SALISBURY, N.C. — Livingstone College is opening the doors to a new era of Blue Bear pride.
On Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 3 p.m., the College will celebrate the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of its newly renovated bookstore and merchandising center inside the W.J. Walls Center — marking another historic first for Livingstone and a major expansion of the College’s retail experience.
For the first time in Livingstone College history, students, alumni, families, fans and supporters can now shop Livingstone merchandise both on campus and online through a new partnership with Follett Higher Education, one of the nation’s leading campus retail providers.
The new space transforms the traditional campus bookstore into a modern destination for Livingstone apparel, spirit wear, merchandise, and more — giving the Blue Bear community an enhanced way to represent the College and stay connected to Livingstone from Salisbury to anywhere in the world.
The grand opening will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, light refreshments, and a first-look shopping experience inside the new merchandising center.
“This is bigger than opening a retail space. It is about expanding the Livingstone experience,” said Adreanna Johnson, Sr. Associate Vice-President for Strategic Engagement. “Our students, alumni and supporters deserve greater access to the Livingstone brand, and this partnership gives Blue Bear pride a new platform and a much broader reach.”
Follett serves more than 1,000 campuses across North America, providing campus retail, e-commerce, course materials and merchandise solutions designed to strengthen the student experience and deepen connections between institutions and their communities.
The opening comes during a period of significant momentum for Livingstone College.
This fall, the College welcomed nearly 500 first-year and new students, the largest incoming enrollment in its history, with an average GPA of 3.30. Overall enrollment has grown to approximately 1,300 students — a roughly 60% increase since 2022.
As Livingstone grows, so does the experience surrounding its students and community. The new bookstore and merchandising center represents another investment in creating a campus environment that reflects the College’s momentum, strengthens institutional pride, and gives generations of Blue Bears a new way to wear and share the Livingstone story.
EVENT DETAILS
WHAT:
Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting of the Livingstone College Bookstore and Merchandising Center, powered by Follett Higher Education
WHEN:
Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026
3 p.m.
WHERE:
W.J. Walls Center, Second Floor
800 Thomas St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
FEATURES:
Ribbon-cutting ceremony
Light refreshments
First-look shopping experience inside the new merchandising center
WHO:
Livingstone College leadership, Follett representatives, students, alumni, and members of the Livingstone community
MEDIA:
Members of the media are invited to attend. Media representatives are encouraged to arrive between 2:30 and 3 p.m. Photo, video, and interview opportunities will be available.
MEDIA RSVP:
Office of Strategic Engagement
Integrated Marketing and Communications
Livingstone College
About Livingstone College
Livingstone College is a private, historically Black college rooted in a Christian-based environment that fosters academic excellence, leadership, and service. The College offers undergraduate and graduate programs designed to prepare students for lifelong learning, professional success, and leadership in a global community. For more information, visit www.livingstone.edu.
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