CSC Update: OCTOBER
CSC Update is a regular communication from Campus Stores Canada to keep members informed of industry updates and CSC’s current projects and initiatives.
IN THIS ISSUE:
What’s ahead:
VITALSOURCE AMA (ask me anything)
VitalSource is hosting a session for all our members to help answer a number of questions in the community about fast-tracking the transition to their product. Join Kellie Ranum of VitalSource and your fellow community members to get more details about their product and how it can integrate quickly.
October 23 at 12:00 PM ET
The Willo Situation pt. 2
Let’s reconvene for a follow-up on the Willo situation. Join us to discuss the solutions we’re implementing, strategies for sharing tools and resources, and to address your questions. Everyone is welcome!
Please note that this is a change from the Industry Trends session originally scheduled at this time. We’ll make all efforts to reschedule this session prior to the conference.
October 24 at 12:00 PM ET
Working Smarter, Not Harder
We all have to wear multiple hats and balance conflicting priorities. How do we make our stores more efficient?
November 21 at 12:00 PM ET
CAMPUS STORES CONFERENCE:
Mark your calendars and get ready for an electrifying event – the 2025 CSC Conference is heading to the Sheraton Fallsview in Niagara Falls, Ontario from January 27th to 30th, 2025!
This year's conference promises to be bigger and better than ever, offering a treasure trove of learning opportunities, networking events, and a chance to shape the future of campus stores.
Here's a sneak peek at what awaits you:
Cool Cat Christmas
The holidays are approaching and that means stores are bursting with trendy and eye-catching retail displays! The Campus Stores Conference General Merchandise committee is looking for your help to showcase the hottest trends in our industry.
We need photos!
Have you spotted a unique display? Seen a merchandising arrangement that's generating a buzz? Captured a trend in colours, cuts, or styles? We want to see it all!
Share your photos and be part of the conference!
There are two easy ways to contribute:
Use the button to upload a photo OR email all your photos to google@campusstores.ca
Share Your Publisher PARTNER CHALLENGES
Are you frustrated with your textbook publishers? Do you have ideas for improving the course materials process? We want to hear from you!
The Course Materials Committee is conducting a brief survey to gather feedback on your experiences with textbook publishers. Your insights will help us identify common pain points and advocate for better practices in the industry.
By sharing your experiences, you can help us make a difference. Your feedback will inform our discussions at the Campus Stores Conference and help us advocate when we meet with publishers the next day.
Don't miss this opportunity to make your voice heard! Take the survey today and help us improve the course materials ordering process.
Boost your vendor partners’ success at the CSC Conference!
Share the news: Let them know about the conference’s unique value to connect with 130+ key decision-makers.
Provide resources: Share the exhibitor information link and the conference poster.
Warm up the connection: CC google@campusstores.ca on your introduction email for a personalized follow-up.
Help your vendors make a lasting impression and expand their reach!
Niagara Falls Awaits!
You might be wondering where the link for booking your hotel room is. That’s a fair question! Because of our compressed timeframe somethings are not totally settled yet and we’re working hard to get things in line. As soon as the link is ready we’ll send a message letting everyone know.
Cityview - $149/night
Fallsview - $169/night
Hotel room rates per room night are subject to applicable taxes (7.9% Local Fees and Taxes and HST 13%)
Don't miss out on this electrifying opportunity! Register now and secure your spot at the 2025 CSC Conference in Niagara Falls! We can't wait to see you there!
THANKS SPONSORS
You are not alone
Follett's recent decision to make Willo Labs proprietary is a clear betrayal of the trust that independent campus stores have placed in the company. This move is a direct attack on our ability to compete and serve students effectively.
By making Willo Labs proprietary, Follett is limiting the tools available to independent stores, making it more difficult for them to compete with Follett's own outsourcing model.
Your fellow CSC members are here to help ward against these sorts of predatory tactics. You can pitch in not only to help yourself, but to help build a resilient network of campus owned stores across Canada by participating with some of the below initiatives:
VITALSOURCE AMA (Ask me anything)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2024 @ 12:00 PM ET
Kellie Ranum, senior sales executive from VitalSource, will be answering all your transition questions and working to help you fast-track bringing VitalSource online or expand it with your institution. In preparation for the session she sent over the following resources:
The Willo Situation Pt. 2
Thursday, October 24, 2024 @ 12:00 PM ET
A continuation and check in with all our members as we manage the way forward together. Use this as an opportunity not only if you are having to rapidly shift away from Willo Labs, but as a learning and sharing experience no matter which digital provider you are using on campus.
Member and Industry News
This section of our CSC Update is a place where we can share your news. Share with us information including who is retiring from your store, who is new to your store, what is happening in the industry, share an interesting article you think other members should see. Please email greg@campusstores.ca information you would like highlighted in our next CSC Update.
Welcome OUR PARTNER: Zueike
Zueike \zu-we-kay\, designs and manufactures premium athletic apparel for all lifestyles. The meaning of Zueike is to, Relax, and our focus is on fit, clean designs and utilizing the best in comfort fabrics.
At Zueike, we want you to have that “indoor comfort meets outdoor style” feeling when you are working long hours at the office, about to play the biggest game of your life, studying for exams, or playing at the park with your kids.
Our brand/company is built around community and we believe that we are all one people and one village. Every person can make a difference in their own way and we hope to slowly make an impact here locally and around the world.
We all lead busy lives. We are constantly on the go but here at Zueike we feel it’s important to slow down, take a moment to relax and appreciate the important things in life.
So however you relax - our team is here to help you Zueike.
#loungeeverywear
Welcome OUR PARTNER: OUTSET MEdia
Outset Media is a leading distributor of games, puzzles, toys, crafts, and other activities in Canada. Their product offerings are diverse and cater to a wide range of interests and age groups.
Here are some of the types of products they distribute:
Board games: Classic and contemporary board games suitable for families, friends, and parties.
Card games: A variety of card games, from traditional favorites to modern innovations.
Puzzles: Jigsaw puzzles in various sizes and difficulty levels.
Toys: Educational and entertaining toys for children of all ages.
Crafts: Supplies for arts and crafts projects, including paints, markers, and modeling clay.
Games for adults: Games designed specifically for adults, such as trivia games and party games.
Outset Media works with a network of retailers across Canada, including campus stores, to ensure their products are readily available to consumers. They also offer support services to retailers, such as merchandising assistance and promotional materials.
Welcome OUR PARTNER: Apple
Apple, a global technology leader, has a long history of innovation and a commitment to empowering students and educators. With a focus on creating intuitive and powerful products, Apple has revolutionized the way people learn, work, and communicate.
As a new partner of Campus Stores Canada (CSC), Apple brings a wealth of experience and resources to the Canadian higher education landscape. Their products, including the iconic iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, offer a seamless and integrated experience for students and faculty alike. From enhancing classroom engagement to streamlining administrative tasks, Apple's technology can help institutions achieve their educational goals.
As a CSC partner, Apple is committed to supporting Canadian universities and colleges in providing their students with the best possible learning tools. Through collaborations and partnerships, Apple aims to empower institutions to embrace technology and create innovative learning environments.
Welcome OUR PARTNER: Lifestyle Market
We support local production, and all items are printed in Canada. Contact us now and discuss your next custom print project, we can work out a quotation base on your any budget. Wide range of items such as tote bag, tea towel, candle, mug, soap, magnet, notebook, wired journal, canvas art and more....over 25 items to choose.
Our custom order line is a sustainable, cost-effective quality marketing tool to promote your brand. View our custom print options here.
Contact us and let us know your ideas! Low minimum order quantity to start, in-house design service also available.
News for this month!
Job Posting
Carleton University is looking for a new Campus Store Manager as it resumes institutionally owned operations on May 1, 2025. Congratulations to Carleton University and its students, faculty and staff.
Nova Scotia Community College has a posting for the Bookstore Manager for the Dartmouth/Halifax Campus.
WELCOME Mount Royal University
We’re happy to welcome the team at Mount Royal University! Thanks so much for supporting CSC and we look forward to see you all over the community.
Posts in Member Space
Sam Willis of Lakeland College is looking for a specific Contigo at a reasonable price. Can you help her find it?
Jennifer Maheral of Algonquin College is getting 40% of list from her Under Armour supplier. Do you have a supplier who is giving you a better discount?
Eda Sofroni of York University is looing for a replacement for Ontario Glove. Do you have any suggestions?
Rebecca Barraclough of Algonquin College is looking for dental jackets. Can you help her our?
If you have questions you can get answers as well! Email books@campusstores.ca for course materials questions, merch@campusstores.ca for general merchandise questions, or members@campusstores.ca to reach everyone!
Happy to Help!
If you have any questions, need support, or are interested in becoming more involved with CSC, you can email me at greg@campusstores.ca or call me at 1 (888) 288-4044.