We all know that students have lots of options when it comes to buying textbooks. So, when they make the decision to step in your store, you need to do everything possible to keep them there and to win their business. That means not only having competitive prices, but also excellent service.
Since last October, University Book Store at University of Wisconsin – Madison has been under renovation. The 20,000 square foot remodel focused on adding space to their selling area and creating a more retail-centric atmosphere. The results, according to director Kevin Phelps, are phenomenal.
The ninth-seeded Shockers kept the country on the edge of their seats this season as they advanced to the Final Four with four wins, one over top-seeded Gonzaga and one over second-seeded Ohio State. And in their first Final Four since 1965, they had the Cardinals fighting hard for a win.
Between rogue buyers and online retailers, students now have plenty of options when it comes to where to sell their books. That’s why it’s so important that college stores continually evolve their buyback strategy.
UC-Davis Stores is taking an entirely new approach to textbook rush this semester. In an effort to make incoming students’ first experience a positive one, the store is going the extra mile to offer customized service through a new personal shopper program.
Loyal customers are the foundation of any strong retail operation. So, it’s important that stores show appreciation for their continued business. In an effort to do just that, University Book Store at University of Washington has hosted their Campus Thank You Celebration for the past 9 years.
Located just north of downtown Seattle, University Book Store at the University of Washington is a college store that knows its books. Unlike many others in the industry, however, their course material sales make up a relatively small percentage of their gross sales. That’s because the UW Book Store has established a general book department that engages UW students, faculty and staff as well as customers from surrounding communities.
In the days before computerized technology, our industry ran solely on the knowledge and integrity of those who owned and operated bookstores. Known as ‘bookmen,’ they had to understand exactly how each action would affect their bottom line, learning thousands of titles and prices out of the buying guide without any resource to rely on besides their own memory.
Space: it’s just one of those necessities that retail stores never seem to have enough of. So, how do you make do with less operational area? You just get creative of course, according to Rebecca Bowles, assistant manager at Randolph Macon College Bookstore.
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