UConn Co-op Signs Letter of Intent for Storrs Center

The University of Connecticut Co-op announces that a letter of intent agreement has been signed with LeylandAlliance for an anchor store at the Storrs Center project. The Co-op has served the UConn community for more than 36 years and will continue to support the community and its members with this new agreement to open an additional bookstore in the new Storrs Center development.

The cornerstone of the Co-op’s Storrs Center location will be a full-service general bookstore with a carefully selected, yet broad selection and a staff of friendly, knowledgeable booksellers. The Co-op will host many exciting events at the UConn Co-op @ Storrs Center. Novelists, poets, scientists, historians and more will read from their works. The Co-op will host nationally known and emerging authors, including faculty and student authors, for book signings and discussions. On occasion, musicians and other performance artists will be invited to perform in a warm and inviting café where customers can linger and enjoy a light meal. The store will also feature a lively Children's Book Department.  In addition, there will be plenty of UConn branded merchandise with many gifts and unique product lines. And, some surprises are also planned.

UConn President Susan Herbst joins in the excitement of the Co-op's growing commitment to both the University and the Mansfield communities, saying, "I look forward to walking over to the new Co-op store at Storrs Center from my home on campus. This is exactly the kind of campus/community partnership that will help propel our flagship University into the future. I can't wait!"

Bill Simpson, President/COO of the UConn Co-op said, “The UConn Co-op is very enthusiastic to become a part of the Storrs Center project. We plan on developing an exciting new store that serves both as a destination store at Storrs Center and an expansion of the retail services we already offer the University and the general community. Being a part of Storrs Center will give us an opportunity to join in at the beginning of a dynamic new development in the life of the University of Connecticut and the Town of Mansfield and shows our continued commitment to this community."

LeylandAlliance Principal and Managing Member Howard Kaufman is also pleased with the addition of the UConn Co-op to the growing list of businesses for Storrs Center. "It has always been our goal for Storrs Center to be a vibrant Main Street community with a mix of exciting shops and restaurants.  The inclusion of the UConn Co-op as a flagship anchor for Storrs Center is a remarkable addition toward achieving this goal.  The Co-op’s impressive literary and retail offerings, coupled with speakers of the highest caliber, will certainly draw people from throughout the region.” 

Speaking for the Mansfield Downtown Partnership, President Philip Lodewick states, "The UConn Co-op has been a part of the University and local community for many, many years and has been a strong supporter and participant in the Storrs Center project since the beginning. We couldn't be happier with this announcement of their intention to place an anchor store in Storrs Center."