Foreword Online

Ideas, information and industry news for collegiate retailers



3 Lessons Stores Can Learn From Amazon

Posted by Liz Schulte on 1/24/18 5:30 AM

Amazon is one of the biggest retail innovators of the last two decades, arguably the 21st century. They seemingly dive into markets overnight and change the way things are done along with the public’s expectations. We watched with amazement when Amazon acquired Whole Foods, wondering what, if anything, would change. Now, the famously expensive grocery chain has seen price cuts and Prime members will get perks in the store — a clear sign Amazon is leaving its mark. What wisdom can small stores extrapolate from Amazon’s business practices to carry their college store into the future?

Read More

Marketing in a Snap

Posted by Connor Wiemann on 8/4/17 5:30 AM

Grabbing my attention, or most college students’, isn’t easy because we are bombarded with images and advertisements all day every day. However, catch my eye on Snapchat, and suddenly you have my attention — at least for 10 seconds.

Read More

Expand Your Professional Network at MBS Spring Forums

Posted by Liz Schulte on 4/6/17 5:30 AM

Only a couple weeks away, MBS Systems’ Spring Forums is almost here. There is still time to register, but space is running out fast. Join MBS Systems for this free event in Columbia, Missouri, April 18-20 for three days of hands-on learning and networking with other college stores.

Read More

Arc: The New Browser-based Retail Management Suite From MBS

Posted by Jason Smallheer on 3/28/17 5:30 AM

The tasks associated with running a bookstore take you away from facing customers. Instead, you sit in front of countless web browser tabs with multiple log-ins telling you what you have on the shelf, where to send POs, managing your ledger and figuring out who to staff and when. Now there’s help.

Read More

MBS Spring Forums Provides Hands-On Learning

Posted by Liz Schulte on 3/22/17 5:30 AM

MBS Systems’ 2017 Spring Forums is weeks away. Join us April 18-20, 2017, to learn the capabilities of the system in your store, network with other college stores to learn what they are doing differently and receive in depth training on your own system’s capabilities. The Spring Forums is free, and you receive a special MBS rate on your hotel during your stay.

Read More

CU Book Store: MVP at ICBA

Posted by Liz Schulte on 3/13/17 5:30 AM

The CU Book Store at the University of Colorado Boulder brought home the MVP award at this year’s ICBA conference in Las Vegas. This is the first time they have won the prestigious award in the history of their membership in the organization. Constantly watching the industry and learning from their peers, the CU Book Store brings successful innovation to their campus.

Read More

Join Us For MBS Systems Spring Training Forum

Posted by Liz Schulte on 3/9/17 5:30 AM

The MBS Systems Spring Forums are back and better than ever!

Meet with industry peers and MBS Systems representatives in Columbia, Missouri, from April 18-20, 2017, for three spectacular days of hands-on learning. Network with other college stores from across the country and MBS Systems staff in daily round table discussions about topics that matter to you most. Bring your laptop or tablet to learn about the many capabilities of your system from the experts and get your questions answered.  Best of all, the event is completely free!

Read More

Forget the First Impression, What’s Your Last-ing Impression?

Posted by Jason Smallheer on 1/24/17 5:30 AM

We’ve heard the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” We think about it often; on the job interview or meeting a new business partner. But how do we make a lasting impression and what can get in the way? 

Read More

Why Your Bookstore Should Use Text Messages to Bring in Customers

Posted by Jason Smallheer on 1/12/17 5:30 AM

In 2011, Facebook introduced a new messaging platform. The concept came from Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg believing the electronic communication medium of the future would not be email. In 2016, the 20th anniversary of the text message, Bloomberg said 8 trillion text messages were sent.

Read More

What the Increase in Distance Learning Means for Your School, and Your Brick-and-mortar Store

Posted by Dean Asher on 11/24/16 5:00 AM

An interesting new statistic is reassuring news for private higher ed institutions that saw their "inevitable downfall" being forecast a few months ago: Distance learners are on the rise at institutions nationally, and it's proving to be a major revenue stream.

Read More

Subscribe for updates

Share your experience

Contact our editorial team to set up an interview or to contribute a guest post.

Most popular posts