Students at Eastern Michigan University may notice that the campus bookstore in the Student Center has been closed since it shut its doors June 30, 2025. All textbooks can now be purchased online through a new system.
The eCampus.com Virtual Bookstore Program serves more than 150 colleges, universities and K-12 schools across the country. Eastern Michigan University joined that number with the introduction of the company’s online bookstore on July 1, 2025.
The bookstore's new website can be accessed directly at emich.ecampus.com. Students can access the link through their My.Emich account in the "Student Academic Services" card under "External Resources." The website can also be accessed in the Canvas course shell for applicable courses. The eCampus portal has access to students' schedules, so it displays the materials required for each class.
If a student desires a physical textbook instead of a digital one, they can order the book to their home address or the on-campus pickup site at the EMU Central Receiving Office, located at 1215 N. Huron River Drive.
Shipping to campus is free via UPS Ground, and shipping to a home address is free if the order is over $59.
Melissa Thrasher, EMU’s executive director of media relations and social media, hopes that the convenience of online shopping will make students' lives easier.
“The goal is to save students time, money and stress so they can stay focused on their classes," Thrasher said.
However, the campus bookstore did not just sell books; it also offered merchandise such as sweatshirts, mugs, pens and more. Since then, there has not been a designated place on campus to get EMU merch.
That is expected to change this semester. In partnership with eCampus.com, Eastern Michigan University is debuting Eastern Outfitters, which will be housed in the previous bookstore location in the Student Center.
Signs in the Student Center on Sept. 21, 2025, announce that Eastern Outfitters, the new student spirit and bookstore on campus, will open Nov. 17, 2025.
Eastern Outfitters will be the university's new spirit store, providing students, staff, faculty, fans and alumni the opportunity to buy EMU merchandise and apparel. Eastern Outfitters is set to open Nov. 17, 2025, with an online store opening sooner.
Walter Kraft, vice president of communications at Eastern Michigan University, elaborated on the experience the bookstore hopes to provide to customers.
"Eastern Outfitters is where EMU pride comes to life," said Kraft in a statement from eCampus.com. "From textbook pickup to your favorite Green and White hoodie, it's your go-to spot for everything Eastern.”
The new location will be operated and managed by eCampus.com. In addition to selling EMU branded merchandise, it will provide book rental returns, textbook buyback and pickup for online orders.
"eCampus.com is proud to expand our partnership with Eastern Michigan University to now include the on-campus retail experience alongside our existing course material solutions," Matt Montgomery, president and CEO of eCampus.com, said in a statement.
Thrasher said this change is part of a bigger movement to make essential resources more accessible to students.
With the previous bookstore closed, students looking to purchase school supplies on campus can visit the lowest level of the Halle Library. There they can find a vending machine that sells school supplies, including pens, pencils, flash drives, tape, scissors and more. Those interested should be aware that the machine accepts cash only.
As the university continues to make changes, students should keep an eye on their email for updates.
Students can choose a selection of various school supplies from the vending machine located on the bottom level of the Halle Library.
