What are the top sellers at the Northeastern University bookstore this holiday season?

Smiling bookstore employee folds a sweatshirt
Northeastern masters in health informatics Deepika Chilumula folds a sweatshirt while working at the Northeastern University Bookstore. Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

Husky gear has been flying off the shelves at the Northeastern University bookstore this holiday season.

The shopping ramped up on the Boston campus the Monday after Thanksgiving and has continued through December, according to the bookstore’s general manager.

“It’s a very busy time in the bookstore,” Timothy Meisel says. “We’re also preparing for the January back-to-school period and all classes start again. It’s a very compressed time to get ready for that while we’re already very busy with the holiday season.”

Can’t get to the bookstore? That’s OK. Northeastern swag is now also available through the bookstore online and through the university’s dedicated Amazon store.

Despite the December shopping rush, the holiday season is not the busiest retail period for the bookstore. Meisel says more products are sold during Family and Friends Weekend.

“There are very distinct selling periods within our annual business cycle, really the busiest time, believe it or not, for our store is family weekend,” Meisel says.

The holiday season is the second biggest sale period for the bookstore, followed by the back-to-school rush in September. Among the many products purchased by Northeastern-loving shoppers during the holiday season are ornaments. 

“I would say that the biggest emblematic gift that has a Northeastern logo on it are ornaments, we sell thousands of ornaments,” Meisel says.

So what are the top sellers during the holiday season? Here are the top 10:

10. Engineering supplies

Engineering students purchase a lot of supplies for school projects. They buy thin plywood sheathing, floors, ceilings, partitions, flooring, sound barriers for motorway buildings and composite beams for their projects. They also frequently purchase cutting mats.

A selection of popular items for the holidays include board games Wordle, Uno, and Boggle at the Northeastern University Bookstore. Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

9. Board games

There are many popular board games for sale at the bookstore. Some of the popular products include classic games such as Jenga, Rubik’s Cube, Uno, Banangrams, Mini-Boggle and Codenames.

8. Beanies and scarves

As the weather gets colder beanies and scarves become more popular. The knit hats make great gifts and come in many colors and styles, with and without pom poms.

Beanies and scarves are often bought as gifts at the Northeastern University Bookstore in Boston. Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University
Hockey jerseys are an extremely popular item at the Northeastern University Bookstore. Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

7. Hockey jerseys

Customers looking for team gear often choose a hockey jersey, which is very popular at this time of year. Because the men’s and women’s hockey programs are so successful, there is a lot of support to purchase the jerseys. It’s a great gift. It comes in different colors of white, black and red. It has eye-catching designs that show off their Northeastern Huskies pride.

6. T-shirts

There are many popular styles and prints of T-shirts and sweatshirts. The Northeastern Huskies Ultimate Tri-Blend T-Shirt by Champion is a top seller. It features bold printed Northeastern Huskies graphics in different colors.

5. Heather sweaters

One of the top products is the women’s heather sweater. This vibrant Northeastern Huskies Saranac quarter-zip pullover top has two welt pockets that offer storage and hand warming in the cold weather. The top has a crisp Northeastern Huskies design on the front.

A selection of popular items are on sale for the holidays at the Northeastern University Bookstore including the ever popular hoodies and sweatshirts in Boston. Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

4. Lanyards

The lanyard is a must-have for many students and parents. The lanyards come in various colors, including maroon, black, red and white. They range from narrow to wider widths and emblazoned with “Northeastern” or “Northeastern University.” The lanyards have a snap clip or ring for keys or passes.

Ornaments are a favorite to travel home with for students shopping in the Northeastern University Bookstore. Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

3. Ornaments

During the holiday season, ornaments are frequently purchased. There are several versions of the sharply etched glass ornament available in oval, circle or tree shape. The ornaments are clear glass etched with graduating class year, or the Northeastern logo, or “Merry Christmas” with the Northeastern emblem.

2. Water bottles

Hydro Flasks are a popular brand of water bottle. They are available in many colors, including red, black, white, blue, green and yellow, and come in several sizes from 21 to 40 ounces. The flask fits most backcountry water filters, and has a temperature barrier that keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot up to 12 hours. It is BPA- and phthalate-free and constructed entirely of stainless steel. It has a lifetime warranty and is dishwasher safe. There are also plastic water bottles in several translucent colors with “Northeastern University” and a husky on the side.

Hydro flasks, water bottles, coffee, mugs and more are popular with students shopping in the Northeastern University Bookstore . Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

1. Hoodies

The best seller at the Northeastern bookstore is the classic hoodie, especially the Northeastern Champion Reverse Weave Hooded Sweatshirt. Northeastern University is emblazoned in red letters on the front of the gray sweatshirt with a husky in the middle of the chest, over the classic serif N. The hooded sweatshirt comes in sizes small to XXL.

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