University of Illinois Fixture Follett’s Closing in May

A landmark on the University of Illinois campus will soon close.

Follett's has been selling school supplies, Illini gear and a range of other things for almost 75 years. But the store will close in May.

The News-Gazette in Champaign reports that a developer is expected to turn the store's Campustown location into room for three or four retailers. The spot is in the center of the campus, which is one of the highest-traffic areas at the university.

Elio DiStaola is a spokesman for Follett Corp. He would only say Wednesday that the closure is based on what he called a ``business decision.''

Follett's was also a textbook store until about a year ago.

Other locations on campus continue to sell textbooks.