We all know textbook rush and buyback get a bad rap with students. With this understanding, Bloomsburg University Store is continually looking for new and creative ways to change perception during these events. For example, after attending a CAMEX five years ago, the store decided to implement one of the ideas that had been suggested by a colleague; they installed a camera to broadcast a live feed of the line during rush.
With only one big-box book retailer serving the industry, many readers across the country have been left without a place to find their favorite trade books. Rob Duvall, text specialist at College Corner Coffee and Books , took note of this need when opening his store’s newest location.
The Skidmore Shop is one store that knows how to connect with college students. Their array of social programming includes everything from a weekly Farmer’s Market to local restaurants who let students sample a big tasting menu at the store. One event that the store is known for, however, is Newfie Night.
Between the holidays, a once-in-a-century kind of date, buyback, and even the end of the world predictions, December 2012 offered lots of opportunities for creative events in college stores! Take a look as a few discuss how they promoted these exciting occurrences and the engagement they were able to create with students as a result!
Buyback is a bi-annual occurrence for nearly every college store; however, one thing that’s often missing from the event is the element of fun. Recognizing that trend, Iowa State University Book Store decided to take a different approach this semester.
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.
Cooking competitions are all the rage on television and University of Dayton Bookstore has brought the trend to campus with their annual Iron Chef Dayton: Ramen Noodle Cook-Off!
Since University Store at Towson University began their rental program two years ago, Stacy Elofir, director, has been strategizing ways that the store could offer their entire inventory for rent. Dedicated to offering students the best value, Elofir was determined to make the idea both financially and logistically feasible for the store.
Because National Student Day is celebrated in October, Tri-County Technical College Campus Store chooses a charity to support each year during this time. In the past, the store has collected pet food for a local animal shelter as well as diapers and wipes for a nearby non-profit organization. While trying to decide what they should do this year, Kelli Harrison, assistant manager, came across MBS’ Monthly Marketing plans.
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.
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