Discover Kalamazoo Brings Local Retailers to Western Michigan University Bookstore

Photo courtesy of Discover Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO, MI – Discover Kalamazoo has launched a new initiative bringing products from local retailers into the Western Michigan University Bookstore, operated by Follett, connecting campus retail with the area’s entrepreneurial talent. Products from Kalamazoo Candle Company and The Spirit of Kalamazoo are now available for purchase inside the bookstore, offering students, alumni, families, and visitors the opportunity to take home unique Kalamazoo items while supporting local businesses.

“Having the chance for people visiting campus whether for Homecoming, prospective students, or parents to see my candles and that be a piece of Kalamazoo they bring home with them is huge,” said Adam McFarlin, founder of Kalamazoo Candle Company. “I really appreciate the opportunity to have Kalamazoo Candle Company in the WMU bookstore.”  Their display in the bookstore includes jar candles, votives, wax melts and car fresheners available in a variety of scents including Smitten, Arboretum, and I’ve Got a Gal. 

For Kalamazoo apparel,

The Spirit of Kalamazoo has shirts and dog bandanas with the saying “Someone in Kalamazoo loves me” and a new Kalamazoo shirt design done in partnership with Discover Kalamazoo. 

“The Spirit of Kalamazoo is very excited about the opportunity to place some of our most popular products in the WMU bookstore,” said Andy Widner, co-owner of The Spirit of Kalamazoo with his wife Kathleen. “The bookstore customers are a perfect mix of students and visitors from out of town, and this gives us a chance to meet them where they are. In an increasingly competitive retail world these new ideas are critical for our small business to remain viable, so we thank Discover Kalamazoo and the WMU bookstore for their creativity.”

The collaboration carries added significance as the owners behind the participating brands are WMU alumni, making the initiative a full-circle moment that reinforces Bronco pride while reinvesting in the local economy.

“We love being a part of the community and WMU is such a big part of that,” said McFarlin. “As an alum, I am grateful for the opportunity to still be a part of my alma mater in this meaningful way.”

“At Western Michigan University, we see our role as an anchor institution not just in education, but in strengthening the local economy through meaningful partnerships,” said Lisa Garcia, Associate Vice President for External Partnerships at WMU. “Creating opportunities for small businesses to connect with students and visitors on campus helps drive visibility, growth, and long-term sustainability. Initiatives like this reflect the power of collaboration between the university and our community to support entrepreneurship and advance Kalamazoo’s economic vitality.”

Since the fall of 2024,

Discover Kalamazoo has operated a satellite visitor center at The Corner inside the WMU student center to provide resources in a high traffic area for visitors including prospective students and their families. The WMU campus is second to downtown Kalamazoo as the most visited place in Kalamazoo County. 

Discover Kalamazoo is the official destination marketing organization for Kalamazoo County, with a vision of sharing Kalamazoo with everyone. Discover Kalamazoo’s mission is to attract and wow visitors for the economic advancement of the county. The Discover Kalamazoo team works to market Kalamazoo County as a destination for leisure travelers, meetings, and sports events, connecting planners with local businesses and providing information and resources to both visitors and residents. For more information, please visit DiscoverKalamazoo.com.