USC Announces Partnership with Barnes and Noble

COLUMBIA, S.C. (USC SID) — The University of South Carolina announced it is extending its current partnership with Barnes & Noble College, a leading operator of college bookstores in the United States and the current operator of the USC Bookstore and bookstore website, to power the school’s official True Spirit online fan store at www.shopgamecocksonline.com. The new online fan store delivers an enhanced shopping experience to USC fans. Barnes & Noble College is the largest retailer of collegiate logoed Under Armour merchandise, and will offer fans a wide selection of official Gamecocks apparel and merchandise, in the most popular brands, spanning every product category.

“We view this new partnership as a natural extension of the new and expanded Gameday Store at Williams-Brice Stadium that opened last season. Not only will the new online store carry a wide assortment of Gamecock gear, the convenience of a physical presence on campus provides a unique value to Gamecock fans,” said Eric Nichols, University of South Carolina Associate AD/CMO.

The new University of South Carolina True Spirit online fan store will feature new product categories, seamless navigation, a quick checkout process and a variety of shipping methods. Fans will also benefit from the convenience of a physical retail presence for easy pickups, returns or exchanges at the campus bookstore or stadium location. With a physical location right on campus, the USC True Spirit online fan site offers the added convenience of ordering online ahead of time and picking up on game day right at the stadium or campus store – something other online retailers cannot offer.

The USC True Spirit online fan store will also connect with the USC athletics calendar, promoting the key events that truly resonate with fans, whether it’s homecoming or celebrating a football game win.

“We’re extremely excited to partner with the University of South Carolina and deliver fans an exceptional shopping experience,” said Patrick Maloney, President of Barnes & Noble College. “As the current operators of the USC Bookstore, we’ll continue to offer an unmatched assortment of official Gamecocks merchandise coupled with our outstanding customer service.”

To shop at the True Spirit online fan store, visit www.shopgamecocksonline.com.

About Barnes & Noble College
Barnes & Noble College, a Barnes & Noble Education company (NYSE:BNED), is a leading operator of college bookstores in the United States.  Barnes & Noble College currently operates 751 campus bookstores and the school-branded e-commerce sites for each store, serving more than 5 million college students and faculty nationwide.  As a strategic partner, Barnes & Noble College is committed to offering a complete support system and an unmatched retail and digital learning experience to foster student success in higher education.

General information on Barnes & Noble College can be obtained by visiting the Company’s website: www.bncollege.com.