1894
The University Book Store was founded as a cooperative and originally named University Co-op.
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University Book Store Continues Tradition of Serving the University of Wisconsin – Madison and Surrounding Communities
Since 1894, the University Book Store has been a cornerstone of academic and community support for the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the surrounding area. With over 130 years of history, the beloved institution continues to build on its legacy, providing resources and experiences that have enriched the lives of students, Alumni, and Badger fans.
The University Book Store was established to benefit the student body and has remained steadfast in that goal. Through its comprehensive range of services and products, the store has been an integral part of each student’s academic journey, a reliable partner for all things collegiate, and a resource for even the most discerning Badger fan. With no external aid or funding, the University Book Store’s commitment to its patrons – past, present, and future – remains unrivaled.
As the only local place to purchase authentic, authorized Badger gear, the University Book Store is proud to provide fans with officially licensed merchandise. The store reinvests time, effort, and resources into the local community and maintains a strong partnership with the University, ensuring continued support for students, alumni, and Badger fans.
Rooted in history and tradition, the University Book Store has been a trusted destination for generations of students and Badger fans, offering a sense of connection and pride. From outfitting students for their first day of classes to providing game-day essentials for lifelong fans, the store has been a vital part of the Wisconsin experience.
“We are profoundly honored to have served as the University’s companion in education and the community’s provider of Wisconsin apparel and gifts, along with textbooks, course materials, and scholarly supplies for well over a century,” said University Book Store President Kevin Phelps. “Continuing this tradition into 2025 is a testament to our customers’ loyalty and our staff’s dedicated service through the years.”
As a non-stockholding corporation, the University Book Store takes great pride in reinvesting its proceeds into local communities and enhancing student life. Each purchase directly supports various initiatives that aim to make academic resources and experiences more accessible and enriching.
The University Book Store is not just a retail destination in Madison; it’s a vital part of the educational ecosystem that fosters a love for learning and community spirit. As it looks to the future, the store remains dedicated to serving its community and evolving to meet the needs of students, alumni, and fans.
1914
The University Book Store was reorganized in the form of a Common Law Trust.
1931
The University Book Store was reorganized in the form of a Common Law Trust.
1949
The first Book Store branch store was opened, called The Technical Bookstore.
1964
The Book Store's name was changed to the University Book Store and no longer operated as a cooperative.
1970
The warehouse, located near Nakoma Plaza Shopping Center, was opened.
1972
The Book Store moved to its current 711 State Street location.
1983
The University Book Store opened at the Hilldale Shopping Center.
1992
UBS for Kids opened in the Hilldale Shopping Center.
1992
The Book Store purchased Brown's Book Shop and opened it as the Corner Shoppe.
1995
The Corner Shoppe was renamed the Digital Outpost.
The University Book Store inaugurated a catalog service, and the first catalog was printed.
The first University Book Store website was established.
1997
The University Book Store opened a retail outlet at the Hilldale Shopping Center.
A retail kiosk at the Fox River Mall in Appleton opened.
1998
The University Book Store acquired the exclusive rights to operate The Badger Store at the Kohl Center.
A University Book Store Outlet opened on the East side of Madison.
1999
Thrifty Reader, located in the Johnson Creek Outlet Mall opened.
A seasonal kiosk opened at the Mayfair Mall in Milwaukee.
2000
The University Book Store on Junction Road opened due to a partnership with UW Credit Union.
2003
UBS for Kids and the main Hilldale Store combined as one location.
A seasonal kiosk opened at the Janesville Mall.
2004
The University Book Store earned the contract to open a store in Health Science Learning Center.
2005
The kiosk at the Janesville Mall was closed and a permanent store was opened.
2006
The Book Store introduces the “Booky” mascot, mirrored after the store's iconic red bags.
2008
The Janesville Mall Store relocated in the mall to a larger space.
The University Book Store opened a small store inside the Brookfield Square Mall.
2011
The Brookfield Square Store, inside the mall, was closed. (Moved outside, after mall remodel)
2013
1st floor of 711 State Street Store was remodeled.
2015
The Brookfield Square Mall was remodeled, and we opened a Store outside of the Mall.
2017
The 3rd floor was remodeled for incoming tenants and offices were moved to 2B, 1B and the lower level.
The Hilldale Mall was remodeled, and UBS moved to a location outside of the mall.
2019
The University Book Store partners with MOKA, to provide students and guests with all their caffeine needs.
2024
The Book Store celebrates 130 years of continuous operation, providing resources and experiences that have enriched the lives of students, Alumni, and Badger fans alike.
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