ABA Members Invited to NACS Retail Program

The National Association of College Stores (NACS) will be holding its Xtreme! 2010 retail education program in Boston from July 23 to 27. All ABA members are invited to attend at the NACS member rate. Booksellers at ABA member stores can also enter a drawing for a scholarship covering the registration fee.

The program, focused on the theme "Exerting Your Independence," features a series of store tours and workshops over two and a half days. The workshops and education sessions will cover store design and layout, branding, and the shopping experience, all with a view towards understanding the store of 2015. Among the presenters are NACS Director of Education Tony Ellis and ABA COO Len Vlahos.

"The Xtreme seminar has always focused on the retail side of the campus store business," said Ellis. "These topics are really pertinent to independent booksellers as well as campus retailers, since both are basically independent niche retailers."

Participants will visit a number of independent businesses, including a campus store, a general bookstore, and notable niche retailers on Boston's Newbury Street.  

"The learning experience will conclude with a half-day workshop during which participants will work together to create 'must-dos' for stores," based on what they learn, Ellis said.

ABA will award one scholarship to a member bookseller interested in attending Xtreme! 2010. The scholarship covers the $495 registration fee, which includes all program contents and materials, tour transportation, a welcome reception, two continental breakfasts, two lunches, and refreshment breaks. Travel and hotel expenses will be the responsibility of the bookseller.

Booksellers interested in applying for the scholarship should e-mail Vlahos, with the subject "Xtreme Retailing," by June 1. The e-mail should include the bookseller's name and title, store name, address, and phone number. The winner will be chosen in a random drawing.

More information about Xtreme! 2010 and a registration form are available at the NACS website. The cost is $495 for NACS and ABA members, and $595 for non-members. Event accommodations are available at the indie hotel Nine Zero. --Sarah Rettger