The Missouri Bookstore

Before its closing in 1999, the Missouri Bookstore held a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s.

In 1909, the bookstore was opened by brothers R.E. and Boyd Lucas as the Missouri Store Co., which had a restaurant, coffee shop and sold classroom furniture and teaching supplies to public schools in Missouri. It did not sell any textbooks.

After the bookstore’s first 15 years of operation, the University of Missouri purchased the store from the Lucas brothers, only to tear it down and build Ellis Library. But the Lucas brothers used the money from the sale to build the Missouri Bookstore at 909 Lowry Mall. This location actually included a bookstore, along with a restaurant and a coffee shop. In the early 1960s, a lobby was added to the building. The lobby was later turned into a McDonald’s.

In 1973, the Missouri Store Co. changed its name and officially became known as the MBS Textbook Exchange Inc., which owned the Missouri Bookstore.

Twelve years later, in 1985, investors Bob Pugh, Dan Schuppan and Leonard Riggio purchased the bookstore. Pugh became the CEO of MBS, and Schuppan became the new president. Both men still hold the same positions.

When the University Bookstore moved from Memorial Union to Brady Commons, troubles arose for the Missouri Bookstore. The added space allowed the University Bookstore to compete, and the Missouri Bookstore’s market was in decline.

The Missouri Bookstore at Lowry Mall officially closed its doors in 1999. MBS Textbook Exchange as a whole, however, is expanding its services. The company has an industry-leading inventory of new and used books, according to its website, and it offers a variety of options including book rentals, sales and buybacks and an eBook program.