Fairfield University is expanding its bookstore from the bounds of the university walls.
The university has leased 23,500 square feet of space at 1499 Post Road, the former site of Borders Books & Music Store. Borders opened there in 2001 and closed two months ago.
The Fairfield University Bookstore will be open to the public and operate like a retail store.
“It is our hope that the store will serve as a meeting place and a destination for residents and guests,” said Rev. Jeffrey von Arx, president of Fairfield University.
“We are planning to use the store to house some of our programming, lectures from scholars and author readings and other small cultural events.”
The university is leasing the space from Kleban Holding Co. L.L.C. of Fairfield. Kleban Holding owns various retail buildings in the Post Road”™s main retail district.
“This is one of the most important happenings this town has ever experienced,” said Al Kleban, co-owner of Kleban Holding. “This opportunity will inject an intellectually stimulating and exciting component into the center of Fairfield. Fairfield University has done so much for this town.”
The university”™s partner in the initiative, Follett Higher Education Group, will operate the new store, which is expected to open in early October. The group manages more than 900 college and university bookstores across North America and has managed Fairfield University campus store operations since 1964. University students will be able to buy textbooks and other study supplies at the new site, although Follett will maintain a small campus presence as well.
“The new Fairfield University Bookstore provides us with another opportunity to be of service to our neighbors, and will, I believe, serve us all,” said von Arx. “We need bookstores, and we need the conversations with our friends and encounters with ideas that only a good bookstore, and a cup of great coffee, can really facilitate.”
In addition to books, the store will carry gifts, accessories, athletic wear and emblematic apparel items from Fairfield University and regional high schools, including Fairfield Prep, Fairfield Ludlowe High School and Fairfield Warde High School.
The university said it negotiating with an international coffeehouse retailer to open a coffee shop and café with some 50 seats inside the store. There is also the possibility of additional sidewalk seating. Negotiations are also under way to have a computer provider at the store.
