(AMHERST, Mass., April 29, 2024)—The Amherst College Store, a new retail establishment, opened its doors this morning. Located in the former A.J. Hastings space at 45 South Pleasant Street in Amherst and operated by campus retailer Follett, the store sells College-branded gear, school supplies, tech accessories and snacks.
The store will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening celebration featuring refreshments and a raffle on May 14. More details on that event are forthcoming.
“We are thrilled that the Amherst College Store is now open for business, and that we are able to bring to life again a historic location in our town,” said Michael A. Elliott, president of the College. “Our hope is that the store will not just meet a much-expressed desire for College gear from campus and beyond, but serve as a gateway for members of the College community, alumni and visitors into our hometown.”
“We can’t wait for the campus community to experience the new store,” said Sovany Trezpacz, Amherst College Store manager. “Our grand opening will showcase everything from our incredible assortments of apparel, gifts and supplies to the everyday items and accessories that students and campus members need for a successful year.”
The store’s hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Merchandise can also be ordered online via the store website.
“We’re delighted to welcome the new Amherst College Store, which will enrich our local business community in the downtown area and further build a strong connection between Amherst College and the town, as well as create unique opportunities for collaboration and engagement with the Chamber and community,” said Jacob Robinson, executive director the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce.
“We often get questions at the Visitors’ Information Center, a collaboration of the BID [Business Improvement District] and the Amherst Area Chamber, on where to buy Amherst College gear and can now direct visitors and locals alike to the new Amherst College Store,” added Liz Larson, interim executive director of the BID. “Having this resource just two doors down from our office is a wonderful and welcoming addition to our downtown.”
A.J. Hastings was run by three generations of the Hastings family and, over time, hundreds of dedicated employees. Selling everything from newspapers to collegiate clothing, the iconic institution served the residents, students and visitors of Amherst 365 days a year. It closed its doors on July 17, 2022, 108 years to the day after its opening.
In 2023, the College began conversations with Follett to run a college store selling Amherst-branded gear and merchandise. The Hastings building was selected as the preferred location for the store, and in late 2023, work began to update the space.
About Amherst College
Amherst College prepares students to use ideas to make a difference in the world. Since its founding in 1821 in Western Massachusetts, Amherst has demonstrated steadfast confidence in the value of the liberal arts and the importance of critical thinking. Today, its financial aid program is among the most substantial in the nation, and its student body is among the most diverse. Small classes, an open curriculum and a singular focus on undergraduate education ensure that leading scholars engage daily with talented, curious students, equipping them for leadership in an increasingly global and complex world.
About Follett Higher Education
Follett Higher Education is a prominent and historic omni channel retailer and educational service provider supporting students, faculty, campus administration, alumni and the surrounding community. Currently ranked #7 on Digital Commerce 360’s 2021 Top 1000 list, with more than 1,100 physical and 1,500 eCommerce collegiate retail stores across North America. It is one of the world’s largest sources of physical and digital academic content as well as emblematic collegiate merchandise from more than 6,000 publishers and merchandise partner to millions of students. Known for its inclusive access program, Follett ACCESS, Follett is challenging equitable access to course materials on more than 300 campuses and growing every day. At Follett Higher Education, we enable faculty to teach, students to learn, institutions to run and fans to celebrate.