Who owns the University Shop?
The University Shop is institutionally owned & operated by Villanova University. All its staff members are employees of the University. Net revenue after all expenses is retained by Villanova as a contribution to the general operating expenses of the University.

Where is the store located?
The University Shop is located in Kennedy Hall on campus, next to the Connelly Center. The campus is located on PA, Route 30 in Villanova, PA, just off Exit 13 (old Exit 5) of Interstate 476. Parking for the University Shop is available by way of the main University entrance on N. Ithan Ave., across from the Pavilion (the basketball arena). Ask Main Gate Officer for directions to park your vehicle.
See Bldg. #21 on Campus Map

When is the University Shop open?
Please see the 'Store Hours' page for a complete schedule.

Is the University Shop open during the Summer months?
Yes. The University Shop observes regular store hours year-round, including the summer months. Please see the 'Store Hours' page for a complete schedule.

Can I get any discounts at the University Shop?
Yes. The University Shop gives a 5% discount on all purchases, every day, in addition to any other applicable discount or sale price WHEN YOU PAY WITH YOUR VILLANOVA WILDCARD debit card. Using your wildcard account will save you money not only on textbooks but on everything you buy all year round. Also, please note that all used textbooks are sold at a 25% discount from the new prices.

Do you have gift certificates?
Yes. You may purchase gift certificates in any multiple of $5 for yourself or anyone else. Just call us toll free at 1-800-462-4724 or go to our on-line gift catalog to place a gift certificate order. The University Shop is also an alternate location to purchase the special Villanova Wildcard Gift Cards. These are good for purchases at all locations (on-campus & off-campus) that already accept the Wildcard, and if used at the University Shop, they carry the same 5% discount on all purchases that regular Wildcards carry (see FAQ above). These Wildcard Gift Cards are available in the University Shop, at the Customer Service counter, anytime during business hours; no on-line sales of these gift cards is available. We are authorized to sell only $5, $10 & $20 gift cards, and can only accept cash or checks for payment for them. Payment in full is required at time of purchase; no discounts apply. Any questions regarding this Wildcard Gift Card program should be directed to the Wildcard Office, at 610-519-5031.

Can I shop on-line for Villanova merchandise?
You may shop on-line for several categories of Villanova apparel and other merchandise by going to the e-stores listed at the bottom of our homepage. These e-stores include links to selections of VU apparel and gifts, software & technology products, school & office supplies, digital photo services, and other special product offerings.

Why do textbooks cost so much?
Basically because textbook publishing is a labor intensive industry. The majority of what a student pays for a textbook (over 70%) goes to the publisher to pay the authors, editors, proofreaders, printers, salespersons and other employees they employ in producing textbooks as well as a moderate profit. Click these links to see:  The "Textbook Dollar Chart" (requires PDF viewer like Adobe Acrobat Reader),  Textbook Reviews & Ratings (not affiliated with the University Shop or Villanova University.) or Straight Talk On Textbooks (requires Real Player - this file will download to your computer, automatically install RealPlayer and play the video).

Why do textbooks go out of print or into new editions?
Textbook publishers determine when a current text title needs to be revised or is no longer saleable. Once they announce that a particular title is being revised or going out-of-print it makes all existing copies of that title obsolete and of no value on the used book market. The University Shop maintains a comprehensive database of all known book titles used for courses and keeps this list current so that the most current edition of any title chosen by faculty members is always stocked.

Can I get money back on my used textbooks at the end of the semester?
Yes. The University Shop conducts used book buybacks at the beginning and end of each semester and at the end of summer sessions. The best time to sell us your used books is during final exams week in December or May because we are buying more titles for our own inventory then. When we buy titles for our own inventory we pay one half of the current new price for that title, regardless of whether you bought the book as new or used or where you bought it. When the title you are selling us is not one we need the buyer will offer a wholesale price based on national demand for that title. We pay for all the used books we buy in cash and sell them on the same shelves as the new copies for 25% less than the new book prices. You may see the dates of our next scheduled used book buyback under "Special Services" on our homepage. Click here for "Five Tips for Selling Back Textbooks."

Can I call or email someone on the University Shop staff directly?
Yes. A complete list of all our staff members, their phone numbers and email addresses can be found on the 'Staff' page.

What is the University Shop's position on fair labor practices for licensees of collegiate products?
The University Shop is owned by Villanova University and therefore participates in the university's overall position on this issue, which can be found on the Villanova Athletics Web Site. (Click here for a direct link to this position statement.).