First temporary bookstore opens in 1950, serving Long Beach State College’s 971 students.

Forty-Niner Shops Inc. incorporates in 1953 as a non-profit auxiliary organization. Now includes the Bookstore, Art Store, campus convenience stores, Beach on 2nd St. store, ID Card Services, plus campus Dining Services, special events and catering.

First permanent section of the bookstore built in 1954; second addition opens in 1959.

Forty-Niner Shops employs more than 700 students and supports a variety of campus-wide programs. Annual Bowling for Books event has raised more than $400,000 for the 49er Textbook Scholarship to help students pay for textbooks and other course materials.

National Association of College Stores Foundation names the Bookstore the 2013 Collegiate Retailer of the Year for retailing excellence. ▲