One of the most important outlets for college bookstores is the eCommerce website. As the world around us continues to change and evolve, the eCommerce site has become increasingly important to the store’s relationship with students, the campus and the outside community. In the Independent College Bookstore Industry Trends: eCommerce White Paper, we take a look at how college stores have updated eCommerce sites for the immediate market shift.
Order processing for online orders needs to be fast and accurate. However, this can be a challenge with limited staff and resources. College store associates often have to fulfill many different roles in the store, and the recent uptick in online orders, while great for the store, might strain your traditional methods. How can college stores simplify online order processing?
The college store website is one of the primary avenues for customers to make purchases from your store and a great way to share information with students. However, how can you attract repeat visitors to your website? One method is to keep your site fresh with ever-changing content and up-to-date information.
College bookstore websites have always been important. However, due to COVID-19 the college store website became the primary connection bookstores have with students. South Central College Book Store has worked hard to ensure that its website offers students easy access to current information, detailed how-to instructions and every product a student could buy in the store.
With more traffic being divided between brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers, it’s important that your store is ready to meet expectations both in-store and online. Think about the in-store experience for your shoppers. Where do most shoppers go when they come in? What are your bestselling products? By contemplating how in-store traffic patterns work, you can improve your website, make it easier for visitors to find what they are looking for, and improve the in-store and online experience.
Georgia Southern University Store knows the importance of a user-friendly website that piques student interest. The college store site must appeal to students, alumni and parents alike. In the current state of the retail and education industries, providing easily accessible ways to purchase merchandise, technology and course materials is more important than ever before.
Every year, MBS holds two training events in our Columbia, Missouri, location for our system customers. The events help stores learn more about their collegiate retail system and exchange tips and tricks with other college stores that use the same tools. However, this year, we were unable to host our partner stores in Columbia. Instead, we created our first MBS Forums Virtual Summit event.
For the Washington and Lee University Store, detailed reporting is a must. They partnered with MBS Store Technology Solutions for their collegiate retail system in 2015 and found that the stronger, more detailed reporting better served their business intelligence needs.
When you walk into a department store and see a clearance rack, you probably check it out. The same is true for online shopping. When that Instagram ad catches your eye or you are simply in the mood to shop online, you still want a great deal. A dedicated clearance page on your site highlights the merchandise you need to move, makes it easy for customers to find a great deal and will inspire customers to visit your site more often.
What does your college store website tell shoppers about your store? As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world, eCommerce sites became the only connection to customers for many retail stores. More so than ever before, your store website is a vitally important revenue source.
Contact our editorial team to set up an interview or to contribute a guest post.
Customer Service
800-325-0530
cserv@mbsbooks.com
Order Processing
800-325-0577
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.
© 2023 MBS. All rights reserved.
