MTSU Phillips Bookstore, now operated by Barnes & Noble College, reopened for business Tuesday, June 16, as the rest of the university began a Phase I resumption of more on-campus activity since moving to remote courses and work in March because of the coronavirus pandemic.

MTSU alumnus and new bookstore manager Natalie Karousatos said store hours will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday for the time being.

MTSU students Luke Vinson, left, and Krystal Panyavong return books to MTSU Phillips Bookstore textbook manager David Phillips Tuesday, June 16, during the first day of the bookstore reopening in the Student Union Building. Phillips Bookstore is now operated by Barnes and Noble College. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)

Because the Student Union will remain closed for now, Karousatos said the best entry way will be an exterior entrance for customers on the side facing MTSU Boulevard.

Barnes & Noble College was awarded the contract to operate the bookstore through a competitive bid process, but was unable to open in early April with the university scaling back on-campus activities because of COVID-19.

Natalie Karousatos

Coronavirus health protocols for MTSU Phillips Bookstore will include all customers and visitors wearing face coverings and social distancing — Karousatos said the store floors are well marked with arrows and signage to keep at least six feet apart.

“We finally can open our doors,” said Karousatos, who added the bookstore was able and will continue to operate with online sales (www.shopmtsu.com). “We’re happy to be opening, Barnes & Noble is very excited to be on campus and I’m happy to be back here.”

Karousatos (Class of 1991 with a degree in broadcast journalism) returns to campus after six months as operations and community relations manager at Barnes & Noble at Vanderbilt University. The Lebanon, Tennessee, native has worked with Barnes & Noble since 2005, joining the company when she lived in Oklahoma City.

Store signage welcomes customers and guests on the first day of MTSU Phillips Bookstore reopening Tuesday, June 16, in the Student Union Building. Barnes & Noble College operates the bookstore, which is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the present time. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)

The manager said the bookstore has a Champion apparel (T-shirts and sweatshirts) buy one, get one half-off sale and offers a competitive textbook price-match program.

“We want to be a good campus partner,” Karousatos said. “We want to be our students’ choice for books and technology. Barnes & Noble College prides itself in customer service.”

Karousatos said MTSU Phillips Bookstore has a small staff, but is looking to hire employees for this fall. People can apply at www.bncjobs.com.

For more information, call 615-898-2700 during business hours or visit here.

—Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)

MTSU Phillips Bookstore regional manager Greer Hallmark, left, assistant store manager Melisa Warner and new manager Natalie Karousatos tag and hang new-arriving merchandise Tuesday, June 16, on the first day the store reopened. The store is operated by Barnes & Noble College, and will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday for the present time. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)

David Phillips, textbook manager at the just-reopened MTSU Phillips Bookstore operated by Barnes & Noble College, adjusts the sign directing foot traffic at the Student Union Building exterior entrance facing MTSU Boulevard Tuesday, June 16. Business hours presently are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)