Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti is expanding its partnership with eCampus.com in Kentucky to include the management and operation of its on-campus store, newly branded Eastern Outfitters, starting in November.
Since the partnership’s inception, eCampus.com has operated EMU’s online bookstore, providing students with a platform for purchasing, renting, and accessing required and recommended course materials. The platform integrates directly with EMU’s Student Information System, enabling a personalized ordering experience through Single Sign-On (SSO) that simplifies the process and ensures students receive the correct materials for their courses.
With the expansion of the partnership, eCampus.com will manage and operate Eastern Outfitters, serving as a destination retail experience on campus for EMU branded apparel and merchandise.
According to officials, customers can expect an enhanced shopping experience both online and in store that reflects the university’s brand and spirit. The updated campus store will offer students, faculty, staff, alumni, and fans a wider selection of EMU-branded merchandise, apparel, accessories, and gifts designed to celebrate Eastern Michigan’s identity.
Beyond retail offerings, Eastern Outfitters will serve as a hub for course material services, providing online order pickup, textbook buyback and rental return events, and dedicated customer support tailored to meet the evolving needs of EMU’s students.
“Eastern Outfitters is where EMU pride comes to life,” says Walter Kraft, vice president for communications at EMU. “This partnership with eCampus means a smoother, smarter shopping experience — online and on campus — designed just for you. We’re making it easier than ever to gear up, dive in, and feel right at home in a community that’s ready to cheer you on every step of the way.”
EMU partnered with eCampus.com to create a campus store experience that goes beyond traditional bookstore services, offering greater convenience, affordability, and variety. As part of this streamlined approach, textbooks will no longer be stocked on store shelves; instead, ordering will be available exclusively online, giving students access to a broader selection without the hassle of searching physical inventory.
With eCampus.com’s expertise in campus retail management and technology-driven solutions, students can expect improved customer support, seamless access to course materials, easy order pickup, and competitive pricing backed by a price match guarantee — all designed to support their academic success and campus engagement.
“eCampus.com is proud to expand our partnership with Eastern Michigan University to now include the on-campus retail experience alongside our existing course material solutions,” says Matt Montgomery, president and CEO of eCampus.com. “Together, we’re creating a more seamless retail environment that meets the EMU community where they are — offering convenience, value, and on-trend assortments to elevate the university brand.”
In Related News: GameAbove, a multi-venture brand that engages philanthropically with Eastern Michigan University through its GameAbove Giving platform, is celebrating a landmark 2024-25 academic year at the Ypsilanti school.
Achievements from the 2024–25 academic year include:
EMU Women’s Golf shattered multiple school records, led by Savannah De Bock — the first in program history to compete in an NCAA Regional. The Men’s Golf team stormed back to the MAC podium with a top three finish and record individual performances, signaling EMU’s resurgence.
- Faculty advanced projects in drone safety, AI-driven gunshot detection systems, and flexible sensor technology — research with real potential to improve lives and enhance security.
- The Mentoring for Success initiative expanded to support both undergraduate and graduate students, helping them secure placements in top graduate schools, present at national conferences, and launch professional careers.
- In partnership with Engage @ EMU and the Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority, 2,000 $10 gift cards were distributed through the Explore Ypsi program, encouraging students, faculty, and staff to support local businesses. Meanwhile, more than 500 middle and high school students from across Michigan participated in hands-on STEM learning at EMU’s high-energy Digital Divas events.
“GameAbove’s support is igniting success stories across our university,” says James M. Smith, president of EMU. “The progress we’re seeing in classrooms, labs, athletic arenas, and our community shows just how powerful this partnership is — and the momentum is only growing.”
Chao Sun, vice president of investments and giving at GameAbove, says, “GameAbove was created to elevate opportunities where they can have the greatest impact. The results at Eastern Michigan University this year prove that when you combine bold vision with real investment, you can transform lives, strengthen communities, and inspire the next generation to achieve beyond expectations.”
In Related News: EMU’s baseball facility, Oestrike Stadium, is the first in the nation to have a grey colored infield featuring AstroTurf’s Diamond Series system. The project was part of a full field renovation.
The new field features a custom-colored infield, designed to complement Eastern Michigan’s distinctive green and gray color scheme that has become a hallmark of the university’s athletic identity. The surface visually sets the Eagles apart from programs across the nation while maintaining the traditional, high-performance playability of a clay infield.
Built with AstroTurf’s Diamond Series RootZone technology, the surface provides a natural ball response, consistent footing, and reduced infill migration ensuring that the bold design does not compromise the integrity of the game. The result is a field that plays just like clay.
“We are so excited to finally bring this project to fruition,” says Robbie Britt, head baseball coach at EMU. “This surface encapsulates the identity and tradition of our program while paving the way for us to create more of the same.”
