Neebo Bought Out by Follett

by Stephanie Coley

The new academic year has brought change to Concordia’s campus bookstore. The bookstore was previously owned by Neebo, a retail store division of Nebraska Book Company, which was bought by the Follett Corporation.

The biggest change in the campus bookstore’s services is the difference in price matching policies. Neebo’s policy was that when a book’s price was matched to a better deal from another seller, the money saved was refunded in cash. Follett’s price matching policy is to refund the price difference with an in-store gift card. The price matching option was only offered during the first week of school.

The bookstore is working on changing several policies with Follett, and next semester’s price matching policy is still to be determined, according to Janice Brooks, assistant manager of the campus bookstore.

“We hope that students can remain patient with us as we adapt to this new company and know that we are doing everything we can to make the change a positive experience,” bookstore employee Katherine Lemmons said. “I think with Follett the way that we handle textbooks will be ultimately more consistent and beneficial.”

In addition to the price matching policy, the bookstore added new merchandise such as t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, school supplies and a makeup line.

“Follett is very concerned about meeting the needs of their customers and providing a positive shopping experience,” said Brooks.

Follett has been in business for over 140 years, providing services for Pre-K all the way up to the college level.

As the largest college bookstore company, Follett currently operates 1,200 campus bookstores and 1,600 virtual stores. Follett also operates online at efollett.com.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.