University to close downtown retail store

Bowling Green State University announced today that it will close BGSU on Main, the University’s downtown retail store, on Dec. 31.

The store at 133 S. Main St. in Bowling Green is operated by BGSU Bookstores—the institution’s collegiate retailer.

According to Jeff Nelson, BGSU Bookstores director, a decision needed to be made as the lease comes up for renewal and, because the revenues have not met expectations, the store is no longer financially viable in today’s sagging economy.

“It has been a very difficult decision,” Nelson said. “We’ve enjoyed having a presence downtown and did what we could to stimulate sales, but can no longer justify keeping the store open from a business standpoint.”

BGSU on Main will continue to serve customers through the current holiday season. Nelson added that returns of holiday merchandise after the first of the year will be accepted at the flagship BGSU Bookstore in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union on campus. Parking for the first hour in the gated parking lot behind the Student Union is free when the parking ticket is validated by the bookstore with a transaction of at least $25.

BGSU on Main opened in fall 2004 as an extension of the retail services offered on campus and sells BGSU clothing and gifts as well as general interest books.

# # #

(Posted November 20, 2009 )