Huston-Tillotson students can no longer walk across campus to purchase a book, a pack of pens or a university shirt.

Huston-Tillotson University closed their bookstore this June after their vendor, Follett, pulled out. There is an empty space in the student union where the bookstore used to be. Now students must purchase textbooks through E-Follett or other third-party online vendors. 

It is unlikely the St. Edward’s University bookstore will suffer the same fate according to St. Edward’s bookstore employees.

“Sales are about the same as they always have been, if not up,” Desiree Gomez,  a bookstore employee, said. 

Textbook sales support the bookstore at the beginning of each semester.  Memorabilia, school supplies and convenience store items propel the bookstore’s business throughout the semester.

Many St. Edward’s students feel the campus would be lacking without the bookstore. 

“I like walking into a store and buying my books, especially seeing the new books and the quality of the used books,” Nathalie Phan, sophomore said. “I wouldn’t prefer an online bookstore.”

And convenience draws students to the bookstore every semester. 

“You can just come in and pick up a book here. You can also do a little shopping for family and friends,” Gomez said.

Although purchases at St. Edward’s bookstore are steady, many students do purchase textbooks from third-party vendors. 

“I use a website called TextSurf” Phan said. “It tells me the cheapest location to buy my books. It compares all of the prices from websites like Amazon and Chegg.”

Purchases from the St. Edward’s bookstore contribute to the university’s Endowment Fund and fortify the future of the store, Gomez said. 

However, college students often cannot afford the usually pricier university bookstore. 

“You can shop at Walmart, which is really cheap, or you can go to Whole Foods. I’d love to buy from Whole Foods, but as a college student I’d have to go for the cheaper option. I have to help myself before I can help the bookstore,” Phan said. 

Professors also have a similar outlook. 

English Writing and Rhetoric professor Drew Loewe does not dismiss the university bookstore, but he does acknowledge Amazon and Half Priced Books as practical options for students seeking discounted texts.