Branded Merchandise Through Your Virtual Bookstore
As part of our continued effort to create a focused and efficient student experience, institutions using the VitalSource Virtual Bookstore now have the ability to link out to an external branded merchandise store. This flexible approach ensures your school can still offer spirit wear and branded gear, while keeping the primary online bookstore centered on educational materials.
Why Separate Branded Merchandise?
The VitalSource Virtual Store is designed to prioritize access to required course materials, which are often eligible for financial aid, scholarships, or voucher funds distributed by your institution. Branded merchandise, while important for school identity and spirit, typically doesn’t qualify under these funding programs.
By offering branded items through a separate, external site, we help maintain a clear distinction between academic essentials and optional gear, while enhancing the overall experience for students and administrators alike.
Your Options for External Merch Stores
You have two options for setting up an external merchandise link from your virtual store:
1. Link to an Existing Branded Merch Vendor
If your institution already works with a branded apparel vendor and has an online store in place, we can easily configure your virtual store to include a clear redirect to that external site.
2. Use Our Preferred Partner Site
Don’t have a vendor? No problem. We’ve partnered with a dedicated branded merchandise provider who specializes in school gear and offers an excellent student and institution experience.
Benefits of Using Our Preferred Partner
By working with our trusted merch partner, institutions gain access to:
Faster production and delivery times
More off-the-shelf product options ready to go
Advanced filtering and navigation tools for easier shopping
A seamless e-commerce experience tailored to branded gear
Flexible fulfillment options and responsive customer service
This partner handles everything from product selection and customization to shipping, freeing up your team to focus on educational resources and services.
How to Get Started
If you’re ready to link out to an external merch site—or if you’d like help getting started with our preferred partner—reach out to your VitalSource Virtual Store Manager. We’ll help configure your virtual store and ensure everything is set up for a smooth, branded experience.