1894
The University Book Store was founded as a cooperative and originally named University Co-op.
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Locally Grown. Badger Strong. Supporting UW–Madison Since 1894.
Since 1894, the University Book Store has been a cornerstone of support for the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the surrounding community. For more than 130 years, the store has remained dedicated to serving students, alumni, and Badger fans with pride, purpose, and an enduring connection to campus life.
With the largest selection of official Badger clothing, gifts, and accessories, the University Book Store has grown far beyond its beginnings. While our name reflects our roots in providing textbooks and academic resources, today we’re proud to be a one-stop destination for everything Wisconsin. Don’t let the name fool you — we’re so much more than books.
Shop Badger. Give Back. As the only local, Madison-born destination for authentic, authorized Badger gear, the University Book Store takes pride in its role as both a campus and community institution. With virtually every purchase, online or in-store, money goes right back to UW–Madison, helping strengthen the university, empower students and faculty, and fuel the proud spirit of the Badgers. Beyond every sale, we also give back through campus partnerships, program support, and other initiatives — donating millions more each year to help UW–Madison thrive. For over 130 years, we’ve been a trusted student resource and a beloved destination for Badger apparel, gifts, and everything Wisconsin.
“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 every year is a testament to our customers’ loyalty and our staff’s dedicated service through the years.”
Rooted in history and driven by community, the University Book Store continues to be more than a retail destination — it’s a trusted partner in education, tradition, and school spirit. Whether it’s textbooks for a first semester or game-day gear for lifelong fans, we’re honored to be part of what makes the Wisconsin experience truly unforgettable.
1914
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. The location was closed at the end of 2025.
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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