A reinstated 10% discount for alumni shoppers, a wider variety of clothing from sportswear to polo shirts to orange flannel pajamas and more varieties of university gift merchandise are among the changes at University of the Pacific’s campus bookstores in Stockton and Sacramento.

Pacific is working with Follett Higher Education, the company that manages the bookstores, to provide energized customer service and greater selection for all Pacificans. In addition to purchases in the bookstores, shopping can be done online and at tabling events such as Pacific Fridays and at high-profile occasions like commencement, Homecoming and Family Weekend and Admitted Student Day.

Amber Quinn, market leader in charge of the Stockton and Sacramento stores, said: “When the university sets up tables to show their different clubs, programs and more, the bookstore wants to be present. When the university puts itself forward, we want to be part of that.”

That is exactly what happened on Aug. 17, when the bookstore staff set up merchandise tables at the Pacific women’s soccer home opener. Quinn’s crew also has a display at the Alex and Jeri Vereschagin Alumni House that shows a sample of alumni-related products available at the store.

“We are planning an increased focus on alumni-related clothing and merchandise this year,” Quinn said. “So, it made sense to have a display at the alumni house.”

Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Scott Biedermann ’05, ’20 is pleased that Follett restored the 10% discount for alumni that was part of the previous bookstore operators’ service. A 10% discount also is available for faculty and staff.

“Our alumni wear their Pacific gear with pride and also shop for gifts and other Pacific merchandise,” Biedermann said. “It is important to restore this discount for alumni.”

Some other enhancements include:

• A more robust selection of textbooks and classroom items.
• An increased variety of McGeorge School of Law and School of Health Sciences clothing and merchandise at the Sacramento store. “Next year, on McGeorge’s 100th anniversary, we will have a great deal of centennial merchandise,” Quinn said.
• Establishing a more consistent presence at athletic events and selling merchandise specific to the Pacific teams playing.

“There are opportunities to sell merchandise not only in the store but at sites around our campuses,” said Vice President for Student Life Maria Blandizzi. “The bookstore has the opportunity to go out and meet Pacificans where they are.”

On the Stockton Campus, the Pacific Bookstore is located at the Don and Karen DeRosa University Center. In Sacramento, it is at the Student Center. Both locations will undergo renovations, which are expected to be complete in early 2024.

Send comments or suggestions to PacificStockton@bkstr.com or PacificSacramento@bkstr.com