Skip to main content

CSU, Follett Announce Opening of Reimagined ‘Cougar Outfitters’ Campus Store

CSU has partnered with Follett Higher Education to launch Cougar Outfitters, the university’s newly transformed on-campus retail and course materials destination. Operated by Follett, North America’s largest campus retailer, Cougar Outfitters represents a significant upgrade to both the in-person and online campus bookstore experience. Most notably, the name “Cougar Outfitters”—chosen with input from student leaders—signals a shift from the traditional bookstore concept to a one-stop shop for every Cougar. Although its Main Campus location in the Davidson Student Center remains the same, the reimagined bookstore will elevate student success by offering affordable course materials and updated technology services, while also promoting campus spirit through a broader range of products and events. “We are excited to launch this new chapter at Columbus State University,” said Kim Scranage, the university’s chief student officer. "Cougar Outfitters, through our partnership with Follett, gives students exactly what they’ve been asking for: better value, a wider selection of merchandise, and a space that truly reflects the energy of the Cougar community. It’s a direct investment in the everyday experience of our students and a reflection of our commitment to their success, campus engagement and a stronger sense of belonging." From August 10-21, Columbus State and Follett will mark the opening of Cougar Outfitters with interactive events and pop-ups during Cougar Kickoff Week. The campus community is welcome to visit, explore the new space and see the upgrades at these signature grand-opening events:

Tuesday, Aug. 11, 12:30 p.m., “Rediscover Davidson” Student Center Ribbon-cutting and Grand Reopening

Wednesday, Aug. 12, 11 p.m. to 1 p.m., Main Campus Picnic

Thursday, Aug. 13, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Grocery Bingo & RSO Fair (RiverPark Campus)

Tuesday, Aug. 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Meet Cody and CSU Athletics

The university’s partnership with Follett offers immediate benefits to students and the campus community, such as:

Innovative course material solutions focused on student success and affordability: Follett will enable students to access course materials more easily by the first day of class, if not before. This involves integrating materials within CougarView and offering greater access to digital-first delivery options, textbook rentals and Open Educational Resources (OER).

Premium merchandise and expanded apparel: Cougar Outfitters will broaden its collection of licensed, university-branded apparel and accessories, offering both affordable options and premium products from top brands, while also emphasizing support for local and sustainable goods.

A vibrant campus hub: Beyond textbooks and apparel, Cougar Outfitters aims to be a vibrant and inviting part of campus life by hosting frequent events such as book readings, musical performances and exhibitions.

Expanded online store: The store’s online retail platform will be upgraded to offer round-the-clock access to course materials and an improved selection of spirit gear and technology, ensuring greater convenience for students, employees, alumni and fans.

“Follett is proud to partner with Columbus State University to bring a refreshed retail and course materials experience to campus,” said Emmanuel Kolady, chief executive officer of Follett Higher Education. “Together, we are creating a modern campus destination that expands access to affordable course materials, enhances the retail experience, and celebrates the spirit that makes Columbus State unique.” Cougar Outfitters will operate Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and online 24/7 through its online store.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

ABDC Releases 2025 Journal Review, Now Ranks Journal Edited by Phil Bryant

The long-awaited journal review being conducted by the Australian Business Deans Council (ABDC) has been released and there are a number of news items that relate to faculty in the Turner College. One of these is the ABDC's decision to now include  Compensation and Benefits Review in its journal rankings. This is big news for the Turner College as its editor, Phil Bryant , is a professor of management in the Turner College. The ABDC is proposing that the journal enter its system for the first time as a C-rated journal. Acting Turner College Dean Tesa Leonce sits on the journal's editorial board, while Turner College management professor Mark James has guest-edited an issue of the journal. Published by SAGE,  Compensation & Benefits Review is the leading journal for senior executives and professionals who design, implement, evaluate and communicate compensation and benefits policies and programs. The journal supports compensation and benefits specialists and academic ex...

Turner Business Chats with Kevin Hurt about Leadership Research Program

Our 5 September 2025 profile of Turner College management professor Kevin Hurt has been a popular one here at Turner Business . That blog post focused mainly on the  portfolio of leadership research that he has  steadily built up over recent years into one that is unmatched in the Turner College. We recently visited with Hurt to discuss his research endeavors. The transcript of that visit appears below. TB: ‎ Turner Business recently profiled your growing list of research publications in leadership. What would be your assessment of how your research program in leadership has gone so far? KH:  Overall, it has been a rewarding journey. I appreciate that the Turner Business profile acknowledged my work, particularly in the area of servant leadership. While journal publications are a measure of success for us as faculty, to me that success also includes building the next generation of leaders. It was the latter that inspired me to leave a Fortune 500 corporation and seek...

New Butler Center Report Identifies Employment Gaps in the Columbus Area

Officials in the Turner College's Butler Center for Research and Economic Development recently put the finishing touches on an extensive report on trends in educational programs and occupations in the Columbus area. The report also includes data on business and technology trends.  According to Fady Mansour , Director of the Butler Center, there are several key takeaways from the report regarding 10 occupational gaps that currently exist in the Columbus area. First,  software development occupation exhibits the biggest labor shortage, with the report adding that the TSYS School has a bachelor's degree program in information technology along with a new AI track for the bachelor's degree in computer science, both of which can qualify students for this occupation. Other educational programs are in demand, such as computer programming and cloud computing. Second, there is a gap of 30 employees per year in general and operations management. This gap could be addressed by the Turn...