Students can look forward to a new, more modern bookstore this fall

Big changes are in store for the Concordia Bookstore that include a new renovated space with a small lounge during off-peak times, plus a new system to order books online. 

Renovations to the bookstore, located in the basement of the J.W. McConnell Building (LB), will begin in May. An adjacent area will sell Concordia T-shirts, Stingers swag, supplies, backpacks and other sundries.

“We really want to offer a bright, modern space that is in line with the library’s new look,” says Sabrina Lavoie, executive director of Budget Planning and Business Development in the Services sector. “The design is meant to encourage interaction and improve customer service.”

The newly renovated store will maximize space to host the entirety of Concordia’s book selection. When it re-opens in the fall, it will feature a small lounge area, open during off-peak periods, where students can thumb through books, relax and chat with friends.

The main floor will remain open until construction of a new collaborative space kicks off.

Although plans for the new space are still in the works, Lisa Ostiguy, Concordia’s deputy provost, says it will provide students and faculty from across the university, with a designated space to work on projects together.

“We are now in discussions on how best to use this space to create opportunities that will promote cross-university collaboration involving our students, faculty and staff,” she says. “The need for this kind of space was a recurring theme during our consultations as part of Phase 1 of our Strategic Directions Initiative.”

Click-and-collect and a new e-commerce platform

The renovated bookstore will feature a new click-and-collect system, which will allow students to order online year-round from the comfort of their home and pick up their purchases at the store. Previously, this service was offered during peak periods and for textbooks only.

The click-and-collect system is set to go live this fall, coinciding with the back-to-school season. The new e-commerce platform will feature every single item for sale at the bookstore — from textbooks and backpacks, to diploma frames and notepads.

A new coffee bar

As part of its contract with Aramark, Concordia provides spaces for food services on campus. This includes a new space in the basement of the LB Building, next to the bookstore.

Construction is underway to transform this area into a full Starbucks coffee bar, set to open on Monday, February 29.