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FAIRFIELD, Conn. Fairfield University announced that it will take over the Post Road space occupied by Borders. School President Jeffery von Arx, S.J., and building owners Kleban Properties said in a press conference Wednesday that the university will open up shop in October.
"It is our hope that the store will serve as a meeting place and a destination for residents and guests, von Arx said. We are planning to use the store to house some of our programming -- lectures from scholars and author readings and other small cultural events -- and it is our anticipation that by opening a Fairfield University Bookstore downtown, we will bring the intellectual and cultural life of our university more fully into the heart of the community."
The 23,000-square-foot space housed Borders Books and Music until the companys bankruptcy filing forced it to close in May. Discount retailer Books Warehouse and coffee shop Taj Café are now in the space on a temporary lease. The Fairfield University Bookstore will take over a 10-year lease this fall.
The new store will carry textbooks for Fairfield Universitys students as well as best-sellers and general interest books. Like the schools current bookstore, it will sell Stags merchandise and also athletic apparel for local high schools Fairfield Prep, Fairfield Warde and Fairfield Ludlowe. The school is also negotiating with national chains to keep a coffee shop in the space, and possibly to sell computers as well.
"This opportunity will inject an intellectually stimulating and exciting component into the center of Fairfield, said Al Kleban of Kleban Properties. Fairfield University has done so much for this town."
What do you think about Fairfield University opening a bookstore on the Post Road? How have you liked shopping at Books Warehouse so far? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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