Henderson, Tennessee – (May 10, 2024) – Customers now have a new way to shop at The Belfry: Freed-Hardeman University’s Campus and Christian Store. An online version of the popular campus store, featuring FHU apparel, gifts, religious materials and more, is now live and accepting online orders at fhu.edu/shop. This virtual expansion ensures that parents, alumni and friends of FHU can show their support for the university, no matter their location.
The Belfry first opened the doors of its newly renovated physical space (behind the Gardner Center in the basement of the Pruett Book Center) in August 2023, and the store has since been well received by the FHU community. Its name, referring to the inner chamber of a bell tower that houses the bell, was chosen to represent the spirit of being an insider and valued member of the community.
“A literal belfry is typically a space with limited access. Only insiders are allowed into the inner chamber where the bells are housed. We want our shoppers to feel like insiders,” FHU Hospitality and Merchandise Supervisor Rachel Woolard said. “The online store is an easy way for shoppers to purchase apparel all over the country and feel like they’re a part of campus.”
Everything that can be found in the physical store is now also available for online purchase, with no price variation other than shipping costs. The Belfry offers five shopping departments: FHU apparel, FHU gear and gifts, religious, FHU Associates and The Pearly Peacock – Boutique Clothing (owned by FHU alumna Emily Ward Hayes). Though managed by a different company, there is also a link on the website to facilitate the purchase of university textbooks.
The store can fulfill Christian book orders, including Bibles, and can even provide imprinting services. Some of their top-selling items include T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, Bibles and baseball caps.
Since The Belfry’s physical opening, Woolard has worked to cultivate an active social media presence, and she has been very pleased with online audience engagement thus far. From organizing scavenger hunts to featuring faculty, staff and students as models for FHU apparel, the store has gained a playful and positive reputation on campus that has community members eager to get involved.
“I’ve been really impressed with people being willing to help every step of the journey, from the time we first opened our doors to the unveiling of our website,” Woolard said. “The week before Homecoming, the FHU Associates even selflessly organized an army of women to come in and help us process our inventory in time for the big event.”
Ross Hysmith, manager of The Belfry, added, “During campus events, the store turns into a social hub. It’s nice to engage with different members of the FHU family and be a part of the community.”
The versatility of the online store now allows customers to shop from anywhere, with most orders being delivered within one week by USPS. Orders may also be placed online and picked up in store during available store hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.). Parents or grandparents even have the option of purchasing a gift for a student online that can be picked up by the student on site. Gift cards are also available, in store and digitally.
Both Woolard and Hysmith are excited about the opportunities for engagement this new step presents. “This website (and the ability to shop and order online) is a huge deal for us,” Woolard said. “The store is for FHU and the surrounding community.”
For more information about The Belfry’s new online store, please email shop@fhu.edu, call (731) 989-6678, or visit facebook.com/TheBelfryFHU or instagram.com/thebelfry_fhu.
The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees.