Follett Higher Education Group: Shaping the Future of Collegiate Retail
Follett Higher Education Group (FHEG) is a leading educational service provider and omnichannel retailer. It provides students, faculty, staff, parents, and fans with the course materials, learning tools, and retail services needed to successfully support the academic journey. The company is committed to shaping the future with transformative collegiate retail experiences and pioneering technology. FHEG ensures students get affordable, convenient access to course materials.
A Legacy of Innovation and Adaptation
Founded in 1873, Follett Corporation began as a used bookstore in Wheaton, Illinois, by Charles M. Barnes. Over the decades, the company evolved under the leadership of the Follett family. Charles Wolcott Follett joined the company in 1901, and the business was reorganized as C. M. Barnes-Wilcox Company in 1908. By 1918, C. W. Follett took over management, renaming it J. W. Wilcox & Follett Co.
The Follett family's influence continued with C. W. Follett's sons joining the business. In 1925, Dwight Follett founded the Follett Publishing Company. In 1930, R. D. Follett established the Follett College Book Company, focusing on wholesaling used textbooks. The Charles W. Follett Award was established in 1950 to honor children's books.
Leadership transitions continued with Dwight Follett succeeding his father in 1952, followed by Dick Litzsinger in the mid-1970s and Robert J. R. Follett in 1979. In 1994, Dick Traut became chairman, and Ken Hull was elected president in 1997, marking the first non-family member in that role. Christopher Traut took over as president and CEO in 2000, with Ken Hull remaining as chairman. Charles R. (Chuck) Follett became president and CEO in 2010, followed by Mary Lee Schneider in 2012. In January 2014, Todd Litzsinger was named chairman of the board.
In February 2022, Follett Higher Education and its corporate entity were acquired by an investment group led by Jefferson River Capital LLC, completing the Follett family's exit after nearly 150 years. In January 2023, Helena B. Foulkes was appointed executive chair of Follett Higher Education Group board.
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Transforming Collegiate Retail Experiences
Follett Higher Education Group is dedicated to transforming collegiate retail experiences. They focus on pioneering technology and programs that ensure students have affordable and convenient access to course materials. The company believes the spotlight should always be on the school.
FHEG meets the needs of the campus community with an unmatched selection of merchandise and supplies, including fan gear, tech essentials, dorm supplies, food, and convenience items.
Examples of Follett's transformative initiatives include:
- Arizona State University (ASU): The ASU team recently embarked on a full-scale transformation of several retail spaces on campus to provide affordable, high-quality services and an enriched shopping experience.
- George Washington University: The university transformed its campus store into one of the premier campus retail destinations in the country through modern design and a hyper-local merchandise selection. Community involvement was critical in reimagining the store experience.
- Illinois State University: The new Redbird Spirit Shop, at two locations, creates a seamless shopping experience for Illinois State University students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, and Redbird fans.
- Spelman College: Students show their Spelman pride all year long with an authentic assortment of collegiate apparel.
- San Bernardino Community College District: In partnership with Follett, the district offers a first-of-its-kind campus-wide access program on multiple campuses, covering the cost of course materials for nearly 20,000 students.
Commitment to Affordability and Accessibility
Follett Higher Education Group is committed to driving student affordability, accessibility, and retention. Follett ACCESS is an enhanced all-campus version of its popular includED program.
Strategic Partnerships and Acquisitions
Follett has expanded its capabilities through strategic partnerships and acquisitions. Key examples include:
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- Nebraska Book Company: In August 2018, Nebraska Book Holdings and Follett Higher Education Group announced a strategic sourcing partnership to expand access, efficiency, and savings to institutions involved in wholesale course materials sourcing and selling.
- Advanced-Online: In February 2015, Follett acquired Advanced-Online, an e-commerce provider of branded merchandise store programs for education and corporate customers.
- Baker & Taylor: In April 2016, Follett Corporation acquired Baker & Taylor, a distributor of books, video, and music products to libraries, institutions, and some indie retailers.
- Access-It Software: In December 2022, Follett acquired Library Management Provider Access-It.
- Willo: Indy ed-tech firm Willo was acquired by textbook retailer Follett.
- Dyehard Fan Supply: Follett Higher Education and Dyehard Fan Supply launched a partnership to expand preeminent retail solutions for college athletics.
Follett Higher Education actively partners with universities such as Indiana State University and Roger Williams University, providing opportunities to expand retail and digital services through campus collaborations.
Digital Innovation and E-commerce Growth
Follett has focused on e-commerce and digital offerings. They have launched initiatives like the campus-wide Course Material Access program and enhanced online campus stores.
In December 2020, Follett Higher Education Group announced an 88% increase in e-commerce sales.
Campus Store Management and Operations
Follett manages campus store operations for various institutions. Recent examples include:
- Vanderbilt University: In July 2021, Follett returned to Vanderbilt University to manage campus store operations.
- Wheaton College: In July 2019, Follett announced that the Wheaton College Campus Store had transitioned to Follett Higher Education Group management.
- University of Houston System: In May 2019, Follett announced that it had been chosen by the University of Houston System Board of Regents to manage six campus retail locations across the UH System's four universities.
- The Citadel: In October 2020, The Citadel Bookstore transitioned to being operated by Follett Higher Education.
Product and Service Innovations
Follett Higher Education Group is continuously innovating its product and service offerings:
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- Vitamin Shoppe Partnership: In August 2022, Follett announced that it would feature Vitamin Shoppe health and wellness products in college bookstores.
- The Brandr Group Partnership: In February 2022, The Brandr Group and Follett teamed up to bring player apparel and jersey sales to schools across the country.
- Campus Direct: Follett offers Campus Direct, which supports moments like orientation gear, tour guide apparel, student leader kits, alumni gifts, or large-scale campus programs.
- Lululemon In-Store Launch: The recent lululemon in-store launch at USF celebrated campus pride and delivered a premium, lifestyle-focused brand experience.
- Student-Designed Apparel: Northeastern students are debuting a new tradition with a student-designed Beanpot T-shirt, available at the Northeastern Bookstore.
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