CSUB celebrates renovation of `Runner Bookstore

Store includes new flooring, lighting, paint scheme and more

By California State University, Bakersfield

January 31^st, 2023

California State University, Bakersfield students, faculty and staff can now enjoy an improved shopping experience at the `Runner Bookstore.

The university held a grand opening on Tuesday to celebrate the store’s recent renovation, which consisted of new flooring, lighting, a charging station and an expanded product line. The new store graphics and paint scheme design were completed by the Marketing and Communications team in University Advancement.

Remodeling started in December and was completed earlier this month.

“This has been a real countdown for us, and today is the day. I hope that you will find the spirit, you will find the belonging and you will feel the pride of being a `Runner,” said President Lynnette Zelezny. “The `Runner Bookstore plays a very essential role in helping our students succeed, from support with textbooks to special orders and much more. I’m very pleased with this amazing renovation.”

The bookstore — located in the Student Union — is operated in partnership with Follett, the largest campus retailer in the country. Mary Perry, vice president of business development and strategic partnerships for Follett, spoke directly to students during today’s grand opening about the importance of the bookstore serving their needs.

“This store is intended to be your store,” she said. “Our focus is on affordability and trying to find ways to work with faculty and staff to continue to evolve the campus store experience.”

Thom Davis, chief financial officer and vice president of Business and Administrative Services, thanked Follett for doing its part to make the renovated bookstore a reality.

“This bookstore renovation truly is a partnership between CSUB and Follett, and we couldn’t be more appreciative of Follett and their commitment not only to CSUB but to the California State University system,” he said.

One of the students who decided to check out the remodeled bookstore was Jadene Cruz, a junior who is pursuing a nursing degree. She was impressed by the graphic designs on the wall and the blue-and-yellow paint scheme.

“It looks nice. They painted it really well,” she said. “I think it makes it look a lot more welcoming.”

It wasn’t only students who were checking out the new store on Tuesday. Many faculty and staff members were also in attendance, including Accounting Technician Melissa Henriquez.

“I like the vibe of it. It’s very open, so you can kind of breath in the space,” she said. “I like the new merchandise and seeing what they’ve come up with. I think the amount of intentionality with wanting to produce gear that is not only for students but also for their families as well as faculty and staff members is great.”

Senior Chere Eusquiano loves the way the bookstore is being presented and said that it makes her want to shop even more.

“It looks great. The coloring really stands out,” she said. “When I walked in here, my intention was just to get a book, but then I started looking at everything and now I want to get my kids a sweater. It’s good to see the university step up their game. I think improvements like this will help lead students to success.”