University Book Store (WA)

If you're someone with a big imagination, a dreamer, someone who hopes, or even just likes to pretend for a while, then this is the place for you. It's a cozy spot for anyone who feels a little bored. They get it here. They know that make-believe and tall tales are where the good stuff starts. So come on in, get comfortable, and get ready to share some wonderful stories.

Super cool, I found a lot of interesting books- not much stuff associated with UW though, or maybe I didn’t look at the entire area.

This bookstore feels like it hasn’t really changed for years, though there have been some changes. The regular bookstore side is now taken over by Barnes and noble. The rest is the University side. They have textbooks and spirit wear as well as nice little gift type items like jellycats. There is also a little cafe for a coffee or a place to sit while the rest of your party is shopping.

Used to be awesome, local, and cozy. But since the Barnes and Noble takeover, it feels sterile and the workers are unfriendly. It used to be easy to buy things, too. I went in a month ago to purchase a birthday gift for a friend. I didn’t know that now I had to go to two different places in the store to purchase the items that I got. This is because now, the B+N side is separate from the tables full of cute merch, chocolates, etc. that are part of the U Bookstore side. This was not made clear to me, and so I grabbed some chocolates and a candle from the tables in the entryway and a calendar from the B+N side. One of the workers in the Barnes and Noble section, I think her name was Kat or Kate or something like that, was incredibly rude and passive aggressive towards me when I purchased since I didn’t know I had to go to two different check stands to check out now. I waited for a long time for someone to come help me at the register, which I didn’t mind, but the way I was talked to was unacceptable. I work in retail so I always approach employees with a kind and friendly attitude, and she was just so unpleasant that it genuinely made me not ever want to go in there ever again. Keep in mind, this was my first time back in there after the B+N takeover and it left a very sour impression. When I walked to the other side of the bookstore, (where all the UW merch is), to purchase the other half of my items, the ladies were much friendlier and understanding. They said that there was a small sign that said the places to purchase are different, but they were very nice about it and had no judgement at all. Anyway, hopefully next time when I’m in there it’s much more enjoyable.