MOON TOWNSHIP — New changes will be coming to the Robert Morris University bookstore over spring break.

The on-campus bookstore will be going through a renovation to receive a new look. Funded by Barnes and Noble, the two-week project involves various changes inside the store as well as in the lobby area.

“Barnes and Noble came to us because we renewed our contract with them and they said because of our continued partnership they’d like to do this for RMU,” said Sharon Silk, assistant director of business operations.

According to an email sent to the student body by store manager Lindsey Erisey, the renovations will start March 4. This includes the new apparel, featuring brands such as Under Armour, Champion and League.

“We met with our vendors so we have some new Under Armour stuff coming in,” said Erisey. “We also have new Champion and League stuff coming in, which are our main clothing vendors that we use.”

The bookstore will also include more outerwear apparel for students.

The clothing is not the only thing being updated. In the upcoming weeks, the store’s flooring and walls will feature warmer colors. Additionally, more artwork will be incorporated.

Murals and graphics will be added in the lobby as well as throughout the store for a more welcoming environment.

“In the lobby, there’s going to be a mural on the wall,” said Erisey. “When you go inside, we’re going to add some more graphics behind the cash register.”

Gallery • 2 Photos

Soundharjya Babu

The bookstore on the campus of Robert Morris University. Photo Credit: (RMU Sentry Media/Soundharjya Babu)

More plans for a more inviting atmosphere include updated furniture. A study table and more comfortable seating will be added to the lobby for students.

“It’ll be a nice place for students to come, study, relax and just hang out,” said Erisey.

Perhaps the biggest change involves separating the textbooks from the clothing and merchandise with a wall, which will stretch halfway across the store to add more room for the updated apparel.

The bookstore will remain open during renovation. Students are advised to buy any textbooks needed before renovation starts to avoid the dust. Textbooks for the second eight-week courses are still available in the store, and textbooks for the 16-week courses as well as the first eight week courses are being returned to the publishers.

The majority of this two-week renovation project is set to take place during spring break. However, after the break, some parts will be closed off for flooring and painting.

“We’re hoping to get most of the grunt work done for the first week so that the second week is less invasive to students,” said Lindsey Erisey.

Students are also encouraged to take advantage of the storewide sale on clothing and merchandise before spring break in order to make room for the updated items.

“We hope to continue to bring them (students) the best product and atmosphere and consumer experience,” said Sharon Silk.