With the cost of textbooks rising, Forty-Niner Shops’ at California State University – Long Beach decided that they wanted to do even more to help ease the burden on students. Beginning in 2009, the store created a new event, Bowling for Books, to generate additional textbook scholarships for their students. The fundraiser was the idea of the store’s general manager Don Penrod, who had been a part of a similar event at St. Louis Community College four years prior.
One year ago today, Foreword Online posted its first article and it's been nothing short of an exciting experience ever since! We've had the opportunity to feature hundreds of colleges stores across the country and share their unique ideas and experiences with others along the way! We've also posted countless industry-related articles as well as created 10 Monthly Marketing Plans, too.
Two years ago, the Duck Store at University of Oregon received an unwelcome surprise; they realized a competitor had rented table space directly across the street from their store in an attempt to buy students’ books.
Although a rental program had long been in place at Three Rivers College Bookstore, Bob Jansen, director, decided that it could use a little updating. With the goal of becoming the most profitable college store in the nation as a percentage of sales with one of the lowest textbook costs, he wanted to expand the store’s program. Recognizing the difficulties of doing so on an outdated system, however, Jansen first went in search of a serialized rental program that could be more effectively managed.
The new Facebook Timeline is here and on March 30, 2012 all brand pages will have to convert to the new layout. To help make your transition a little smoother, we're providing you with some creative Cover Photos that will capture your fans' attention! We've designed these images with your students in mind, integrating the latest trends into each theme! Better yet, we've added promotional posters to go along with each Cover Photo so that you can easily implement an entire campaign for buyback, rush, or any time in between!
With upfront savings on their minds, students across the country are demanding textbook rental. But, many college stores are hesitant to offer the option because of the extra labor and financial risk involved. Wichita State University Bookstore, who has offered rental for the past three semesters, was definitely no exception.
No advertising is required for you to host a ‘secret sale’ for all your loyal social media followers. Simply designate a slow-traffic time period to provide a specific discount, and then post it to your Facebook or Twitter account. You can make it more fun by requiring a specific action that your fans and followers must complete in-store to take advantage of your promotion. Try posting a password, providing a printable coupon or asking those students to mention Facebook or Twitter during their transaction.
The time for graduation and finals is near. Many seniors will be making some of their last purchases at their college store for caps, gowns and any supplies they may need to make it through their last exams. Now is the time to reach out to them so they will remain loyal customers as alumni.
Only see most of your students when they buy and sell back books each semester? Increase the likelihood of additional visits by offering Buyback Bucks!
Between rogue buyers and online retailers, students have options when it comes to selling their books. So, this month, we devised a marketing plan that will help you save market share by offering students an extra incentive to shop with you first!
As MBS’ signature publication, Foreword Online is dedicated to offering daily industry insight and cutting-edge news that keep college retailers ahead of the curve. Follow us on social media. Contact us with ideas and feedback. Subscribe for regular updates.
