Retail metrics help stores make a variety of decisions from staffing to merchandise ordering. As college stores reopen for fall under new restrictions, limited capacity and social distancing requirements, what bookstore analytic metrics will be most important?
For many of us, times are unpredictable. As college stores look toward the start of a new term, strengthening online sales, student convenience and in-store safety precautions are three areas that will have the biggest impact no matter what happens this fall. We recently spoke with Lincoln Land Community College’s Director of Campus Services Andrew Blaylock to discuss the college store’s web orders and how they are preparing for fall.
Many college stores are making plans for fall amid uncertainty. While trying to plan for multiple scenarios, it is important to maximize the number of options available to students: a strong web presence with a responsive site, fast delivery, curbside pickup, and streamlined in-store pickup and purchasing. But how are stores streamlining in-store purchasing and keeping customers and employee safe? For many college stores, counter service is the answer.
COVID-19 has changed the way college stores across the nation operate. Adapting to current conditions and new restrictions, college stores have found ways to work within this new normal. Southeast Technical College Bookstore has taken the challenges they face and used them to improve customer service and add more convenient options for students. Bookstore Manager Jason Skiff recently spoke with us about the changes the store has made to prepare for fall.
Since the end of March, college stores have had to make quick adjustments to meet the unprecedented demands created by COVID-19. As the San Joaquin Delta College campus responded to the pandemic, the Delta College Bookstore stepped up with a plan to safely offer students a centralized location to return and pick up materials.
Recently, MBS Field Marketing Territory Manager Beth Gallagher had the opportunity to sit down with UC Davis Stores’ Aaron Ochoa, Director, and Jason Lorgan, Executive Director of Campus Recreation, Student Unions and Stores, to discuss college bookstore industry trends and how their stores work to elevate student experience. So today, we bring you our first MBS Foreword Online podcast, Campus Store Conversations.
Student employees can be a great resource for campus retail. They bring new energy into the store and provide helpful insight about their likes and dislikes. However, how does this latest generation of student workers differ from previous generations?
Fantastic customer service has the power to set your store apart from the competition. Regardless of store size, the time and care you take with your customers will strengthen your position in the campus community and demonstrate the service you provide. But what does great customer service mean in today’s collegiate retail environment?
Campus bookstores are always coming up with creative ways to reach nontraditional students. Kansas City Kansas Community College found a way to engage nontraditional students and even some faculty members and staff with on-campus games of Dungeons & Dragons. We recently spoke with Chris Guthrie, operations assistant at KCKCC, about his success and how he tapped into the community’s sense of adventure.
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.
© 2026 MBS. All rights reserved.
