Foreword Online

Ideas, information and industry news for collegiate retailers



Host a DIY Game Day Shirt Extravaganza

Posted by Liz Schulte on 1/28/19 5:30 PM

Creating DIY game day fashion is a fast, easy and fun way for students to personalize their outfit for big games. Popular DIY designs can range from simple to elaborate, but they all have one thing in common: They’re an affordable way for students to update their wardrobe. Help students embrace their creativity with a fun, spirit-boosting DIY t-shirt event.

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Spotlight: How Riverland Community College Bookstores Build Student Engagement Through Events

Posted by Liz Schulte on 11/26/18 5:30 AM

College stores depend on keeping a steady stream of student foot traffic throughout the year. Regular, well-planned bookstore events and sales can increase student and faculty engagement while positioning the store as a campus social hub. We recently sat down with Carissa Drake, bookstore coordinator at Riverland Community College, to discuss bookstore events and the best ways to reach the entire campus community.

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9 Ways to Keep the Back-to-School Rush Going

Posted by Kate Seat on 9/4/18 6:00 AM

Just because things slow down once school begins doesn't mean you have to accept slower sales! By taking a proactive approach and scheduling a mix of fun events throughout the semester, you can expand your customers' perception of your store from "just" the place to pick up their course materials to a year-round staple. Here are some easy ways to get started:

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Win Student Trust From the Start

Posted by Liz Schulte on 8/14/18 5:30 AM

A student stares down at rows of books, perplexed, eyebrows drawn together as she squints at the shelf tags between the constant stream of other students shuffling by. To her left, another student stands with his friends trying to look up the books he needs online.

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New Student Midnight Markdown

Posted by Lori Reese on 7/2/18 5:30 AM

The start of the school year is prime time to cultivate loyalty among new customers. Don’t wait until rush to reach out. Plan a treat for newcomers now that you can advertise during orientation and schedule early in the year.

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Reach Nontraditional Students in a Nontraditional Way

Posted by Liz Schulte on 6/19/18 5:30 AM

Connecting with nontraditional students can be a challenge. As they come and go, more disconnected from campus events than other students, your message can be lost. Many of these students have jobs, they might have kids and they are older. All of this contributes to making them feel disenfranchised on campus. Keeping this population of students in mind, here are a few ideas of how your store can engage with overlooked students.

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Think, Plan, Do: 2018 Marketing Plan

Posted by Liz Schulte on 6/1/18 6:30 AM

Certain times of the year are naturally busier than others. Promotions and events can be lost when there isn’t time to plan and host an event on top of everything else you do. Take advantage of this summer’s lull to organize and prepare your marketing efforts for the rest of the year.

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A Quick Guide to Last-Minute Buyback Promotions

Posted by Liz Schulte on 4/26/18 10:30 AM

Buyback is just around the corner, but it isn’t too late to encourage students to sell their textbooks back to your college store. Follow this easy-to-use checklist to make sure you maximize your buyback marketing efforts.

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Slash Prices Next Friday the 13th

Posted by Liz Schulte on 3/5/18 5:30 AM

Do you believe in luck? Do strange occurrences happen when there is a full moon? Whether or not you personally believe in superstitions, many people do. So many, in fact, that on Friday the 13th retail sales can suffer. This April, take the opportunity to turn this well-known superstition into a fun sales event for your store.

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Increase Traffic With a St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt

Posted by Liz Schulte on 2/1/18 5:30 AM

With winter slowly coming to a close and spring break right around the corner, everyone could use a little bit of fun to brighten their day. A lively scavenger hunt will engage students and give them the opportunity to save some green in the store this March.

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