History

In 1963, ECU alumnus Jack Edwards and his wife Rachel chose downtown Greenville for the site of their new business. They opened The Book Barn in what is now Bolis 5th Street Pizzeria. Within two years, Jack and Rachel had begun buying and selling used textbooks in the back of the store.

By 1968, growth in the widely popular used textbook business enabled the Edwards to open The University Book Exchange and move into larger quarters at their present location on Cotanche Street, down the hill from the original Book Barn site.

UBE has been a proud member of the Pirate Club since the company was founded, helping to fund facilities for our Pirate athletes. In 1979 UBE helped found the Chancellors Society to raise money for academic programs and capital needs.

Growth

UBE has expanded over the years to keep up with the tremendous growth of East Carolina University and the changing needs of its students. For example, UBE added art supplies and ECU sportswear in the 1970s.

The sportswear has been so popular with students, alumni and friends alike that no other company in the world sells more ECU products than UBE!

UBE created more businesses to keep up with customer demands. The University Frame Shop opened in the early 1980s and Catalog Connection opened its doors in 1992 to offer brand name apparel at discount prices.

History

Still family owned and operated, UBE has become a leader in offering products and services to the ECU community and has become a leading supporter of the University itself. And as the official store of the ECU Alumni Association, UBE donates part of every sale to help promote the University and instill pride and cooperation among its many alumni all around the world.

Today

And as exciting as our past has been, our future is looking even more special. Thanks to all our friends for their support!