Oct

®
Connections
The Official Publication of Connect2One, The Buying Group that Works for You!
October 2012 Connect2One…Celebrates 25 Years of Making a Difference!
Mark Palmore
Executive Director
I have heard that it was a tough decision in 1988 for our
original founding member stores to form their own buying
cooperative; we were called Collegiate Stores Cooperative (CSC)
in those days. Our founders were pioneers in our industry and
their vision, along with the vision of our leadership, has helped
us to grow to over 650 stores.
Recognize any of these faces from the early days of the buying group that became
Connect2One? Look for this pic on our Facebook page and post your answer in
the comments section.
dents have numerous online and other brick and mortar options
for just about anything in the store, making collegiate retailing
a challenge. In addition, campus administrators insist that their
stores are successful in serving the students, faculty, and staff,
but also in meeting the bottom line. We strive to help your store
meet and exceed those challenges every day.
As was the case a quarter of a century ago, technology dictates innovation both on the sales floor and in the back office.
In 1988 the major issues in our industry were also related to
technology, but not whether your store would buy a new system
or add a tech store; the issues were whether a store would begin
using barcodes and whether or not your store would even purchase a textbook management system.
Times have changed and Connect2One has changed with the
industry. We are innovative, we offer the best programs in the
industry, and we feel very strongly that we are Making a
Difference!
Over the years Connect2One has changed, both in name and
in ownership. In the early 90’s the founding stores sold the
buying group to Market Source, who sold CSC to Nebraska Book
Company in 1997. Shortly thereafter, our name changed to
Connect2One (C2O). Being a part of the NBC family has allowed
us the opportunity to grow as a buying group and to truly make
a difference for our member stores and vendor partners.
When I looked back into the history of our buying group and
of our industry, it wasn’t very hard to see all of the changes in
course materials, collegiate fashion, and additional store offerings that have occurred since our inception in 1988. After 25
years we all know that our industry has changed and, believe
me, it will continue to change because our clients’ needs are
constantly changing. I can promise you that the Connect2One
Programs, Membership, and Support teams are committed to
continued growth through expanded program offerings for our
member stores. We know we must continue to help our member stores meet the needs of their ultimate customer, today’s
college student.
Students demand more options in course materials and are
more savvy buyers of general merchandise. As we all know stu
Making a Difference at the Connect2One Education Sessions at CAMEX.
At CAMEX 2013 in Kansas City we will be celebrating the
25th Anniversary of Connect2One. We are all looking forward
to the opportunity to thank you for your support over the years
and to show you what’s new for 2013 from C2O! Please mark
your calendars for the Connect2One Education Day at CAMEX
February 21, 2013 at the Kansas City Convention Center. We
look forward to seeing you in KC!
October 2012 Connections
1
Russell Athletic – More Than Basics
Michelle Johnson
Program Manager
When we think of Russell Athletic product, we often think of basics and rightly so.
Russell offers some of the best priced and
best quality basics in the college market.
From tees and fleece for men, to a great
selection for women and children, Russell
has every basic category covered.
Russell’s new Sublimated Football Jersey
features 4 locations of decoration; on
the front, back and both shoulders plus
overall logo imprints on both sleeves.
But Russell offers a lot more than basics.
If you have a chance to review their Fall
2012 College Stores Catalog, you’ll see
Dri-Power® Tees and Shorts, Performance
Fleece, Replica Jerseys and Game Day
styles.
Russell Athletic is “on the field” and
“on the court” at over 80 colleges and
universities providing a wide variety of
football uniforms, basketball uniforms and
lacrosse jerseys just to name a few. The
Russell Adult Football Jersey features 4
locations of printing – full front, full back
and both shoulders. Any licensed school
can order these jerseys. Russell’s new
Sublimated Football Jersey also fea-
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Quarter Zips are huge and this ¼ Zip Jacket
with Hood from the Russell Sideline Collection
is a big winner.
tures 4 locations of decoration plus overall
logo imprints on the sleeves for a great
new, contemporary look. Sublimation is
a digital printing process, as opposed to
traditional screen printing, and allows the
ink to permeate the fabric. This results in a
completely smooth finish on the garment –
you can’t feel any of the ink.
In addition to uniforms and Replica
Jerseys, Russell also offers a
Sideline Collection that features
Game Day Polos, ¼ Zip Jackets,
and Warmup Jackets and Pants
for both men and women. Many
students, fans and alumni want
that true athletic look and Game
Day styles are perfect for class,
casual days and sporting events.
to co-brand your
school name and
the Russell Athletic
brand name along
with your favorite
Marvel Comics
superheroes. From
the Incredible Hulk,
to Ironman, to Thor
and Spiderman
these superheroes
are a huge part
of today’s entertainment world.
And don’t forget
Wolverine, Captain Get in on the “pinnies” craze
with Russell’s Adult ReversAmerica and the
ible Practice Jersey. It’s a
Avengers – they’re
best seller!
all available. This
line was introduced in August and has been
selling extremely well. Your Russell sales
representative can show you the many
styles that are available.
So don’t think of Russell Athletic as just
basics. We hope you’ll explore all the opportunities Russell has to offer.
“Pinnies” have been hugely
popular over the last year and
Russell’s Adult Reversible Practice Jersey is a best seller in many
college bookstores. You can print
on both sides for a home and
away look or feature a front and
back design.
Russell Athletic is also getting
into pop culture by teaming up
with Marvel Comics to introduce a
new line of college sports apparel.
Modern athletes are today’s super- This is co-branding at its finest – your school name, the Russell
Athletic brand name and your favorite Marvel Comics superheroes!
heroes so it just makes sense
Connections
October 2012
New Vendors
Paula Haerr
Associate Executive Director
Smart Gifts for Thinking Homo Sapiens
College campuses are the perfect setting for The Unemployed
Philosophers Guild’s (UPG) witty, intellectual sense of humor.
UPG offers unique gifts in an unequaled combination of comedy
and scholarly pursuit.
The line is extensive, featuring some of the world’s greatest
philosophers, authors, artists, leaders, psychologists, scientists
and thinkers - alive or dead, real or fictitious. From literature
to pop culture, there is something here to tickle your fancy.
Connect2One members receive an additional 5% off regular
wholesale prices. Displays also available.
Coffee Mugs
Finger Puppets
Refrigerator Magnets
Passport Notebooks
Quotable Notables Notecards
Watches
T-shirts
Mints
Sticky Notes
Fruit and Nut Activity Bars
Little Thinkers Dolls
The Unemployed Philosophers Guild
www.upgwholesale.com/downloads
[email protected]
800-255-8371
Sweet Deals
Consolidated Services Distributor (CSD) is a family owned
distributor of snacks and grocery products founded in 1937.
From bagged snacks to traditional candy bars to healthy treats,
CSD is a one stop shop for your c-store products.
CSD stocks brands
your customers will
love: M&M’s, Hershey’s,
Snickers, Mentos, Tic
Tac, Gummi, Kind Bars,
Kellogs, Kraft, Thai Kitchen, GoPicnic, Clif, Luna,
Powerbar, Zone, Toblerone, Rocky Mountain Popcorn, Jack Links and so much more.
From its state-of-the-art temperature controlled
facility in New Jersey, CSD services over 10,000
accounts nationwide including discount party
chain stores, convenience store chains, service
station chains, and supermarket chains. CSD will
work with you to insure that “heat sensitive”
items like chocolate or gummi candies are protected, shipping
in insulated cases with free cold gel packs.
Connect2One members receive CSD best pricing and a dedicated account rep and order website. First time ordering from
CSD? Take advantage of an introductory offer of 10% OFF Connect2One prices. A list of
over 600 of the most popular items for college stores
was emailed to members in
September.
Already using CSD? Contact joanne@candycentral.
com to begin receiving
Connect2One pricing.
Consolidated Services
Distributor
www.c2o.csdsupplier.com
[email protected]
908-687-5800 x 203
October 2012 Connections
3
Trend Watch
Paula Haerr
Associate Executive Director
regional meeting to hear more or get
the summary report from Connect2One
by emailing [email protected].
Wondering what’s hot this back-toschool season? Just how well are crew
neck sweatshirts selling? What’s the
crystal ball hold for the remainder of
the year?
Plan on attending a What’s Hot or
Idea Exchange session at your state or
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Here’s a sneak peak. For an out-ofthe-ordinary category, Carlie Robinson,
director of The College Store at SUNY
Potsdam reports on the success of the
store’s new music department from
C2O vendor partner Bridgecraft: “The
41-inch Dreadnaught De Rosa acoustic
guitar is selling like crazy. We have sold
9 in 2 weeks. The students just love
them!”
Bridgecraft USA
Music supplies and instruments
www.xmusicpro.com
714-523-2222
Connections
October 2012
Gotta Have Tech Gear
1
SOL REPUBLIC Tracks Ultra On-Ear Headphones, 126100. Provides the
deepest bass and highest clarity vocals, and are wrapped in a distinct Stellar
style all their own. SRP: $179
3
2
iSkin Aura Case for New iPhone®, ARIPH5BE1. Featuring a
2-tone aircraft-style aluminum back and an ultra-slim snap-on
design, it hugs and styles their New iPhone in a snap. Blue/Silver/
White. SRP: $29.99
Braven 600 Portable Wireless
Speaker, BZ600GBA. Offers
their mobile device stunning audio with
up to 12 hours of wireless play time.
Gray. SRP: $149.99
Sony PlayStation® 3 Call of
Duty® MW3 Bundle, 99035S.
Bundle includes 320GB
console, Call of Duty® MW3 game, DUALSHOCK® 3 Wireless Controller and
Free 30-Day PlayStation® Plus voucher.
SRP: $299.99
iFrogz Equinox Noise Isolating
Earbuds, EPEQUBLU. Designed
for everyday use, these ear buds
offer crisp sound and feature a twotoned style and double-flanged ear tips.
Blue. SRP: $24.99
Otterbox Reflex Case for iPad®
2, 7718928. The thin, lightweight
2-piece slider provides protection
against drops, bumps and shocks and
the self-adhesive screen protector
prevents scratches. SRP: $69.88
Logitech K760 Wireless Solar
Keyboard, 920003884. This
wireless keyboard is powered
by any light—lamp light and low light,
indoors and out. The easy-switching
Bluetooth® connection makes typing
on their Mac® and switching to type
on their iPad® or iPhone® as simple as
pushing a button. SRP: $79
Verbatim Wireless Optical
Mouse, VER97784. Features a
colorful, artistic design, unique
easy grip and reliable 2.4GHz performance. Red. SRP: $24.99 Also available in Graphite, Orange,
Purple and Blue!
Hitachi 1TB Touro™ Mobile
MX3 USB 3.0 HDD, 0S03454.
Students benefit from the
portable, smooth textured body, easy
formatting, and fast USB 3.0 interface.
SRP: $119.99
10 Asus Transformer Pad TF300T
7
4
8
5
9
6
Tablet, EPCTF300TB1BL. This
stylish tablet is powered by the world’s
first Quad-core processor, the NVIDIA®
Tegra® 3, 4-PLUS-1™ CPU, allowing
users to browse the web and play
1080p video at blazing speeds.
SRP: $399
*For prices and additional details, contact your D&H Distributing representative at 800-340-1003.
October 2012 Connections
5
Welcome!
Monthly Freight
Shipping Tip
We at Connect2One would like to
welcome our newest member!
Noncommercial
Freight Deliveries
Specify if the pick up or delivery is to a
noncommercial location when getting quotes.
Noncommercial locations include: apartments,
camps, churches, colleges, farms, correctional
facilities, military bases, residential, resorts,
and self-storage facilities. There will be an extra charge for noncommercial delivery. This can be avoided by dropping the freight off or picking it up at the carrier’s
terminal.
NEO A&M Bookstore
Northeastern Oklahoma
A&M College
Miami
Kathryn Vanover
Bookstore Manager
[email protected]
This tip is brought to you by C2O’s preferred shipping partner Group Transportation
Services (GTS). For more information or to enroll, email [email protected].
Welcome Brooke Obringer!
Join us in welcoming our new Program Manager, Brooke Obringer!
Brooke, a graduate from the University of Toledo, has come from
Sinclair Community College Bookstore. At Sinclair, Brooke
developed a strong merchandising and buying background in
several fields including technology, course materials, gift items,
and much more. When not dedicating her time to the bookstore
world, Brooke enjoys hanging out with her family and friends,
meeting new people, anything that involves the outdoors, bargain
shopping, and traveling.
4350 Glendale-Milford Rd. Suite 240
Cincinnati, OH 45242
Toll Free: 800-563-9034 Phone: 513-754-0111
Fax: 800-600-9034
www.connect2one.com
facebook.com/connect2one
®
A division of
Mark Palmore
Michelle Johnson
Brooke Obringer
Paula Haerr
Ellen Broughton
Lori Cano
Executive Director &
Institutional Store Advocate
Ext. 228
[email protected]
Associate Executive Director
Supplies, Books & Store Services
Ext. 226
[email protected]
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Program Manager
Apparel, Souvenirs & Backpacks
Ext. 225
[email protected]
Membership Manager - East
40 Chatham Court
Robbinsville, NJ 08691
Ph.: 609-301-7306
Fax: 609-301-7307
[email protected]
Program Manager
Supplies, Health Sciences, Tech, HBC
Ext. 233
[email protected]
Membership Manager - West
1656 East 1140 North
Logan, UT 84341
Ph.: 435-713-4144
Fax: 435-713-4494
[email protected]
Patti Inskeep
Business Operations Manager
Ext. 224
[email protected]
Program and Member Support
Vicky Gladish
Ext. 227, [email protected]
Cindy Cobb
Ext. 230, [email protected]
Rob McLeod
Ext. 221, [email protected]
Connections
October 2012
Your Co-Location
Connections
October 2012 Exclusive Connect2One Members’ Guide to CAMEX 2013
Making it Work for 25 Years
Paula Haerr, Associate Executive Director
In the early days of the buying group, the annual meeting
was quite something else. Bordering on an auction atmosphere,
the forty buyers in the room would be polled on how many of a
particular item they would commit to. Umbrellas? Store A will
take 144, Store B will take 576 and around the room the count
went. Did we reach the bid quantity? If yes, on to the next item.
If no, around the room for a second time or a quick conference
with the vendor waiting in the next room to see if they would
waive the numbers. Occasionally you’d hear a muttered “overbought” exclamation from buyers caught up in the moment!
Well, things have certainly changed over the years. Vendors
are more attuned to projection numbers for our group so the
bid system was dropped more than a dozen years ago. In its
place, the buying group has evolved to more than a numbers
game; it’s about the right items, at the right price, at the right
time.
With the CAMEX 2013 show in Kansas City, Connect2One
kicks off the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the buying group
that works for you! And, how do we make it work? We’ve
evolved the annual meeting format to be a day of information.
By reporting on the programs that have been negotiated on
our members behalf, our program managers can also highlight
What’s Hot, Best Buys and Picks that will make a positive impact on your product assortment and ultimately on your sales.
The full schedule for our day is on the next page. You’ll find
a similar format to last year until you get to the afternoon sessions. The former round robin session has evolved to a new
format – Speed Dating! Anyone who has attended a D&H Show
will appreciate the fast pace and snapshot quality this format
allows. Five minutes with a vendor then on to the next table.
Some of our more unique service vendors and some of our top
supply vendors will keep you on your toes in this session. Need
more time? You can follow up with any of the vendors at your
leisure during the next session block.
Vendors on the CAMEX floor routinely comment that
“Connect2One buyers are the most informed buyers at the
show”. Make the commitment to attend the Connect2One
Education Day and reap the benefits of the buying group that
works for you!
VOTE NOW!
We promise that no mud will be slung
in the campaign to elect the 2013
Connect2One t-shirt design. For a
closer look and to cast your ballot online, click on the “Vote Now” image on
the Connect2One Facebook page. You
can also vote for your favorite design
at one of the fall association meetings.
Special thanks goes out to Russell
Athletic for donating the long-sleeve
Jerzees t-shirt for the 2013 C2O Goody
Bag, yours to have when you attend
the C2O Education Day in Kansas City.
The bonus? The long sleeve t-shirt
will be added to our 2013 Commit2Win program from Russell Athletic
Jerzees.
VOTE NOW:
1
2
3
Choose Connect2One’s official CAMEX 2013 tee!
October 2012 Connections
7
Exclusive Connect2One Member Events at Kansas City CAMEX
Visit www.connect2one.com for the latest updates and to RSVP online. All
Connect2One events will be held in the Kansas City Convention Center.
Exclusive Member Registration
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
6:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Connect2One 101: First time to a C2O Education Day? Want a refresher
course on C2O services? This is the session for you! Find out what’s in store for
Thursday and how to make the most of your C2O membership.
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
C2O Welcome: Socialize and join us for Desserts & Goody Bags!
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Breakfast on your own: Start the day at your own pace with breakfast on
your own. Coffee and sodas will be available to kick-start the day.
8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Apparel In-Depth Review: Michelle Johnson, C2O Program Manager, will
highlight the Best Buys from our apparel programs with a focus on the latest
trends in garment styles, graphic designs and new products.
8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
The Other Side of Supplies: C2O Program Managers Paula Haerr and
Brooke Obringer will highlight vendors in the following categories:
technology products, health & lab sciences and distributor partnerships.
10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Supplies In-Depth Review: Paula and Brooke return with highlights on
supply vendors with emphasis on commodity comparisons, national trends,
new products and Paula’s Picks.
10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Apparel Partner Insights: Preview what our major vendor partners have
in store for 2013.
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Awards Lunch: Applaud your fellow C2O members who have demonstrated
exemplary participation in C2O programs.
12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Apparel Partner Insights: More presentations from our major apparel
vendors.
12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
New 2013 Session: Speed Dating: This fast paced session will have you
moving about the room to visit with some of our unique program vendors
and top supply vendors. Five minutes and you are on to the next table!
Need more time? Follow-up with vendors for a more leisurely conversation
in the next time block.
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Gifts, Bags & Souvenirs In-Depth Review: Michelle is back to review our
gift and souvenir programs with special emphasis on bags and backpacks.
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
There’s More? You Bet!: There’s more to C2O than apparel and supplies.
Mark Palmore and Paula Haerr will provide an overview of other C2O
programs and open up the floor for Q&A.
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Speed Dating Round 2: Visit with key vendor partners from the speed
dating rounds at a more leisurely pace.
3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Idea Exchange: Buyers’ success stories shine in this session! Don’t forget to
pack your top-selling items to show your fellow buyers.
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Celebrate 25 Years with Connect2One: Be our guest for dinner, socializing,
music and dancing as we kick off the celebration of the 25th Anniversary
of the buying group. Represent your school by wearing your favorite logo
apparel.
online at www.connect2one.com
You will receive a confirmation of your RSVP within 72 hours. If not,
please contact Connect2One at 800-563-9034.
While there is no cost for these exclusive C2O events
RSVP by Friday, January 21, 2013
to ensure adequate seating, meals and refreshments.
Sign up for:
Time
… Wednesday – Connect2One 101
6:30 - 7 p.m.
… Wednesday – Welcome
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
… Thursday – Education Sessions (any block)
… Thursday – Awards Lunch*
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
… Thursday – Anniversary Party
6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
… Friday-Tuesday – CAMEX
Any Day(s)
*Special Meal Requirements:______________________________
If you are unable to attend any of these events, please check here …
to opt out of future announcements.
____________________________________________
Name
____________________________________________
Bookstore
____________________________________________
Email
____________________________________________
Phone
Please indicate which merchandise categories for which you are
responsible. Check all that apply:
… Apparel
… Books
… Supplies
… Store Director/Manager
… Technology
… Other: ______________
… Guest of Bookstore Staff
Phone: 800-563-9034
Fax: 800-600-9034
www.connect2one.com
Member attendees of the Thursday C2O Education Sessions are eligible to
receive the 2013 C2O Goody Bag, which will be distributed throughout the
day in rooms adjacent to the C2O meeting rooms.