete merchandise a larger role in the store.
The redesign also includes a 63-foot digital display wall and a Gatorade-branded retail area. Additional Gatorade apparel, accessories and exclusive merchandise are planned; the announcement does not say those additions are already available.
For sports brands and licensed-merchandise operators, the project illustrates how a campus bookstore can combine branded departments, customization and athlete-specific products within one retail destination. The investment is substantial, but Follett disclosed no sales targets or projected return for the renovation.
