Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

College Stores Receive Awards: Best Practices and Top Performers
Independent College Bookstore Association recognizes 2012 - 2013 Best Practices and Top Performers Awards among College Bookstores

ASHLAND, OREGON (April 1, 2014) – On Thursday, February 6, 2014, at the ICBA 2014 Retail Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, Pat McGowan from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, presented the 2012-2013 Best Practices and Top Performer Awards to seven Independent College Bookstore Association (ICBA) member stores.

“The ICBA operating survey is extremely valuable to our company. We use it to benchmark our results against peer stores and to see trends in our industry. It is another great benefit of being an ICBA member.” says Pat McGowan, Director of University Book Store at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. 

Of the 78 stores that participated in the 2012-2013 Operating Survey, 42 stores were eligible to be recognized for their outstanding performance. Criteria for this year’s ICBA Best Practice and Top Performance Awards are:

  • ICBA Operating Survey participant in each of the last five years (42 stores in contention)
  • Achieved top performances or best practices demonstrating successful execution of business strategies from 2008 to 2013.
  • Award categories determined based on review of the 2012-2013 results (not pre-determined.
  • Emphasis on more challenging areas of the college store business.
  • Performance was influenced by internal leadership, strategy development and execution
The ICBA membership congratulates, recognizes and gives many thanks to the following stores for their outstanding performance and best practices. Each of these stores demonstrates exemplary leadership within the college retail industry by establishing and executing successful business strategies from 2008 and into 2013.

The MVP Award for Overall Outstanding Performance 
MSU Bookstore, Inc.
Montana State University


  • Increased overall sales by 20%
  • Increase net income by 278%
  • Improvement across all categories in margin generation
  • 50% increase in Net Worth over 5 years

           
Excellence in Course Materials Management
University Book Stores
University of Missouri

  • Increased overall sales by 17%
  • Custom Published total of $900,000
  • Rental totaling more than $3,000,000
  • Forefront of much of what is new in this area

                                                                                           
Excellence in Course Materials Management
Wildcat Shop
Central Washington University
  • Increased overall sales by 14%
  • Very aggressive in price matching
  • Maintained margin in excess of 20%

                                                                                           
Excellence in General Books Management 
Boise State University Bookstore
Boise State University
  • Increased general book sales by 17%
  • Increased inventory turnover 29%
  • One of few stores with an increase in this category

          
Excellence in Technology Product Management 
Olympic College Bookstore
Olympic College
  • Increased technology product sales by 255%
  • Gross margin sustained above 16% with large sales growth
  • Increased inventory turns to 5.7   


Excellence in Student Supplies Management
BYU-Idaho University Store
BYU Idaho
  • Increased student supply sales 26%
  • Inventory turnover consistently at 3.5 turns
  • Maintained margin close to 40%


Outstanding Insignia Product Performance
The University of Arizona BookStores
University of Arizona

  • Increased insignia product sales 55%
  • Inventory turnover increased 156% to 3.7 turns
  • Maintained margin in excess of 53%



To participate in the ICBA Operating Survey, stores must be an ICBA Member. To learn more about the Independent College Bookstore Association and the ICBA Operating Survey, please contact Sadja Pals, ICBA Marketing and Membership Manager, at Sadja@ICBAinc.com or 800.618.0530.

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Since its inception in 1927, Independent College Bookstore Association (ICBA) continues to be the only professional cooperative dedicated exclusively to institutional collegiate retail stores. ICBA provides the opportunity for owners and decision makers committed to putting their schools and students first and to openly and enthusiastically share operational improvements. ICBA does this by providing exceptional programs and services including buying programs, professional development and innovative solutions. 
The mission of ICBA is to provide the programs and services that will establish the institutional store model as the preferred management solution for higher education.

Saturday, November 16, 2013

How Standards Advance Retail
Change Is the Way You Serve Your Customers
– Lori Mitchell-Keller, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Retail for SAP

The Association of Retail Technology Standards (ARTS) started with a concept: to simplify change at the point of sale (POS). Even the most basic alternations to software and equipment at the POS were extraordinarily painful and expensive. 

ARTS helps retailers stay ahead of the technology curve. It brings together passionate retail experts to network and share their experience to build new standards. Whether it’s enabling retailers’ POS devices to work together to standardizing an approach to RFPs, ARTS members have collaborated extensively to meet the IT needs of the industry. ARTS continues to be thought-leaders in the rapidly-changing world of retail technology. 

Dick Mader, Executive Director of the Association of Retail Standards, a division of the National Retail Federation, will be addressing How Standards Advance Retail, and he is also presenting as part of the Retail Technology Panel at ICBA 2014.

Dick Mader, How Standards Advance Retail, and the Retail Technology Panel are part of the Strategic Direction and Marketing Programs at ICBA 2014.

The Association for Retail Technology Standards (ARTS) of the National Retail Federation is an international membership organization dedicated to reducing the costs of technology through standards. Since 1993, ARTS has been delivering application standards exclusively to the retail industry. ARTS has four standards: The Standard Relational Data Model, UnifiedPOS, XML, and the Standard RFPs (in partnership with NRF). Membership is open to all members of the international technology community-- retailers from all industry segments, application developers and hardware companies.


Friday, November 15, 2013


State of the Art Retail Developments
Bridging the POS Gap to the Store of the...Present 

Joe Skorupa, is Editor-in-Chief of Retail Information Systems News. At the conclusion of Joe's presentation at ICBA 2013, store directors overwhelmingly requested for Joe to return. At ICBA 2014 Joe will be addressing State of the Art Retail Developments, and he is also moderating the Retail Technology Panel

From mobility to the cloud, POS is changing at the speed of technology and retailers are racing to keep their systems in line with consumer expectations. Fixed POS units need to be prepared to manage 2D barcodes displayed by shoppers on their mobile devices, digital coupons, special offers, loyalty card IDs, and enabled QR codes. Mobile POS is already at 75% of fixed POS capability. 

How can brick and mortar stores differentiate themselves from their online-only competitors? A survey of retail executives by EKN, a division of RIS parent company Edgell Communications, indicates stores should offer the following: 

  • A unique customer experience in-store 83%
  • Value-added experiences not available online 70%
  • Immediate and convenient access to products 68%
  • Knowledgeable sales staff 65%
  • A local destination for shopping and community 62%


Joe Skorupa, State of the Art Retail Developments, and the Retail Technology Panel are part of the Strategic Direction and Marketing Programs at ICBA 2014.






Your Online Strategy 
IS Your Business Strategy
Marketing in the Age of Google

Vanessa Fox is the author of  Marketing in the Age of Google: Your Online Strategy IS Your Business Strategy (Wiley, 2nd edition, April 2012), which has been called the “first must-read-to-survive business book of the twenty-first century”

In today’s searching world, customers turn to online search engines first. Yet many companies simply don’t realize acquiring customers from search engines should be a core business strategy. Instead, they usually focus on narrow goals, such as boosting page rankings. These oversights leave a huge channel for engaging with potential customers largely untapped. Businesses that use data about how people search to inform their product strategy will reach customers before the competition.

Vanessa created Google’s Webmaster Central, which provides both tools and community support to help website owners improve their sites with an eye towards gaining more customers from organic search. She was instrumental in the sitemaps.org alliance of Google, Yahoo!, and Microsoft Live Search. Fox has also been an entrepreneur-in-residence with Ignition Partners and has served as an advisor for several startups.
In 2013, she sold the company she founded, Nine By Blue, to digital agency RKG. She works with RKG as chief product officer to evolve Blueprint Search Analytics, which she created at Nine By Blue to help companies of all sizes better integrate search engine optimization (SEO) throughout their organizations– from product design and web development to audience engagement and conversion.

Vanessa Fox, Your Online Strategy IS Your Business Strategy is a general session for all tracks at ICBA 2014.


Speaking of the Super Bowl...

"In 2010, we searched for information. In 2011, we went to Facebook and went to YouTube to see the videos again. In 2012, we talked about commercials on Twitter using hashtags. And, we didn’t replace one activity with another. We mostly added these new behaviors to what we were already doing. So, now we’re searching and Tweeting and Facebooking and YouTubing. What will we add this year? (I’m pretty sure we won’t start QR coding.)"

Leading the Advertising Revolution
"The Naked Brand is a story about how the advertising industry can
help save the world one small step at a time."

Jeff Rosenblum is the founding partner of the Questus advertising agency, and co-writer and director of The Naked Brand film. When Jeff discovered that his behavior as a consumer was totally different than his behavior as a professional he began a deeper investigation into the fundamental assumptions and processes of marketing in light of our digital world of search, social and mobile. It is not just about old marketing models using new technology. His conclusion was that brands are defined on the basis of their behavior, not their advertising. By trying to answer the question, What does the future hold for advertising?, he discovered that the key to creating a break-through brand is to "be great, not just say you are great."


"Advertising can't bull#*!% anyone any more"
Porter Gale, CMO Virgin Brands

The Naked Brand film takes aim at traditional advertising and its future. With their constant use of technology and social media, today's consumers are smarter and more invested in what they buy and marketers are taking advantage of this newly empowered customer by creating transparent and positive stories about their companies and products.Retailers must also learn new ways to be great, transparent, and to tell our stories.

Jeff Rosenblum and The Naked Brand is a general session for all tracks at ICBA 2014.

Jeff Rosenblum is a pioneer, a disruptor, an innovator and an admitted pain in the ass. Widely regarded as one of the leading innovators in the field of digital marketing, Jeff focuses on developing processes that break down the boundaries that exist between research, strategy and creative. He regularly contributes to Ad Age, iMedia Connection, and has been featured in Newsweek Magazine and on Bloomberg TV. He presents at industry conferences, including iMedia, IAB, Shop.org, Webcom, Adweek and Game Changers. He has been a guest lecturer at NYU and The London Business School. 
Questus counts among their clients Capital One, General Mills, The NFL and Suzuki Motorcycles among others. Questus is the recipient of iMedia's Small Agency of the Year Award for two years running.




Thursday, July 12, 2012

Join us in Bellevue for ICBA 2013

In case you hadn't heard the big news, start planning now to...
Escape to green, clean, sophisticated and stylish Bellevue, Washington, home to the greatest collection of high-tech companies outside of Silicon Valley and the site for our annual ICBA 2013 Retail Conference. Nestled between two mountain ranges on the shores of glittering Lake Washington, Bellevue is just 17 miles from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Business Encounter & PRIMEtime
February 4 to 8, 2013
Hyatt Regency Bellevue
900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA  98004
A room rate of $164 + taxes, is offered for January 31 through February 9, 2013, while space is available. Room reservations will open soon.
Conference registration opens soon.

Plan to be part of it all at ICBA 2013
As always, ICBA 2013 promises to bring you brilliant solutions, best practices and connections with the brightest change-leaders in our industry.

Make it your mission
ICBA Professional Development programs are for everyone. Keep yourself updated by visiting our website. Known for addressing the most pressing issues in our industry and initiating solutions, ICBA mixes industry-leading Professional Development, face-to-face vendor meetings and peer-to-peer networking—to ensure everyone returns to their store rejuvenated and empowered to take the lead.
At ICBA Conferences, you experience:
  • The highest rated professional education in the industry
  • Exclusive institutional store networking and collaboration
  • The most dynamic format for buyer and vendor interaction
  • Unsurpassed buying opportunities
  • Vibrant location and facilities
  • All-inclusive format with a reputation for the best social and dining experiences
  • Opportunities for free registration/education & airfare

Surrounded by State-of-the-Art Retailing
You’ll find unlimited retail research within four blocks of the Hyatt. With over 300 of the most important retailers in the world, this is a unique opportunity to explore, discover, borrow and steal ideas to improve your own store. Here are a few enticing highlights:
  • The Bellevue Collection is “the new rhythm of retail.” Conveniently connected to Hyatt Regency Bellevue by sky bridges, this exciting collection merges 250 shops, 45 restaurants, as well as late-night hot-spots and a 16-screen premiere cinema. The collection includes Bellevue Place, Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square. Among others, explore Nordstrom’s, Apple, Macy's, Williams Sonoma, Microsoft, Pottery Barn, Tiffany’s, Crate & Barrel, Michael Kors, Hugo Boss, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic and Eddie Bauer. www.bellevuecollection.com 
  • The Bravern is an extraordinary definition of the ultimate shopping experience. Amid the architecture and lush landscaping reflecting intimate qualities of a European village, you’ll discover a perfect blend of dining, entertainment and shopping. Among others you’ll find the first and only Neiman Marcus in the Pacific Northwest, Salvator Ferragomo, Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch, Jimmy Choo, four signature restaurants including Wild Ginger and John Howie's Steak, as well as the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa. www.thebravern.com
  • University BookStore, Bellevue exemplifies how to shop independent and be independent. In 1987 this 22,000 square-foot store was opened in downtown Bellevue, marking the first time the Book Store had conducted business from a site away from the UW campus. Freshly remodeled in 2011, as you browse “one of your own” you’ll be dazzled and inspired by their off-campus success in creating a destination and center of attraction for community events and connections. www.bookstore.washington.edu
More about Bellevue, Washington
“Bellevue is the Pacific Northwest’s premier resort shopping and dining destination, with hundreds of well-known upscale stores and unique boutiques, dozens of sit-down restaurants and take-out treat shops” Read More…

Conference registration opens soon...

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

List Serves Give You More Ways to Share

ICBA is excited to announce that we are now offering seven different Discussion Lists. Also known as “List Serves,” these seven lists further support exclusive, institutional store-to-store sharing and connects similar groups of buyers and managers quickly and easily. Use this interactive resource to communicate and connect with peers, get advice, find product and vendor information, ask questions, offer suggestions and seek or share support.

As an ICBA Member Store, you are welcome to subscribe to as many lists as you choose, by emailing Office@ICBAinc.com with the name of the list or lists you wish to join. The lists reach members who registered to participate in the list.
    1. All (not associated with a specific category)
    2. Directors & Managers
    3. Course Materials & Academics
    4. Apparel, Gifts & Backpacks
    5. Technology
    6. Supply
    7. Marketing
As a service to member stores and to support our promise of store-to-store sharing, ICBA will occasionally subscribe you to one or more of the appropriate lists based on your job responsibilities. If you choose, you always have the ability to unsubscribe by following instructions on the bottom of the list message. For more specifics about the list serves, please login to your Member account.

As an ICBA member store you are easily connected to a vast array of information, and with the best minds and ideas in the industry. We encourage you to use all of ICBA’s interactive resources to connect and learn with your peers.

    Friday, February 24, 2012

    Thank you Ken Bankson!

    This year, at the ICBA 2012 Retail Conference, we honor our long time colleague and friend, Ken Bankson of RMSA for his continuous dedication and support in helping ICBA stores achieve financial success.

    From the creation of the RMSA-ICBA forum to our RMSA-ICBA Peer Group conference calls - growing so popular they are now Peer Group webinars - Ken brings immeasurable value to our members during these dynamic times in our industry. Stemming from his passion for retailing and building strong client relationships, Ken selflessly regards the needs of our members as his first priority. For this, ICBA thanks Ken Bankson for all he has done and will continue to do for ICBA Stores.

    With gratitude, Ken Bankson shares the following:

    Dear ICBA,

    Thank you for your recognition at the ICBA Retail Conference. To say I was stunned and thrilled at the same time would be understating my emotions. Having passion for this industry is easy due to the fine people I have met over the past 15 years. The passion has grown the last few years now that I am directly working with many of your members. The challenges they face due to the change in the industry are significant - creating great opportunity as well as potential risk, Helping them maximize their opportunities while minimizing their risk is very rewarding.

    I am lucky that RMSA has been able to build such a strong, beneficial bond with ICBA. I look forward to seeing many of you at CAMEX in Salt Lake City and to many more years of working together with my friends at RMSA.

    All the best,
    Ken Bankson

    About RMSA:
    RMSA works with retailers on a personal and individual basis to improve the performance of their business by achieving specific and measurable goals. ICBA has partnered with Retail Merchandise Service Automation (RMSA) for more than ten years. RMSA is the nation’s oldest and largest company offering retail merchandise planning, forecasting and inventory management services. For more information please visit the ICBA Website, Retail Management (RMSA)

    Written By Skye Carlson, ICBA Administrative Assistant

    Thursday, May 26, 2011

    Chegg Adds Brand Partnerships to Bring More Value to Students


    "We have moved from a company that talks to students two days a year to being relevant to them 300 days a year," said Mr. Rosensweig, a former chief operating officer at Yahoo who prior to coming to Chegg was president-CEO of Activision's Guitar Hero Division. He joined Chegg in February 2010 and said the company has been approached by a series of high-profile marketers about potential partnerships. "We've built a very powerful base to help top brands reach students," he said.
    'Netflix for Textbooks' Chegg to Launch Daily Deals, Hires Head of Ad Sales
    Chegg is expected to announce today a new brand partnership program, and the hiring of Elizabeth Harz, who formerly ran media sales for EA and category sales strategy for Yahoo, to oversee it. The program will open all of Chegg's traditional and digital media assets up to big brands looking to tap the college market.


    Chegg Adds Brand Partnerships to Bring More Value to Students


    "We have moved from a company that talks to students two days a year to being relevant to them 300 days a year," said Mr. Rosensweig, a former chief operating officer at Yahoo who prior to coming to Chegg was president-CEO of Activision's Guitar Hero Division. He joined Chegg in February 2010 and said the company has been approached by a series of high-profile marketers about potential partnerships. "We've built a very powerful base to help top brands reach students," he said.

    Post Written By Stacy Waymire, ICBA Executive Director


    Wednesday, May 25, 2011

    Take a look at "The Next Generation of Digital Books"

    The Next Generation of Digital Books 

    Our Choice will change the way we read books. And quite possibly change the world. In this interactive app, Al Gore surveys the causes of global warming and presents groundbreaking insights and solutions already under study and underway that can help stop the unfolding disaster of global warming. Our Choice melds the vice president's narrative with photography, interactive graphics, animations, and more than an hour of engrossing documentary footage. A new, groundbreaking multi-touch interface allows you to experience that content seamlessly. Pick up and explore anything you see in the book; zoom out to the visual table of contents and quickly browse though the chapters; reach in and explore data-rich interactive graphics.
    ~Article extracted from Push Pop Press

    Post Written By Stacy Waymire, ICBA Executive Director