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 2024 INDEPENDENT COLLEGE STORES REPORT SURVEY
The 2024 ICSR Financial Survey has closed and the 2024 Report was released. If you completed the 2023 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 2025 Survey in Fall 2025.
2024 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 2023-2024 ICSR Award Winners!
Excellence in Course Materials Management
The Cornell Store
From 2019-2020 to 2023-24:
- Increased Sales 76% ($3.1 up to $5.9M)
- 18% Gross Margin
- 5.8 Turns
- Total Store sales increase of 36%
The Bronco Shop, Boise State University
From 2019-2020 to 2023-24:
- Increased Sales 49% ($3.0M up to $4.5M)
- 12.8% Gross Margin
- 24.9 Turns
- Total Store Net Income increase of 113%
- Total Store Sales increase of 24%
Excellence in Technology Product Management
The UMass Store
From 2019-2020 to 2023-24:
- Increased Sales 143% ($558k up to $1.4M)
- 16% Gross Margin
- 4.9 Turns
- Total Store sales increase of 32%
- Tech sales increase of 19% vs. Last Year
The University Book Store
From 2019-2020 to 2023-24:
- Increased Sales 82% ($1.1 up to $2.0M)
- 10.3% Gross Margin
- 8.3 Turns
- Total Store sales increase of 16%
- Won the ICSR Award in Tech Products in 2022
Excellence in Insignia Product Performance
Auburn University Bookstore
From 2019-2020 to 2023-24:
- Increased Sales 145% ($2.6 up to $6.4M)
- 52.8% Gross Margin
- 3.5 Turns
- Total Store sales increase of 59%
Excellence in Supplies Performance
The University Co-op
From 2019-2020 to 2023-24:
- Increased Sales 63% ($768k up to $1.2M)
- 46% Gross Margin
- 2.6 Turns
- Total Store sales increase of 51%
Excellence in Store Management
VolShop - The University of Tennessee Knoxville
From 2019-2020 to 2023-24:
- Won the Overall Store Performance Award last year
- Increased Sales 71% ($23.2 up to $39.6M)
- 32.5% Gross Margin
- 2.4 Turns
- Increased Net Income 8,827%! ($66k up to $5.9M)!
The University of Alabama Supe Store
From 2019-2020 to 2023-24:
- Increased Sales 62% ($20.3 up to $33.0M)
- 28.2% Gross Margin
- 8.7 Turns
- Increased Net Income 2,580%! (from -$146k up to +$3.9M)!
PAST ICSR AWARD WINNERS
View past ICSR Award Winners: