INDEPENDENT COLLEGE STORES REPORT
The Independent College Stores Report (ICSR) is a joint project of ICBA and the Large Stores Group (LSG) and represents the most comprehensive financial survey of independent stores. The data reported in the ICSR offer a current snapshot of the independent college store channel and reflect the trends that are redefining our businesses.
Many members use the data as part of their effort to evaluate the performance of their stores and to plan strategy for the future. While performance goals and business objectives will vary from store to store, the ICSR offers comparative data that you can use to measure your progress and set benchmarks for key performance indicators.
The ICSR data and results are confidential and are available only to ICBA Members and LSG Members who formally submit their store's ICSR Survey data.
THE 2021 INDEPENDENT COLLEGE STORES REPORT SURVEY
The 2021 ICSR Financial Survey has closed and the 2021 Report was released. If you completed the 2021 Survey and did not receive a copy of your report, or aren't sure how to access it, please email us at ICSR@ICBAinc.com.
Watch for details about the 2022 Survey in Fall 2022.
2020 ICSR AWARDS
Each year, the ICSR Awards Committee reviews ICSR Survey results in each product category and identifies stores that have achieved sustained high performance. The Awards Committee considers sales, gross margin, inventory turns, and other key performance metrics. The Committee also interviews the management teams at these high performing stores to get additional insight into strategies and decisions that led to success. The ICSR Awards are announced and award-winning stores are recognized at the Annual ICBA Conference.
Award Categories Include:
Congratulations to the 2020 ICSR Award Winners!
Excellence in Course Materials Management
UC Davis Stores, Univ. of California, Davis
From 2016-17 to 2020-21:
- Increased overall sales by 96% in one year
- Market share went from 30% to 70%
- Ensured relevance
- Driven by game-changing approach
Excellence in Technology Product Management
Titan Shops, California State Univ., Fullerton
From 2016-17 to 2020-21:
- Increased technology product sales 163% year over year
- Increased margin year over year
- Provided mission critical support during transition to online learning
Outstanding Insignia Product Performance
Auburn University Bookstore
From 2016-17 to 2020-21:
- Increased insignia product sales 30% year over year
- Increased turns to 3.4
- Margin increased to 58%
Cedarville University Bookstore
From 2016-17 to 2020-21:
- Increased insignia product sales 47% year over year
- Increased insignia product sales 108% over 5 years
- Proof that smaller stores can produce big results
Excellence in Supply Management
The Mizzou Store, University of Missouri
From 2016-17 to 2020-21:
- Sales up 38% from prior year
- Turn increase to 2.6
- PPE Success
Excellence in Store Management
University Co-op, The U. of Texas at Austin
From 2016-17 to 2020-21:
- From $1.7 Million loss to $3.1 Million income in 5 years
- Decreased expenses by $6.5 Million over 5 years - 50%
- Took full advantage of PPP and ERTC programs
- Very well-structured to succeed going forward
PAST ICSR AWARD WINNERS
View past ICSR Award Winners: