New bookstore program will revitalize the student experience

The brick-and-mortar retail store will continue to operate at 601 Prince George Street in the Triangle Building for spirit wear, trade books and other merchandise. Mobile shopping locations will pop-up around campus throughout the year based around major campus events. (W&M Auxiliaries photo)

William & Mary announced today its intention to award a bookstore contract to eCampus, with a retail subcontract with Rally House, that will span five years and enhance course material offerings and merchandise programs on campus. The contract will take effect on July 1, 2026, and includes operation of storefront and online marketplaces.

"The campus bookstore is one of the few places students interact with at every stage of their college career - from that first piece of spirit wear on a tour to textbooks to graduation regalia and everything in between," said Jackson Mathews, assistant vice president of auxiliary services. "We are thrilled to welcome partners who are not only dedicated to elevating our merchandise selection but who also want to streamline the course materials process and increase options for affordable resources."

eCampus and Rally House share William & Mary's view that an ideal campus experience is about more than just coursework. Both companies plan for a full calendar of events designed to engage students, provide opportunities for community building and promote school pride. Rally House will engage in programming around major campus events like Orientation, Family Weekend and Charter Day, as well as support smaller scale department initiatives throughout the year with pop-up shops and product support.

The brick-and-mortar retail store will continue to operate at 601 Prince George Street in the Triangle Building for spirit wear, trade books and other merchandise. Mobile shopping locations will pop-up around campus throughout the year based around major campus events.

eCampus's robust course material catalog will provide students with everything they need for a successful semester. With cost-saving measures like price-matching, rental marketplace options and more, affordability is at the forefront of decision-making. eCampus will support faculty onboarding and provide resources to take them through the course material adoption process, and the dedicated online platform will help students navigate what textbook and format will work best for them. eCampus's commitment includes funds for student textbook scholarships and engagement initiatives for students in need of additional support.

eCampus.com is a premier online retailer of new, used and electronic textbooks for sale or rent, study materials and book buyback services headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky. In addition to direct retail sales via the online eCampus.com storefront, the company partners with colleges, universities and K-12 schools to serve as their official bookstore. Currently the eCampus.com Online Bookstore Program serves as the official textbooks and course materials provider for over 450 K-12 and higher education institutions nationwide, with impressive growth each year.

Rally House is a specialty sports store that prides itself in its ability to offer an expansive selection of apparel, gifts, home decor and other types of merchandise while representing local NCAA, NFL, NBA, MLB, NFL and MLS teams. They also carry local novelties and regional-inspired items such as apparel, accessories, gifts, food and so much more. With locations spread throughout the Midwest, South and Northeast, they enjoy bringing stylish sports apparel and unique gifts to cities and states where fans reside, work and root for their favorite teams.

One of the main goals at Rally House is to be more than just another sports store, and that isn't possible without great help from their wonderful employees and customers. Their stores offer a friendly environment and a comfortable shopping experience. When you're at Rally House, they want it to feel like being at your house. Their people - both behind the counter and out on the floor - are a major reason why they stand out from their competitors. Rally House is committed to establishing a genuine connection with patrons.

eCampus, with a retail subcontract with Rally House, was selected after an open solicitation process that requested proposals from eligible course materials and retail service providers. Proposals were reviewed by a committee composed of student leaders, administrators, staff members, and representatives from multiple W&M departments. William & Mary Auxiliary Services serves as the contract administrator and provides university oversight to the operation of the contract.

Rachel Smith, Auxiliary Services

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