University Book Store to close January 13

I write to you today to share important information about a long-time UW and UW Tacoma campus partner, the University Book Store.

Because of changes in the retail market and student needs, the University Book Store has made the difficult decision to close its Tacoma location on Pacific Avenue effective January 13, 2023. The UW Bothell location closed earlier this year and transitioned to a new delivery model.

The University Book Store is formed as a separate for-profit corporate trust; they were formally part of the University until 1964 when they were separated. Tacoma store employees are not UW employees, and have been offered the opportunity to fill vacant positions at the University Book Store location in Seattle.

The Tacoma store has been with us from the beginning in 1990 and has been a wonderful partner over the years. It was one of our first retail tenants when the permanent campus opened in 1997. Although the physical location is closing, the University Book Store will continue to be a part of the campus community moving forward. Students, faculty and staff can continue to order course materials, supplies and Husky gear through the ubookstore.com website. We are working on a free pick-up location on campus and hope to announce that in the next few weeks. In the meantime, you can use promo code WINTER23 between Dec. 26 and Jan. 13 for free shipping to your home.

We are actively exploring ways to transition our partnership to other creative opportunities. In the meantime, we are also looking to reactivate and reimagine the space on Pacific Avenue. If you have questions or ideas for activating our Pacific Avenue retail spaces, please reach out to Ben Mauk, Associate Director for Campus Planning and Retail Operations, at bmauk@uw.edu.