As a sales consultant with MBS Store Technology Solutions, I do not get to use the system the way a college store does. Undoubtedly, I learn something new or am reminded about a feature of the system with each encounter — whether through formal training, a store visit, or the implementation process with a new system partner. This year’s virtual fall forums training event was no exception. I want to take a moment to share some of the sessions that stuck with me.
Why is the campus store a great place for students, and the rest of the campus community, to shop? With the increase in competition, both on and off campus, it is important to remind your students, faculty and staff why the campus store should be their top choice.
With the end of the year quickly approaching, it is time to make planning and budgeting decisions for next year. What are your store goals and priorities? How can your college store system help support those goals? We spoke with MBS Store Technology Solutions Sales Consultants, Heather Gillespie and Jeremy Hawkins, to find out what they suggest stores consider for 2024.
Utilizing the complete MBS system, the University of Manitoba (UM) BookStore effectively manages every aspect of the college store and has achieved fantastic results. We recently spoke with Craig Bauer, Course Materials Manager, University of Manitoba BookStore, about how they use the MBS system to help streamline store management from general merchandise to course material distribution.
Your collegiate retail system touches nearly everything that happens in your store. When staff stay current on new functionality and work with our representatives to ensure efficiency in store processes or to refresh their knowledge as you head into a seasonal event, your store can best utilize the resources and functionality available to you. MBS Store Technology Solutions works with its partners to help them succeed and fully use the technology available to them.
In a crowded market, what are the top competitive advantages college stores have? Online and locally new competitors are popping up for college stores. Everyone is vying for students’ attention and likely offering similar deals. However, independent college stores have some innate competitive advantages that can help you keep and expand your market share. Let’s take a look at some of the ways the MBS system helps you leverage your store’s advantages.
Join MBS Store Technology Solutions for its biannual Virtual Forum (October 31 -- November 4). The week of events will include hands-on learning, new feature announcements, informative how-to sessions and best practices. Registration for each session is now open.
It’s almost time for back to school. That means stores need to start thinking about the best ways to communicate with new and returning students to help increase rush foot traffic and maximize your competitive advantages. We have gathered three student communication tips to help you select the best back-to-school marketing materials for your store.
College stores do not operate with the same goals and priorities as traditional retail stores. Where traditional retailers may seek to encourage shoppers to buy unnecessary goods and push profit margins, college stores are tasked with ensuring students have the necessary materials for class and to help provide cost savings. We spoke with Shannon Blackadder, Textbook and Trade Manager, University of Calgary Bookstore, to discuss how the store ensures students receive great services and prices.
The Clatsop Community College Bookstore is in an unusual position: it never closed down during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the rest of campus moved online and closed to foot traffic, the college store remained open, becoming a single point of contact for all student needs. We sat down with Denise Russell, Bookstore/Copy Center Manager and Adjunct Professor, to discuss how the bookstore expanded its service during this time.
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