Application of Standards

Creating a large-scale project that will evolve to include all aspects of the college store operation will proactively meet the needs of the industry by developing tools, resources, and education focused on the specific operational areas that will help stores the most. These include financials, staff management, course materials, retail technology, customer service, and more. The goal is for stores to be equipped with the data and tools that provide a detailed account of their current status along with their historical data with all areas linking to professional development and education opportunities. 

“The most frequent comment that I hear college bookstore managers make when referring to senior administrators is, “they don’t really understand what we do.” Having been in both roles, I would add “…or how you do it or why you do it one way versus another.”

I firmly believe that the work of the NACS Industry Standards committee is well-positioned to close that knowledge gap. The outcome will be a playbook and roadmap that will allow any store engaged in this business to have a strong foundation that will allow them to better assess their operation, advocate for resources, and tell their stories more effectively.”


Chris Bradie, Ed.D.
Associate Vice President for Business Services

University of Pennsylvania

MEASURE PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS

  • Tracking data overtime in one platform simplifies the process of recognizing changes and trends

  • Conclusions regarding program performance are evidence based and supported by resources developed with input from industry leaders and innovators

  • Data provides a clear measure for success in accomplishing objectives

GUIDE STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS

  • Understanding your store’s historical data provides a foundation for planning the next five years and beyond

  • Written industry specific standards offer areas of consideration when creating a SWOT analysis

  • Industry standards can prompt valuable conversations with your fellow store employees and campus administrators

  • Data tracked in the Campus Store Insights (CSI) platform can inform the planning process

STAFF ORIENTATION & DEVELOPMENT

  • Remaining focused on the industry standards provides reflection points that can identify areas of continued development for your store

  • The NACS Foundation has partnered with NACS Education to plan and develop education opportunities, white papers, roundtables and more based on the emerging standards

DESIGN NEW PROGRAMS & SERVICES

  • Tying your new programs and services to endorsed industry standards will carry weight with campus administrators

  • The college store industry has long benefited from a collaborative environment. The Standards Project will build on this legacy by offering opportunities to learn about new and proven programs and initiatives that are adding value to other stores

STRUCTURED FOCUS: TIME, ENERGY & RESOURCES

  • Adhering to industry standards can provide confidence that your decisions are based on proven best practices, reliable data points and clear communication

  • There is no need for every store to reinvent the wheel – this project has brought together a plethora of industry voices to create a well-rounded list of standards that incorporate many perspectives

  • The Standards Project will result in a toolbox of resources to help stores build on their success