Connections
November 2016 Join Us for a Second
Semester Buy-In
Store participation in the Exclusive Connect2One Paper
Commodities Program continues to succeed! This past fall, eighty
stores united to reach the best pricing in the industry for one, three
and five subject notebooks, composition books and filler paper. One
happy store noted, “Customers were buying them in dozens during
rush and were excited about the pricing!” Thanks to our vendor
partner, Top Flight, C2O stores can make commitments for a Second
Semester Buy-in. Is there an opportunity at your store? Do you need to
replenish your stock? Are you offering “value” to your students?
What Is Your Value Proposition?
A recent article in STORES Magazine‡ explains that “the thrill of the
hunt has developed a powerful beast. Ever more goods at ever-lower
prices, combined with an empowered consumer who demands what
they want, when they want it, at the price they want to pay for it,
has left many brands and retailers seeking new attention-grabbing
deals…It isn’t just about getting closer to the existing customer; it’s an
opportunity to draw in a new one.”
Hey Robb! How Do We Participate?
The success of this program depends on how well stores unite to
reach quantity levels as a group. Join your colleagues in this important
program—it’s easy:
1. Review the E-Z Commit Form emailed to buyers the last
week of September. If you missed the email, contact
[email protected].
2. Select a quantity that’s right for your store. Individual
commitment orders (plus other Top Flight product, if applicable)
must total $1,750 to achieve Free Freight terms in the
contiguous US.
3. Return your completed form to Connect2One by November 16,
2016.
Unite. Buy. Save. Let’s make an impact for Second Semester!
Have questions? Contact Robb Faust by email or call 800-563-9034.
Not only can your store support the independent model of “staying
strong together,” you may discover an untapped customer segment.
Price point matters. Do you include key price points in your value
proposition? Through this exclusive program, campus retailers can
offer a true “good, better, best” assortment of notebooks for every
budget.
‡ Source: https://nrf.com/news/price-point, June 1, 2016.
November 2016
Connections 1
New Styles from Third Street Sportswear
Check out these new garments from
Third Street Sportswear for spring
2017 plus two traditional styles
every store should carry.
Girls Stripe Front Pocket Tee and
a unisex Stripe Front Cotton Tee: The girls tee features a striped front
with striped sleeves and a solid color back. The front solid color pocket
makes the perfect imprint location for your school name or mascot. The
unisex tee features a striped front with solid color sleeves and matching
solid color back. Both of these tees come in 15 colors with 10 stripe
colors in any color combination. Another new style is the Girls Long
Sleeve Lightweight Tee with scoop neck, curved hemline and sleeve
thumbholes. Decorate it with a sealed glitter imprint for extra pizazz!
Girls Stripe
Front Pocket Tee
Stripe Front
Cotton Tee
Girls Long Sleeve
Lightweight Tee
Cheer Outfit and the Dazzle Mesh Football Jersey: Two “tried but true”
styles are for the little cheerleaders and football players in your life.
Cheer Outfits come in 30 plus colors in any color combination you need.
Stripes and trim can be customized in your school colors. The Football
Jersey is also available in 30 plus colors with dazzle fabric yoke and mesh
body. Sleeve stripes can be customized in any color combination.
Third Street Sportswear is proudly Made in the USA.
You can request a current catalog at www.thirdstreetsportswear.com.
For more information call 800-538-1059 or email
[email protected] or [email protected].
Dazzle Mesh Football Jersey
Cheer Outfit
Welcome New Vendor, GirlyGoGarter!
Whether heading to class or going out
dancing with friends, the GirlyGoGarter®
with patented GentleFlex™ Grippers is the
smart, sexy garter with pockets that safely
holds a phone, cash, credit card, ID, lip gloss,
and more! Featuring runway-quality lingerie
lace for a feminine look, this unique product
is available in 9 colors and has a “pickpocketproof” design that carries up to three pounds
securely and discreetly. In addition, the
beautiful GlitzyGoGarter® features beaded
detail and comes in 5 colors. C2O stores save
10% off regular pricing. Choose corrugated
cardboard or acrylic, with mannequin leg,
for a gorgeous display! Look for an email this
month with program details. To order, contact
[email protected] or call
917-722-8150.
2 Connections
November 2016
Impulse Gift Ideas for Any Season
With holiday and end-of-term activities quickly approaching,
buyers have multiple opportunities to bring in last-minute
gifts and capture sales before students leave. You can search
for specific holiday key words in the C2O Digital Catalog
to find the right products for your store. Optimize your
assortment with a few “C2O Picks,” perfect for any season!
1.
1
2
33.
New stationery and desk sets from Bay Sales deliver
fashion, function and value to the category. Available in
4 designs, the stationery set includes a journal, spiral
notebook, ball pen and file tray. The desk set includes a
file tray, magazine file, memo notes and pen holder. Both
are perfect gift-giving options!
44.
Round out your impulse gift assortment with practical
gift ideas from Kikkerland Design. From arrow pencils
and multi-function tools to contact lens kits and
whale serving dishes, there’s something for everybody!
Whether you stick with the traditional message board
or want to capture college moments, picture frames
from Artistic Products can liven up any dorm room or
apartment. The dorm supply category is growing in
stores across the country, so look for trendy designs and
unique styles to add flair all year long.
2. According to Unemployed Philosophers Guild, people
seem to really like the giants of our culture reduced to
little finger puppets, mugs and witty jokes. For more
than the quirky customer, stores can offer a wide variety
of impulse gifts like sticky notes, magnetic personalities,
stickers, mints and more!
Refer to the C2O Digital Catalog for complete program
details. For questions, contact Megan Payne at
[email protected] or call 800-563-9034.
November 2016
Connections 3
What’s Hot Outlook
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1. Oatmeal—It’s Back!
It’s all about comfort this year and oatmeal is
back in style in a big way. It’s soft, comfy and
cozy.
2. Comfort Colors—It’s All About the Graphic
Check out these comfort color tees—updated
with new bold front and back designs.
3. More Comfort Colors
With the trend in comfort colors, don’t forget
about headwear. Keep the graphics simple and
understated.
3
4
4. Social Positivity
Positive social messages couldn’t come at a
better time. The graphics are all about positive
and inspirational messages often shared on
social media.
5. Coolers Are Cool
When tailgating, a cooler is a must! It’s the new
status symbol at football games or any outdoor
event. From small to large there’s a wide variety
of styles available.
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6. Plus Sizes
Sales of Plus Size women’s fashions have
increased 17% over the last 3 years. Make sure
you represent these sizes in your store.
7. Clear Bags
The NFL has implemented new clear bag
guidelines to enhance public safety; many
colleges are following suit. Check out your
school’s policy to make sure you have the right
bags in stock.
8. Make-Up
Millennials represent the largest portion of this
$13B market. Top brands are available from
distributors. In store events and demonstrations
help sell this product.
9. Ponchos
Bold plaids, one size fits most and great price
points make ponchos a must have for fall and
winter.
10.Neck Tech
Bluetooth earbuds are the new trend right
now - no more fighting with those pesky cords.
They’re cool, easy to wear and the latest fashion
accessory.
For more ideas on What’s Hot for winter and spring,
visit www.connect2one.com to download the entire
presentation.
1) Miami University Bookstore, 2) The WKU Store,
3) DuBois Bookstore Inc, 4) JanSport, 5) University
Bookstore, 6) MSU Bookstore Inc, 7) University
Bookstore, USC, 8) Merchandise Inc, 9) Colgate
University Bookstore, 10) D&H Distributing
4 Connections
November 2016
The Well-Dressed Sales Floor
Take a cue from these campus stores on how to make a statement with graphics and
mannequins in the sportswear department.
Under Armour Lifestyle Graphics
Champion Fixtures
Front & Back
Action Mannequin
Lady Mannequins
Concept Shop Signage
AFTER
November 2016
Connections 5
6 Connections
February 2016
C2O Education Events are open to C2O Store attendees only.
*Attendees of the Thursday C2O Education Sessions are
eligible to receive the 2017 C2O Goody Bag. You will
receive a Goody Bag redemption ticket with your R.S.V.P.
confirmation.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
2:00 - 6:00 p.m.
C2O Welcome: Stop by for afternoon refreshments and
Goody Bags*! Attendees of Thursday C2O Educational
Sessions are eligible to receive the 2017 C2O Goody Bag.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Breakfast on your own: Start the day at your own
pace. Coffee and sodas will be available at the meeting
rooms. Goody Bag* pickup available from 8:00 a.m. to
2:00 p.m.
9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Apparel In-Depth Review: Excited about this year’s
fashion scene? Michelle Johnson reviews the latest looks
and best buys from our apparel programs.
10:45 - 11:45 a.m.
Expansion Categories: There’s more to C2O than
apparel and supplies. Join Robb Faust along with
Michelle Johnson for an overview of gifts, souvenirs,
backpacks, shopping bags, operational supplies, fitness
and sporting goods.
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Lunch: Take a break between our morning and
afternoon sessions to catch up with friends and
colleagues
12:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Grow your Mix: Join Robb and Michelle for an overview
of HBC, snacks, dorm, tech products and health sciences.
Get the scoop on course material offerings and resources
for independent stores.
Connect2One
TRAVEL DAY
Wednesday, March 1
Connect2One
EDUCATION DAY
Thursday, March 2
RSVP online at
connect2one.com
Questions?
800-563-9034 or [email protected]
RSVP Deadline 2/10/17
2:15 - 3:30 p.m.
Hey Robb! Let’s Talk Supplies: Check out all the 2017
supply programs in Hey Robb’s inimitable style.
3:45 - 4:45 p.m.
C2O Idea Exchange: It’s back on our Thursday
schedule! C2O Buyers have the best ideas to share! See
unique products, bestsellers and engaging promotions
submitted by buyers to inspire you in the coming year!
6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
“Be True to Your School” Party: Be our guest for
dinner, socializing, music and entertainment. Represent
your school by wearing your favorite logo apparel.
Saturday, March 4, 2017
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
What’s Hot: New time slot just before the CAMEX
Fashion Show. Open to all.
Visit www.camex.org for housing and
CAMEX event registration.
RSVP online at connect2one.com by February 10, 2017
It’s free to attend exclusive C2O events, and you must RSVP at connect2one.com to receive your pass to these events.
November 2016
Connections 7
Connect2One Welcomes!
KU Bookstore
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS
Jen O’Connor, Bookstore Director
[email protected]
C2O Sessions Available Now
Miss a fall session?
Download these valuable resources today.
USC Salkehatchie Bookstore
University of South Carolina - Salkehatchie
Allendale, SC
Suzanne Goodson,
Bookstore Manager
[email protected]
The 5 Most Common Freight
Shipping Mistakes
Freight shipping can be
a complicated industry
to navigate. That’s why
PartnerShip®, the only
shipping provider created
by and for the college
industry, developed a
special white paper—
The 5 Most Common Freight Shipping Mistakes. This white paper is
designed to help you proactively identify and correct commonly made
freight shipping mistakes before they cost you valuable time and
money.
Inside this white paper you’ll find:
•
•
•
Descriptions of some of the more common freight
shipping mistakes
Examples of how these mistakes are impacting your
bottom line
Ways to catch these mistakes before they cost your
company money
Visit PartnerShip.com/CommonMistakes to download the 5 Most
Common Freight Shipping Mistakes white paper!
Since 1989 PartnerShip has been serving the college store industry by
providing savings on every shipment you send or receive. PartnerShip
provides these savings through the most reputable carriers in the
industry, including UPS Freight, YRC Freight, and many more. If you
have any questions about freight shipping with PartnerShip call
800-599-2902 or email [email protected].
After
connect2one.com
4350 Glendale-Milford Rd. Suite 240
Cincinnati, OH 45242
Phone: 800-563-9034 or 513-754-0111
Fax: 800-600-9034
connect2one.com
[email protected]
8 Connections
November 2016