Educational Development Corporation (NASDAQ: EDUC) is a diversified provider of educational and consumer book products, serving schools, libraries, teachers and general readers across the United States. The company operates through two primary segments: publishing and retail/distribution. Its publishing arm focuses on developing and acquiring compelling educational content, while its retail and distribution division brings those products—along with a broad selection of school and specialty merchandise—directly to teachers, students and families.
In its publishing segment, Educational Development leverages two imprints, The Bright Banner and Blue Star Press, to produce reading materials across a range of genres and age groups. The Bright Banner imprint offers children’s nonfiction, picture books and teacher‐resource guides designed to support literacy initiatives in K–12 classrooms. Blue Star Press focuses on young adult historical fiction and illustrated biographies, helping students engage with history and culture through narrative storytelling. Titles from both imprints are distributed through wholesalers, specialty retailers and online channels.
The company’s retail and distribution segment operates the Mardel Christian & Education chain, a network of more than 40 brick‐and‐mortar stores located primarily in the South and Central United States, as well as an e-commerce platform. Mardel stores carry a curated assortment of educational resources, Christian living titles, school supplies, church curricula and gifts. This channel enables Educational Development to maintain direct relationships with educators and families, offering in‐store events, teacher appreciation programs and loyalty initiatives that reinforce its commitment to community engagement.
Founded in 1937 and headquartered in Gainesville, Georgia, Educational Development has grown through a combination of organic product innovation and strategic acquisitions, including the addition of its publishing imprints and the Mardel retail chain. Under the leadership of President and CEO David C. Johnson, the company continues to expand its omnichannel offerings, investing in digital tools and content licensing to meet evolving needs in education. With a workforce spanning editorial, sales, logistics and retail operations, Educational Development aims to deliver high-quality, curriculum-aligned materials that support learning outcomes and foster lifelong reading habits.
AI Generated. May Contain Errors.
