BUFFALO, NY — A new chapter is underway at the Canisius University bookstore through an exciting partnership with Barnes & Noble College (BNC) to bring fresh energy, expanded services, and a renewed focus on enhancing the student and campus experience.
Store Manager Dominic Bevilacqua has already seen the positive impact of the transition. “We successfully took over the retail space and revamped it to make it look different and ultimately change the student experience,” he said.
The transformation is more than aesthetic—it reflects a commitment to quality, service and school spirit. The Canisius University bookstore now features brands like Champion, Nike, MV Sport and Clique and will partner with LidsU and Fanatics to offer a broader range of Canisius-branded apparel and gifts.
“We’re bringing in a brand-new assortment and should be well stocked by mid-November,” Bevilacqua said. “Students and employees have already said the store has a different look and feel—they’re excited to come in and just look around.”
Beyond clothing and course materials, the bookstore will introduce new product lines such as LifeLines, which offers items to help students relax and unwind—from pens and coloring books to oil diffusers. Computers will also be available for purchase in-store. Community engagement will be another key focus.
“We’ll offer ‘destress events’ on campus to promote the bookstore but also help students unwind during finals,” Bevilacqua shared. “We’re also planning to sell merchandise at offsite campus events like sporting events and graduation.”
Bevilacqua emphasized that the BNC model centers on flexibility and customer service. “We provide a positive experience for students and staff and do anything in our power to strengthen the relationship between the bookstore and the campus,” he said. “If we can make it happen, we will.”
Supporting Student Success Through the New Canisius Complete Program
While the revitalized store experience is a visible change, the partnership with Barnes & Noble College also supports a deeper goal—student success.
Through Canisius Complete, a new inclusive access program, the university will ensure undergraduate students have their course materials by the first day of class. By including the cost in tuition, the program makes textbooks and digital resources more seamless and affordable to access.
“BNC submitted the most compelling proposal that spoke to some of our desired areas of improvement for the bookstore,” said Harold Fields, EdD, vice president for student affairs. “Their inclusive access programs align with our strategy to ensure all partnerships contribute to holistic student success,” he added.
Canisius Complete will launch first for undergraduate students, with implementation details to be shared in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Canisius University Bookstore
Fields describes the bookstore as an integral part of the Canisius learning ecosystem.
“In our strategic plan, Answer the Call, we identified the goal to enhance student-centered spaces and technology infrastructure,” he said. “The bookstore is a part of that ecosystem.”
“My long-term vision for the bookstore,” Fields added, “is one that not only supports student success, but also strengthens the sense of community and school spirit that defines Canisius University.”
The Canisius University bookstore’s website, canisius.bncollege.com is live and will continue to expand as new merchandise arrives.
Canisius was founded in 1870 in Buffalo, NY, and is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Northeast, Canisius offers undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional programs distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration, mentoring and an emphasis on ethical, purpose-driven leadership.
