HSU bookstore to move into Pacific Outfitters

The Humboldt State University Bookstore is moving to the former Pacific Outfitters building, just off the Plaza on G Street. The store is expected to open in its new location by July 1.

HSU said in a Wednesday release that it was alerted “very recently” that Pacific Outfitters was looking to lease its Arcata space.

“With a heavy heart we would like to let our amazing Humboldt community know that Pacific Outfitters of Arcata will not be reopening. It has succumbed to COVID-19,” Pacific Outfitters posted Wednesday on its Facebook page. “Pacific Outfitters of Arcata, formally The New Outdoor Store, has been in Arcata since the early 1970s. On a positive note, our Eureka and Ukiah locations continue to thrive and we will be here for all your outdoor needs. You can also shop our online store at www.pacificoutfitters.com Thank you and we hope to keep earning your local business and supporting our local community. Family owned since 1968.”

The new Bookstore will have a small coffee and tea lounge for customers. The Couxp food truck will continue food service in the parking lot. The Couxp is launching a discount for HSU employees and students of $1.25 off on orders with an HSU ID.

“We are excited to welcome the Humboldt State University Bookstore to downtown Arcata,” says Karen Diemer, Arcata city manager. “We know that the Plaza improves every time a new business moves in. The Bookstore is sure to be a draw for both locals and visitors to stock up on Humboldt State spirit. As we work to grow out of the pandemic’s recession, having the University invest by directly filling the largest retail vacancy caused by COVID-19 is a huge boost. Go Jacks!”

The move also opens up the current Bookstore space, which students have been requesting to use for lounge space, activities, and entertainment. The Bookstore will maintain its current warehouse space on campus for receiving and picking up textbooks, along with handling textbook rentals, and the university is exploring delivering textbooks to students in residence halls. The College Creek Marketplace on campus will continue to sell HSU Bookstore items in the store and expand upon the current selection.

Follett will continue managing the Bookstore, bringing their specially branded HSU merchandise and other items for store visitors. And HSU will be looking at working with College of the Redwoods and local high schools to carry some of their branded items to create a shared community. The Bookstore will continue selling HSU merchandise in Eureka’s Clarke Museum.