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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.

ICSR

THE 2022 INDEPENDENT COLLEGE STORES REPORT SURVEY

The 2022 ICSR Financial Survey has closed and the 2022 Report was released. If you completed the 2022 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 2023 Survey in Fall 2023.

2021 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 2021-2022 ICSR Award Winners!

Excellence in Course Materials Management

University Bookstore, Appalachian State University

From 2017-18 to 2021-22:

  • Won this same ICSR Award in 2020
  • Increased overall sales by 49% over 5 years
  • Navigating the transition from rental to digital rental to EA
  • Worked with Faculty Senate to get buy-in
  • Honorable mention in this category include:
  • Cal State Poly and BYU-Idaho, as well as last year’s winner UC Davis
Appalachian State University Bookstore Logo

University Store, Georgia Southern University

From 2017-18 to 2021-22:

  • Won this same ICSR Award in 2020
  • Increased overall sales by 49% over 5 years
  • Navigating the transition from rental to digital rental to EA
  • Worked with Faculty Senate to get buy-in
  • Honorable mention in this category include:
  • Cal State Poly and BYU-Idaho, as well as last year’s winner UC Davis

Excellence in Technology Product Management

UC San Diego Bookstore logo

UC San Diego Bookstore

From 2017-18 to 2021-22:

  • Increased sales 80% over 5 years
  • Increased sales 50% over 1 year
  • $17 million in sales!
  • Worked with all stakeholders to provide technology needs, regardless of University affiliation

The University Book Store, serving UW Madison

From 2017-18 to 2021-22:

  • Increased technology product sales 982% over 5 years
  • Increased sales 82% from pre-covid
  • Provided mission critical support to University during transition
  • Running the department profitably
The University Book Store logo, UW Madison

Outstanding Insignia Product Performance

Lope Shops, Grand Canyon University

From 2017-2018 to 2021-22:

  • Increased insignia product sales 96% over 5 years
  • Increased 55% over pre-covid
  • Honorable mention in this category includes:
  • Illinois, Alabama, San Diego, and Tennessee
Lope Shops store logo at GCU
UC Davis Stores logo

UC Davis Stores

From 2017-2018 to 2021-22:

  • Increased insignia product sales 51% over 5 years
  • Added custom collections that helped drive growth
  • Leveraged “two freshman class” phenomenon

Excellence in Store Management

The University of Alabama Supply Store

From 2017-18 to 2021-22:

  • From $140,000 loss to $3.8 Million income in 2 years
  • Decreased expenses 13% while increases sales 39% over 2 years
  • Increase contributions to scholarships at the request of the University by $500,000
  • All without winning a National Championship!
University of Alabama Supply Store logo