--- title: MBS Foreword | college retail system description: college retail system | Ideas, information and industry news for collegiate retailers --- - [Home](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com) - [View All Posts](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/all) - [Visit mbsbooks.com](https://www.mbsbooks.com/) [![MBS Foreword](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Foreword_Online/logos/fo-logo-whiteblue-400x87-nj-26080601.png?width=400&name=fo-logo-whiteblue-400x87-nj-26080601.png "MBS Foreword")](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com) # Ideas, information and industry news for collegiate retailers ### Articles tagged "College-retail-system" ## [How KPIs Help You Spot Trends and Drive Action](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/how-kpis-help-you-spot-trends-and-drive-action) Posted by [Liz Schulte](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/author/liz-schulte) on 9/21/26, 6:30 AM Topics: [business intelligence](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/business-intelligence), [college retail system](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/college-retail-system), [retail data](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/retail-data) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are essential tools for measuring success, but numbers alone do not tell the whole story. While a KPI shows what happened, understanding trends helps explain why it happened and, most importantly, what to do next. [Read More](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/how-kpis-help-you-spot-trends-and-drive-action) ## [Pre-Rush System Readiness Checklist](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/reopening-strong-system-readiness-checklist) Posted by [Liz Schulte](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/author/liz-schulte) on 8/17/26, 6:30 AM Topics: [textbook rush](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/textbook-rush), [college retail system](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/college-retail-system), [college retail customer experience](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/college-retail-customer-experience), [MBS tools and resources](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/mbs-tools-and-resources) Before rush starts, we recommend taking time to verify critical store technology is operating as it should. Taking this step helps to prevent transaction delays, customer frustration, and operational disruptions throughout the busiest time of year. [Read More](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/reopening-strong-system-readiness-checklist) ## [Alfred State College Bookstore: The Future Is Hybrid](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/alfred-state-college-bookstore-the-future-is-hybrid) Posted by [Liz Schulte](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/author/liz-schulte) on 7/6/26, 6:30 AM Topics: [case study](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/case-study), [hybrid store models](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/hybrid-store-models), [college retail system](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/college-retail-system), [campus retail solutions](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/campus-retail-solutions) By blending physical retail with textbook solutions, campus stores find new ways to stay relevant, improve student experience, and drive growth. We sat down with **Ryan Miller, Campus Store Director at Alfred State College,** to discuss the hybrid store model and how it works at the Alfred State Bookstore. [Read More](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/alfred-state-college-bookstore-the-future-is-hybrid) ## [Unlock the Full Potential of MBS POS Café Mode](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/unlock-the-full-potential-of-mbs-pos-café-mode) Posted by [Liz Schulte](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/author/liz-schulte) on 6/30/26, 6:30 AM Topics: [alternative revenue streams for college stores](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/alternative-revenue-streams-for-college-stores), [college retail system](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/college-retail-system), [college store trends](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/college-store-trends) Unlock new opportunities for your campus store with MBS POS Café Mode. Designed to expand revenue streams, simplify reporting, and reduce third-party fees, Café Mode delivers a seamless, fully integrated experience across your entire MBS system. [Read More](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/unlock-the-full-potential-of-mbs-pos-café-mode) ## [Make Inventory Day a Breeze With This Checklist](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/make-inventory-day-a-breeze-with-this-checklist) Posted by [Liz Schulte](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/author/liz-schulte) on 6/1/26, 6:30 AM Topics: [inventory management](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/inventory-management), [college retail system](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/college-retail-system), [college store trends](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/college-store-trends) Inventory time is here! While it can be a busy and stressful day, a little preparation goes a long way. We connected with System Sales Representative Heather Gillespie to gather expert tips that can help your inventory process run smoothly from start to finish. [Read More](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/make-inventory-day-a-breeze-with-this-checklist) ## [Item Management Made Easy](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/item-management-made-easy) Posted by [Liz Schulte](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/author/liz-schulte) on 4/20/26, 6:30 AM Topics: [training](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/training), [college retail system](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/college-retail-system), [college store retail management system](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/college-store-retail-management-system) In April, MBS system partners were invited to participate in our monthly System Skills Recharge session, Item Management Made Easy. During this one-hour virtual training, MBS Store Technology Solutions Sales Consultant Heather Gillespie guided attendees though practical strategies and tools to simply item management, from setup to maintenance. [Read More](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/item-management-made-easy) ## [2026 Beyond the Conference: Ideas Inspired by ICBA & CAMEX](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/2026-beyond-the-conference-ideas-inspired-by-icba-camex) Posted by [Liz Schulte](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/author/liz-schulte) on 3/31/26, 6:30 AM Topics: [marketing to college students ideas](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/marketing-to-college-students-ideas), [college retail system](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/college-retail-system), [textbook industry trends](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/textbook-industry-trends) MBS system partners are invited to take part in our monthly System Skills Recharge sessions — virtual training opportunities designed to help users sharpen their skills, explore new features, and get more value from the MBS system. Each session focuses on practical, timely topics that empower participants to work more efficiently and confidently. [Read More](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/2026-beyond-the-conference-ideas-inspired-by-icba-camex) ## [Upgrades, New Features, and Training Opportunities: Discover What’s Ahead for MBS Store Technology Solutions](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/upgrades-new-features-and-training-opportunities-discover-whats-ahead-for-mbs-store-technology-solutions) Posted by [Liz Schulte](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/author/liz-schulte) on 1/26/26, 6:30 AM Topics: [college retail system](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/college-retail-system), [college store system](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/college-store-system), [college bookstore system](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/college-bookstore-system) 2026 is shaping up to be an incredible year for the MBS Store Technology Solutions! With so many enhancements, releases and services, we can’t wait for you to experience what’s next. [Read More](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/upgrades-new-features-and-training-opportunities-discover-whats-ahead-for-mbs-store-technology-solutions) ## [The Best System Tips for Campus Stores Going Into 2026](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/the-best-system-tips-for-campus-stores-going-into-2026) Posted by [Liz Schulte](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/author/liz-schulte) on 12/8/25, 6:15 AM Topics: [college retail system](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/college-retail-system), [college bookstore system](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/college-bookstore-system), [campus store pos](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/campus-store-pos) Campus store retail technology is vital parts of your campus store processes — day to day, week to week and year to year. These tools help you better understand store data, simplify inventory management, and streamline processes. That’s why we’ve collected the best system tips for campus stores to take into 2026 and beyond. [Read More](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/the-best-system-tips-for-campus-stores-going-into-2026) ## [One Application, Total Access](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/one-application-total-access) Posted by [Liz Schulte](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/author/liz-schulte) on 11/17/25, 7:30 AM Topics: [college retail system](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/college-retail-system), [college store system](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/college-store-system), [college store retail management system](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/college-store-retail-management-system) Many collegiate retail systems rely on separate components, each with its own licensing fee. MBS is changing that with Arc Total Access. [Read More](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/one-application-total-access) [View All Posts](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/all) [Next Page](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/college-retail-system/page/2) ### Subscribe for updates ### Share your experience [Contact our editorial team](mailto:mktgserv@mbsbooks.com?Subject=Foreword) to set up an interview or to contribute a guest post. ### Most popular posts ### Most popular topics - [college bookstore industry trends (60)](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/college-bookstore-industry-trends) - [campus bookstore marketing (29)](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/campus-bookstore-marketing) - [wholesale textbook ordering (28)](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/wholesale-textbook-ordering) - [textbook industry trends (27)](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/textbook-industry-trends) - [college bookstore system (25)](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/college-bookstore-system) #### Contact MBS **Customer Service** 800-325-0530 cserv@mbsbooks.com **Order Processing** 800-325-0577 [![Go to mbsbooks.com](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Foreword_Online/logos/fo-mbs-logo-footer-240116-1.png?width=103&name=fo-mbs-logo-footer-240116-1.png "Go to mbsbooks.com")](http://www.mbsbooks.com/) #### Stay Connected With Us As MBS’ signature publication, Foreword is dedicated to offering daily industry insight and cutting-edge news that keep college retailers ahead of the curve. 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