Ideas, information and industry news for collegiate retailers

Before 2020, online sales were not a big part of the University of Manitoba (UM) BookStore’s revenue. The brick-and-mortar store served its campus while few students chose to shop online. However, after 2020, all of that changed. In order to continue to serve the school’s community, a robust online presence was essential.

Last week, MBS held its annual Spring Forums event. System partners came together virtually to learn helpful system tips, hear store successes and access a multitude of resources. To kick off the week, the first session discussed how to strengthen college store eCommerce sites and what to avoid when working on your website redesign.

Website expectations are constantly changing. In addition to keeping information updated, college store eCommerce sites must also keep up with their web design and ensure easy customer navigation. When Brian Beahan, Bookstore Supervisor, Century College, started in April of 2019, he knew the website would be the first project he needed to work on. After a complete website redesign, he is still working to ensure the store’s customers get the very best user experience.

Words like unprecedented have been coming up a lot lately to describe the current state of nearly every industry that has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The educational industry is no exception. During these truly unprecedented times, college stores like the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Bookstore have demonstrated their adaptability, creativity and flexibility as they continue to find ways to proudly serve students and their campuses. We recently caught up with NWTC Bookstore and The Buzz Coffee Shop Manager Gretchen Bonnema to hear how her store is preparing for a 100 percent online fall term.

With more importance than ever before placed on online shopping, stores are doing what they can to improve customers’ eCommerce experience and better compete. College stores have fewer resources than large online competitors, but they have a greater ability to continue to offer customers a personal touch — even online. Today, we have five tips to engage the campus community from afar.

Customers are inundated with options when shopping for educational materials. For the campus bookstore, this means your website needs to be a helpful resource that offers customers easy access to course materials and school-branded merchandise while also giving them payment options that include Student Financial Aid (SFA). Here are some ways you can make your website a relevant and trusted option for your customers.