With so many consumer options available it can be difficult to keep students coming back to your store. For this reason, loyal customers are a retailer’s biggest asset when it comes to staying competitive, and rewarding these repeat visitors is essential to continued success.
With technology at their fingertips and their nose to their phone, it can be challenging to get students to look up every once and awhile. That’s why Sheila LaFerney, coordinator of textbooks and general merchandise at Oklahoma City Community College Bookstore, decided to get creative.
From working summers with his father at the college bookstore at the age of 13 to newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Auxiliary Services and Enterprise Operations at the San Mateo County Community College District, Tom Bauer has truly seen the collegiate retail industry evolve throughout his career.
Each year, Bobbi Difronzo, merchandise distribution manager at Inver Hills Community College Bookstore, looks forward to the summer months for one reason in particular: vacation! A welcome tradition for her and her two children, she enjoys the chance to get away, to explore new places, or to visit old friends. This summer, however, Bobbi combined all three during a trip to the MBS Headquarters!
Growing up in a generation raised on computers, students expect information at the speed of now. But with tight budgets and a never ending to-do list, it can be hard to staff enough employees to provide instant answers for each customer. New technologies, such as QR Codes, however, offer an easy solution.
After noticing a dramatic decrease in attendance at their main commencement ceremony, the University of Oregon recently decided to take another look at their traditional approach and identify room for improvement.
Today is Social Media Day, a worldwide celebration of the revolution of instant, real-time media. In honor of social media and its influence on the collegiate retail industry, enjoy the last installment of our three-part series of articles focusing on stores that are connecting with their students by using this forum to its fullest!
This Thursday, June 30, is Social Media Day, a worldwide celebration of the revolution of instant, real-time media. In honor of social media and its influence on the collegiate retail industry, we bring you a three-part series of articles focusing on stores that are connecting with their students by using this forum to its fullest.
By definition, being proactive means creating or controlling a situation by causing something to happen, rather than responding to it after the fact. And in today’s collegiate retail industry, it’s becoming a word synonymous with success.
A social media presence is a must. But simply creating accounts for your store on these sites doesn’t cut it anymore. Each week, we’ll explore a new way your store can enhance their online presence in our Social Media Series to make sure you’re taking full advantage of these interactive outlets.
As MBS’ signature publication, Foreword 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.
