The University of Chicago Bookstore

My last visit to the University of Chicago Bookstore was back in Summer 2013.
Daddy J. always admires the University of Chicago, one of the finest academic institutions that most people can’t absolutely afford. Therefore, spending an afternoon on campus would unlikely cost us an arm and a leg.
This bookstore is pretty much a «Barnes and Noble» with the first floor featuring UofC merchandise and apparel. Daddy J. was looking for a sweatshirt, with the signature maroon color and the phoenix embroidery. Their sweatshirts run large, so Dad figured out that he needed a medium size but wasn’t able to find it.
The friendly older-​lady sales associate guided him to the uni-​sex section in back. He soon found one of the styles he liked, which matched to the maroon cap he purchased two (2) years ago.
Once again, collegiate, licensed merchandise can cost a fortune. Unless there’s something of a sentimental value, I would rather spend my $ 50 on something else that’s more trendy and fashionable. However, seeing Daddy J.‘s happy face is always priceless. I was glad that I could take him back to The University of Chicago this afternoon, touring around the campus, and reminding myself that paying off the student loans was a major milestone in my life!

I see the café in this bookstore has its own reviews but the bookstore doesn’t so here is my review. In the process I chalk up another First to Review and get another review for the Unilocal 100 Challenge for which I am so far woefully lacking. I know this is a campus bookstore operated by Barnes and Noble. But this is Hyde Park, every book store merits its own Unilocal review.
So this is essentially a general bookstore, a textbook store for the university and a college store with UofC apparel and souvenirs.
As a general bookstore it is small compared to other B&Ns. However they seem to do a good job in stocking the place with interesting titles so that you’re sure to run across something of interest.
I also enjoy browsing in the text book section and seeing what they’re teaching these whipper snappers today. For example, I was intrigued to see Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist in the business school titles.
The UofC school color is maroon so you can stock up on maroon clothing in the process.
Bonus: Hungry? At lunchtime, check out the food trucks on Ellis or two block north on 57^th.