Barnes & Noble Announces Bookstore Partnership With CSUSM to Elevate Student Success

Cal State San Marcos and higher ed solutions partner Barnes & Noble College (BNC) are joining forces under a new partnership announced today.

Following a highly competitive process, CSUSM selected Barnes & Noble College to help elevate its campus retail, enhance customer experience and improve access and affordability.

"As a leader in social mobility and as one of the top universities for students in our region, it's important for our community to have a store that reflects campus goals," said Leon Wyden Jr., CSUSM's vice president of Finance and Administrative Services. "The campus bookstore is a hub of activity, and we want all of our customers there to have the best experience possible."

The partnership will begin this summer, ahead of the 2026-27 academic year.

"At CSUSM, we are deeply committed to student success" said Carl Kemnitz, provost and vice president for academic affairs. "Through this new partnership, we hope to address barriers of access and affordability for students while making course materials adoptions easier for faculty."

Some notable highlights of the newly formed partnership include:

• a transformed retail experience with a modern layout, improved flow and a more customer-friendly environment that reflects the university's culture and values;
• an elevated merchandising assortment featuring brands such as Nike, Under Armour, Champion and '47, and curated collections from Fanatics and Lids;
• an enhanced technology assortment, including computers, tablets, accessories and support services.

In spring 2027, the bookstore will relocate from its current location on campus to CSUSM's Extended Learning Building located at the corner of Barham Drive and Campus Way to provide premium access for students and the campus community with free, short-term parking.

Barnes & Noble College brings decades of higher education expertise, operating more than 11,000 physical and virtual stores nationwide.

For more information about Barnes & Noble College, visit bncollege.com.

About Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.

Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. (NYSE: BNED) is a leading solutions provider for the education industry, driving affordability, access and achievement at hundreds of academic institutions nationwide and ensuring that millions of students are equipped for success in the classroom and beyond. Through its family of brands, BNED offers campus retail services, academic solutions, wholesale capabilities and more. BNED is a company serving all who work to elevate their lives through education, supporting student success, affordability and engagement across the campus community.