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 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
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
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
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
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!
PAST ICSR AWARD WINNERS
View past ICSR Award Winners: