Our Nonprofit Mission

Since 1920, the University of Oregon Bookstore/The Duck Store has served the book and supply needs of the University of Oregon.

With locations in Eugene and Portland, we advance and foster the educational goals of the University of Oregon by creating an enduring sense of community among all Ducks — past, present and future.

What does it mean to be a nonprofit store?

Most college stores are owned by for-profit corporations operating stores at multiple colleges and universities. The Duck Store is different. We exist to benefit students, not to profit from them. We do that through discounted textbook prices, student employment, and support of University of Oregon programs.

Our History

In 1920, enrollment at the University of Oregon surged to a post-World War I high of 1,913 students and a movement formed around access to books, pens, papers and binders. Admittedly not likely to be the impetus for a movement today.

Following the Associated Students of the University of Oregon’s sale of the UO’s bookstore in 1918 to pay for a contract debt to the football coach and a trip to the Rose Bowl the previous year, students had limited options for the supplies they needed. Students were limited to a handful of for-profit shops around Eugene or occasionally bought books directly from publishers.

On the founding principles of access and independence, the student-owned University of Oregon Cooperative Store opened its doors on June 16, 1920.