Ideas, information and industry news for collegiate retailers

The end of the term is always a hectic time for college stores. Last semester, Titan Shops attempted to change that with a promotion that got rental books back in their hands earlier. Their simple, yet effective approach allowed them to ultimately streamline the return process and reduce the stress on their staff.

Sometimes, showing is better than telling. When it comes to convincing students you have better deals than online retailers and the store down the street, that’s definitely the case. This month’s Marketing Plan is designed to make educating students on all that you have to offer both interactive and informal. By hosting this fun event throughout textbook rush, you’ll not only lighten the mood during a stressful time, but also have an easy opportunity to show students your prices aren’t so bad. Check it out!

The “Black Friday” of collegiate retail typically occurs during the back-to-school season. But, who says your store can’t make a killing during the holiday season, too? Because your target audience is all about convenience, your store has a big opportunity to gain their gift sales. We’ve created four unique promotions that will bring your customers to your store during the most wonderful time of the year and ensure you unwrap more revenue this holiday season. Pick and choose which will work best for your store!

Movember is the month formerly known as November, where men and women across the globe join together to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues – specifically prostate and testicular cancer initiatives. This social movement is responsible for the sprouting of millions of mustaches on men’s faces around the world. Now, your store can join the fight by supporting the cause as well as those students, faculty and community members who are participating. We’ve come up with an event, several activities and all the marketing materials you’ll need to promote this important initiative at your store. Take a look:

Most of your customers were born in the 90’s, so bring them back to their childhood with a fun flashback event! 90’s Night is the perfect opportunity to bring students into the store and show them that you’re here for much more than just textbooks and school supplies; you’re a destination for interactive events, too! We’ve come up with tons of activities you can host throughout the week or on a designated date – the choice is yours! Take a look:

When it comes to textbooks, students will do anything they can to save. That’s why many stores offer a Guaranteed Buyback program, allowing customers to lock in their end-of-the-term buyback value at the time of purchase. While we all understand what this program entails, it’s a novel concept for many students, especially the incoming class. Finding the time to effectively explain this initiative during the busy rush season, however, can be a difficult task.

You offer lots of programs that are designed to save students money and streamline their school experience. But those programs are only effective if students know about them. We’ve devised an easy way for you to spread awareness about your price comparison program and, ultimately, encourage your customers to take full advantage of it. Just follow our step-by-step instructions below. Take a look!

High school graduates often have a mile-long wish list as they head off to college. From dorm decor to textbooks, there’s a lot they need to start the next phase in their educational career. To gather all these supplies, however, parents often have to shop around at several stores and even rely on graduation gifts to fill in the gaps. What if there was a way to make it easier for families to stock up while gaining the revenue from all those sales at your store? Now, there is! We have an option available for stores using MBS Systems Gift Registry and for those without the application; read on to learn more.

Typically, when one thinks of change, big, significant differences come to mind. But, sometimes, small steps can be just as effective. That was certainly the case at Washington and Lee's University Store, during the winter buyback.

The latest craze in pop culture seems to be the supernatural; science fiction and fantasy have intertwined and quickly become a mainstream genre. With an array of popular television shows, movies and even video games all featuring frightful creatures and superhuman heroes, this trend is well-known to students and a great way to bring some humor to your store! Connect with your customers on a lighthearted level by hosting a Geek Week, dedicated to those who love the abnormal.