Thirty-five years ago, the UConn Co-op was established in response to requests from the University community. And service to the community has guided its operations ever since.
On April 1, the UConn Co-op celebrated its 35th anniversary with complimentary cupcakes, dairy bar ice cream, discounts on merchandise, and performances by the UConn Pep Band, cheerleaders, and the spirit squad.
Previously, the campus bookstore had been run by the University for more than 100 years before it was contracted out to a private vendor for a short time in the early 1970s. Unhappy with the availability of textbooks and other items, students, faculty, and staff protested the contract firm’s lock on services and appealed to then UConn president Glenn Ferguson to open a cooperative bookstore.
At that time, several colleges had already started cooperatives and they were used as models. Under the cooperative model, the ‘members’ would own the store, help finance its operation, and receive a share of the profits at the end of the year.
The UConn Co-op is now a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation with its own Board of Trustees (with student representatives holding the majority of the positions). Since 1983, the Co-op has paid out more than $5.6 million in rebates to its members.
The Co-op is where most students pick up textbooks for their classes and many also stop in to browse books, gifts, and Husky gear.
“We sell new, used, digital, and even rental textbooks,” says Bill Simpson, general manager of the Co-op, “and we sell digital books on our webpage.”
As technology has become a standard part of everyday interaction, the Co-op has increased the extent of its computer services. The Co-op sells a variety of technology products and is one the largest collegiate Apple retailers in New England.
“One of the biggest influences in collegiate retailing has been the introduction of digital technology in terms of direct sales and services to students, staff, and customers” says Simpson.
In addition to sales of books, the Co-op hosts more than a dozen events where the public can listen to authors read from and sign their books. Spearheaded by the store’s general books department, the Co-op annually co-sponsors the Connecticut Children’s Book Fair. It also operates Husky Shops with the largest selection of Husky/UConn merchandise, and has a store at each of UConn’s regional campuses, the Law School, the Health Center, and the Hartford Graduate Business Learning Center.
Working at the Co-op bookstores are between 50 and 150 student employees (depending on the time of year) and 90 career staff.
“I’ve been with the Co-op for over 27 years”, says Donna Aleszczyk, “I love the flexibility of working here and with students (both as staff and customers), and the family atmosphere.”
Student employee Dana Ticehurst, a sophomore accounting major, adds, “The people are really nice here. I’ve learned good customer service skills. It’s a relaxing, fun, and great place to meet friends.”
The colorful displays and helpful staff create an environment that’s appreciated by customers.
“I love the atmosphere,” says Nancy Bull, vice provost for academic administration. “I like the variety of products and appreciate the member rebates and discounts. It’s wonderful to see the success of the Co-op, when so many college bookstores are now run by national chains.”
Looking ahead, the growth of campus lifestyle themes will be reflected in an ever-widening range of merchandise that reflects requests from students, faculty, staff, and fans.
Says Simpson, “The Co-op is more than just a bookstore. We have evolved to include items that enhance the lifestyle of campus living.”
Web and mobile marketplace changes will also be areas of growth.
