The Trinity University Store: A New Era for Merchandise and Course Materials

The Trinity University Store has undergone a significant transformation, ushering in a new era for branded merchandise and course material accessibility. Through strategic partnerships and a commitment to enhancing the campus experience, Trinity University is providing students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors with an improved and more comprehensive store environment.

Reopening and Partnership with University Gear Shop

After much anticipation, The Trinity University Store has reopened in partnership with University Gear Shop. The store offers a variety of branded merchandise for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and campus visitors. The refreshed Trinity University Store, located in the Coates University Student Center, features updated signage and an expanded selection of Trinity merchandise. You’ll also find a new face behind the counter-store manager Tony Elizondo.

Exclusive Discounts for Faculty and Staff

Faculty and staff receive an exclusive 20% discount on all regular-priced merchandise with a valid Trinity ID.

Welcoming Tony Elizondo as the New Manager

Trinity University is excited to welcome Tony Elizondo as the new manager of The Trinity University Store. “Tony brings more than 10 years of retail management experience and enthusiasm to the role,” says Diana Heeren, senior associate vice president for Finance. Tony is excited to design the store with the Trinity community in mind. “We ask for everyone’s patience during this transition as Tony refines operations, expands inventory, and gets to know the Trinity community,” says Heeren.

Transition to a Hybrid Model

Following a comprehensive review process, Trinity University has selected University Gear Shop and eCampus.com as its new campus store retail and textbook service partners. This transition marks an exciting step toward enhancing the campus store experience, improving access to affordable course materials, and strengthening the Trinity brand. By adopting a hybrid business model, which includes both an online course materials store and a physical retail location, Trinity will offer a more customized and student-friendly experience, while improving affordability and expanding the reach of Trinity-branded merchandise.

Read also: Decoding Trinity GPA Requirements

Selection Process

After engaging with Campus Bookstore Consultants (CBC) to assess the university's bookstore operations, Trinity conducted a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process to identify vendors that align with the university’s unique needs and mission. The selection committee carefully evaluated proposals based on quality, innovation, contract terms, and references, ultimately choosing University Gear Shop and eCampus.com as the best fit for Trinity.

University Gear Shop: A Fresh Retail Experience

University Gear Shop will bring a fresh, innovative, and engaging retail experience, creating a campus store that reflects the Trinity spirit while offering high-quality branded merchandise. Whether you're a first-year student looking for your first Trinity hoodie or a staff member shopping for a new polo for Maroon Friday, you’re sure to find something to show your Tiger Pride.

eCampus.com: Streamlining Textbook Access

eCampus.com will streamline and modernize the textbook adoption process, ensuring a more affordable and accessible course materials experience for students and faculty. With the move to eCampus, students now order their textbooks online for delivery. This addresses one of the most common concerns from students that the Bookstore Selection committee considered: the high cost of textbooks.

Through eCampus, Trinity now offers:

A price match guarantee
Books sourced from multiple vendors (e.g., Amazon, Half Price Books)
A shopping experience tailored to your course schedule
The option to purchase or rent books

It’s encouraged that faculty include the ebook option, when available. This ensures that the student can acquire the book immediately. On average, physical textbook orders take 2-3 days for delivery.

The Shift Away from In-Store Textbook Sales

Though Trinity officially said goodbye to the Bookstore in March 2025 with the transition from Barnes & Noble to a new hybrid model, the Fall semester marks the debut of the refreshed Trinity University Store. One significant change is the absence of textbooks in the store. While this is a significant change, it addresses one of the most common concerns from students that the Bookstore Selection committee considered: the high cost of textbooks.

MBS Direct Partnership

Trinity’s online bookstore is open 24/7 to serve students and faculty! Trinity has partnered with MBS Direct, an affiliate of Barnes & Noble, to deliver a convenient and cost effective way to purchase textbooks and/or other recommended materials! Students can even use financial aid vouchers directly on the site. MBS Direct is a 100% online bookstore and affiliate of Barnes and Noble.

Financial Aid Book Vouchers

Students will receive a notice from the Business Office when their book voucher have been awarded along with instructions on how to use the provided book voucher ID.

Selling Textbooks Back

You can look up the value of your buyback by going to “Sell Your Textbooks”, then lock in a quote and send your books back using a free pre-paid UPS shipping label. You can get paid via PayPal or check. Buyback values are based on future adoption, demand for a book, and current stock level.

A Store with a Broader Purpose

The new name reflects the Store’s expanded mission. Alongside the physical space, there's also a full online store for added convenience.

Read also: Affording Trinity

Upcoming Additions and Features

A space for faculty-authored books
A self-service kiosk (details to follow)
A print-on-demand online store for custom Trinity merchandise

tags: #Trinity #University #bookstore #information