®
Connections
The Official Publication of Connect2One, The Buying Group that Works for You!
Advisory Meeting 2011
By Mark Palmore, Executive Director
Sawmill Creek Resort on Lake Erie was the sight for the
2011 Connect2One Advisory Meeting. We listened to some
great ideas and learned a lot about the latest developments at
our member stores. We also learned about what is happening
in our vendor community and had a good time enjoying the
camaraderie of some great people in our industry. One of the
highlights for me was the discussion related to hallmark words
which can be attributed to Connect2One, words such as Savings,
What’s Hot, and Sharing. With regard to Accessibility, our advisors mentioned Spirit, Partner, and of course Goody Bags!
The meeting began with a discussion on the most important
issue to our industry, course materials and its ever evolving
landscape. The store attendees filled us in on how they are
handling their course materials ranging from the latest in rentals, the slow but eminent emergence of digital, and of course the
December 2011 traditional used and new purchase options. One thing was very
clear, no two stores are handling course materials the same.
This is quite a contrast from just a few years ago when the only
options offered were new and used.
We took note of the opportunities we have to more strategically use our database to get the best information to the appropriate members. We also heard some great ideas related to
recruitment of new members, having our members work with
us in the Connect2One booths at CAMEX, and ideas on how to
enhance participation in the afternoon events at the C2O Education Day in Salt Lake City. There is more information on all of
those topics in Paula’s article on the co-location page of this
edition of Connections.
This meeting was very beneficial for Connect2One. We look
forward to taking the information we learned and weaving it
into the constant evolution of Connect2One through the programs and offerings that continue to add value to your store.
Bookstore Attendees: Julie Banks from the University of Dayton, Misty Eaton from the University of Wyoming, Ron Kotter fromVincennes University, Kevin Phelps from the University of Wisconsin Madison, Tim Sharbaugh from Indiana University of Pennsylvania,
Jim Simpson from Miami University, and Barry Waters from Central Michigan University.
Vendor Partner Attendees: Jim Lucey from Roaring Spring Paper Products and Bonnie Mueller from JanSport.
Commit2Win Returns!
One of our most popular programs
– Commit2Win – will be back at
the end of December. Details will
be emailed to all store directors,
managers and apparel buyers.
Plan now on how you can use this
program in your store. Here are
some great ideas:
December 2011 Connections
1
Color and Function
Especially for Her
Contour Design
1 HardSkin Etch iPhone® 4G Skin
A luxurious, light-weight rubberized case
that snaps securely together to provide a seamless blend of protection and structure.
018880 SRP $34.95
Lenovo
IdeaPad U400 Notebook PC
The new ultrabook from Lenovo has
been built to be thinner, lighter and
better equipped. At just 0.7” thin, it features a second generation Intel® Core™
i5 processor; tons of storage, Bluetooth connectivity, Intelligent glass touchpad,
SRS® Premium Surround Sound and much more.
099329U SRP $899.99
2
iFrogz
CS40 Headphones
Features dynamic 40mm drivers with amazing bass and incredibly
smooth undertones, pumped through
supple AeroFoam ear cushions. Also
features UV treated, high-gloss stems
and a convenient foldable design.
Pink/Red.
EPCS40PNKCHR SRP $49.99
Sony
Bloggie™ MP4 Touch HD
Camcorder
Features 8GB of integrated storage,
a vivid 3” capacitive touch screen,
12.8MP still shot digital camera and
pre-installed software for tagging and
easy uploading to sites like YouTube™
and Facebook®. Silver.
MHSTS20S
SRP $249.99
Canon
PowerShot® A2200 14.1MP
Digital Camera
Students will enjoy its slim and lightweight design along with its intelligent
Smart Auto and Easy modes, making
great pictures just a click away. Red.
PSA2200RED
SRP $139.99
Andis
2” Tourmaline Nano-Ceramic
Clam Flat Iron
Produces minimal hair damage and
eliminates frizz leaving hair renewed,
repaired and revitalized for a softer and
smoother finish. Features (20) heat settings and fast 60-second heat up and
auto shut off.
67175 SRP $37.99
Verbatim
4GB Metallic Store ‘n’ Go USB
2.0 Flash Drives
Offers students a convenient, retractable cap-less design with a sleek
metallic finish, giving them the ability
to capture all their data in one small,
convenient location and move that
information with them throughout the
day. Purple.
VER96733
SRP $14.55
Nintendo
3DS Handheld Gaming
Console
Experience incredible gameplay featuring real 3D graphics, with no need
for special glasses. This device is a
breakthrough in portable entertainment,
a truly cutting edge piece of hardware.
Blue.
CTRSBAAA
SRP $169.99
Logitech
M305 Wireless Mouse
Features an ergonomic design
with a soft rubber grip that offers
exceptional comfort. The convenient
plug-and-forget nano receiver and
advanced 2.4GHz wireless connectivity
provides a powerful, reliable connection. Floral Spiral.
910002465
SRP $29.99
10 Creative
3
7
4
8
5
9
6
D100 Portable Bluetooth
Wireless Speaker
The modern day boombox with (2)
powerful 3” drivers delivers wireless
audio from any compatible stereo
Bluetooth device. Green.
MF8090AA004
SRP $79.99
*For prices and additional details, contact your D&H Distributing representative at 800-340-1003.
2
Connections
December 2011
Four Point Products Student Forums Survey Fashion Trends
For the past 17 years Four Point Products has conducted
Student Forums to get feedback from students about the company’s new designs, colors and other product related information. The Student Forums have been held at various college
campuses over the years. This year Forums took place in
Illinois, Virginia and near the company’s headquarters in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. A Student Forum in
Virginia was held at Connect2One
member bookstore Roanoke College. Each student who took part
in the Forums received a gift from
the company and was entered in a
contest to win a $50 gift certificate
from their bookstore, courtesy of
Four Point Products.
Students who participated in the
Forums voted on new color ideas
for the company’s custom-imprinted and clear overlay vinyl binders,
and expressed their opinions about
the types of pocket folders Four
Point offers. The students were
also asked to choose their favorite
current stock designs and select
their favorites from a group of thirty
new designs. The students also provided input on their buying
habits regarding binders and related products.
The Four Point Products marketing team uses the information
from the Student Forums to fine
tune next year’s product line. “We
look at the results from the Student
Forums, adjust our plans accordingly and move ahead”, said Tammy
Plutko, Four Point’s sales manager.
“We also seek the opinions of our
sales reps and buyers when it
comes down to making the final
decisions.”
To be successful in the college bookstore market it is not
enough to have a good product. It is essential to have designs
and colors that appeal to today’s college students. The Forums
have helped Four Point Products to find out what students like
by going directly to the students for the answers.
For more information, contact:
Joe Sprumont, Marketing Services Manager
Four Point Products
joes@binders.com | 800-456-6603
Congratulations Legacy!
Congratulations to Legacy who recently
changed their name from Legacy Athletic
to Legacy.
Legacy also moved into a new facility this
fall. Their new address is:
Legacy
300 Fame Ave.
Hanover, PA 17331
From all your friends
at Connect2One
Their phone number remains the same:
800-627-3244.
Legacy sells baseball hats, knit hats,
jewelry, flip flops and other products.
December 2011 Connections
3
What’s Hot: Best Sellers from Our Vendor Partners
Michelle Johnson
Program Director
Champion Custom Products
Buyers often ask us: What are the hot, new fashion colors?
For spring 2012 that’s easy – it’s Pink and Purple! Every
shade of pink and purple is “hot”. Pinks are pinker and purple
comes in lots of new fashion shades. Whether it’s Fiery Pink,
Cosmic Pink, Athletic Purple, Lavender, Orchid or Cornflower you can’t
go wrong with these tried and true
feminine colors.
What makes pink and purple
so popular? Girls grow up with
these colors – from pink bedrooms and fuzzy slippers to
purple sweaters and shoes
girls just love
pink and
purple.
The Women’s Rival Tee
also offers a classic look.
It’s a baseball style but
extremely feminine
when done in White
and Cosmic Pink.
Tanks are going
to be the “in” garment
for spring and summer and the Women’s
Spirit Tank with skinny
straps and a longer
body length is the perfect silhouette. Here we
see it in Cosmic Pink.
The Women’s Spirit Tank has skinny
straps and a longer length – right on
trend with today’s retail market.
We’ve got tops so now we need a bottom.
Champion’s best selling Women’s Mesh
Short fits the bill with its rollover waistband and 3” inseam. And whether it’s Pink
or Purple it’s a hit!
This Women’s Powerblend Hood
comes in 5 shades of pink and purple
including this Cosmic Pink.
Even t-shirts and sweatshirts
can be feminine when they are
pink and purple. The Women’s
Powerblend Hood from Champion is a perfect example – it’s a
bona fide classic style with lots
of added fashion appeal when
done in Cosmic Pink.
4
The Women’s Rival Tee is new for
spring and has a distinct baseball look.
Connections
December 2011
What’s Hot: Best Sellers from Our Vendor Partners
Michelle Johnson
Program Director
Gear for Sports
Gear for Sports also offers lots of great
women’s garments in Pink and Purple.
One of the hottest new trends is the
“off the shoulder” look. How can you get
it? By offering the Coed Flare Burnout
Crew from Gear for Sports. It’s extra
soft, slightly distressed and offers
a textured burnout look. The
“off the shoulder” neckline
makes it a perfect layering
piece with a tank top or
scoop neck tee. Here we
see it in a soft Rose Pink
color.
The Women’s Skinny Tee continues to
be a best seller and now comes in Pink,
Chic Pink, Orchid and Purple.
This Coed Flare Burnout Crew offers
a soft, sultry, off the shoulder look in
Rose Pink.
Full Zips are another hot
new trend for women and
the Fire Fleece Full Zip in
Athletic Purple fits the bill.
It features a slender cut and
textured finish.
Gear’s Big Cotton Hood comes
in both Chic Pink and Orchid
plus many other shades of pink
and purple.
New for this spring is the Coed
Sizzle Tank. It features a cool “racerback” cut and self-fabric
binding on the collar, armhole and racerback. And in Orchid it’s
ultra feminine.
And last but not least Gear’s
best selling Women’s Skinny
Tee is available in
new colors like Chic
Pink, Orchid and
Very Purple.
Gear’s Big Cotton Hood
also comes in pink and purple
– Pink, Fiery Pink, Chic Pink,
Passion Pink, Cornflower, Orchid, Purple and Very Purple
The Fire Fleece Full Zip offers a great
to be exact. It’s a basic that
continues to sell year after year. texture and comes in Athletic Purple.
December 2011 The Sizzle Burnout Tank
comes in Orchid and features
a racerback cut.
Connections
5
Welcome!
Join us in welcoming the following new Connect2One members!
Coffeyville CC Bookstore
Karen Strimple
Bookstore Manager
Coffeyville Community College
Coffeyville, KS
karens@coffeyville.edu
Allen Community College Bookstore
Donna Cason
Bookstore Manager
Allen Community College
Iola, KS
cason@acccnl.allen.cc.ks.us
Trident Tech College Bookstore
Jloundia Pinckney
Director
Trident Technical College
Charleston, SC
jloundia.pinckney@tridenttech.edu
WITC Bookstore
Diane Schmitt
Director
Wisconsin Indianhead Tech College
Superior, WI
diane.schmitt@witc.edu
Seminole State College Bookstore
Edith Cathey
Bookstore Manager
Seminole State College
Seminole, OK
e.cathey@sscok.edu
College Corner Coffee & Books
Donna Sinclair
Bookstore Manager
Alma College
Alma, Michigan
sinclair@alma.edu
Midstate College Bookstore
Lorraine Confort
Bookstore Manager
Midstate College
Peoria, Illinois
lconfort@midstate.edu
Freight Shipping Tip
of the Month
Clatsop Community College Bookstore
Denise Russell
Bookstore Manager
Clatsop Community College
Astoria, Oregon
drussell@clatsopcc.edu
Everett Community College Bookstore
Kerri Kirk
Director
Everett Community College
Everett, Washington
kkirk@everettcc.edu
Northwest University Bookstore
Dawn Williams
Bookstore Manager
Northwest University
Kirkland, Washington
dawn.williams@northwestu.edu
®
A division of
Stacking Freight
With tightening capacity across the freight
industry, carriers are using every inch of trailer
space. To reduce the risk of damages, stackable
freight may be the best packaging option.
This means shipments that are wrapped and
palletized, with no overhangs. Crating makes
your freight much more durable, helping it to
withstand much more wear and tear in the
shipping process. Including packing peanuts in
the crate will help decrease the possibility of
damage, while only minimally increasing the
weight.
This tip is brought to you by C2O’s preferred shipping
partner Group Transportation Services (GTS). For more
information or to enroll, email c2o@onestopshipping.com.
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
Mark Palmore
Michelle Johnson
Katie Kelley Schmid
Paula Haerr
Ellen Broughton
Lori Cano
Executive Director &
Institutional Store Advocate
Ext. 228
mpalmore@connect2one.com
Associate Executive Director
Supplies, Books & Store Services
Ext. 226
phaerr@connect2one.com
6
Director, Merchandise Programs
Apparel, Souvenirs & Backpacks
Ext. 225
mjohnson@connect2one.com
Membership Director - East
40 Chatham Court
Robbinsville, NJ 08691
Ph.: 609-301-7306
Fax: 609-301-7307
ebroughton@connect2one.com
Marketing Director
Newsletter, Facebook
Ext. 222
kkelleyschmid@connect2one.com
Membership Director - West
1656 East 1140 North
Logan, UT 84341
Ph.: 435-713-4144
Fax: 435-713-4494
lcano@connect2one.com
Patti Inskeep
Business Operations Manager
Ext. 224
pinskeep@connect2one.com
Program and Member Support
Vicky Gladish
Ext. 227, vgladish@connect2one.com
Cindy Cobb
Ext. 230, ccobb@connect2one.com
Rob McLeod
Ext. 221, rmcleod@connect2one.com
Connections
December 2011
Your Co-Location
Connections
Exclusive Connect2One Members’ Guide to CAMEX 2012
Buying Time
Paula Haerr
Associate Executive Director
Imagine if you could buy time. What would
it be worth? How much more productive
could you be? How much less stress would
you have?
When we say “Connect2One is the buying
group that works for you”, we mean it! Our
CAMEX: 700 vendors, 23 hours, roller skates optional!
Facebook page is a perfect example of how
we take the time to follow over 400 of our
member store pages and then share the best
of the best with you. Creating events and
product promotions is a snap when you’ve
learned from your fellow members what
works for them. Take some of the Facebook promotion ideas with you when you
meet with vendors at CAMEX to build your
promotion plan for the year. Time is money
although in this economy the effects of saving time are quantum. As many of you are
being called on daily to do more with less,
it is our goal to provide you with the tools
and information to help you accomplish ever
more with ever less.
Our focus in preparing the annual program
catalogs, creating the price comparison
sheets and highlighting the best of the offerings in Michelle’s Best Buys and Paula’s
Picks is entirely committed to saving you
time. Imagine calculating the amount of time
it would take each buyer at our 650 member
stores to do this kind of research!
Recruit a Member Campaign
Over our history of co-location with
CAMEX, we average more than 25 new
member sign-ups at each show. Many
new members are referred to us by
our vendor partners who point out the
savings buyers could achieve on a single
CAMEX order as Connect2One members. Others find their way to the C2O
booth after seeing the C2O name badges,
Michelle’s Best Buys and Paula’s Picks
ribbons or those great goody bags.
But the best way to get new members
at CAMEX and throughout the year is
through referrals by you, our members.
This month, we will be sending each of
our member stores a list of non-members in your state or regional association.
December 2011 Whether you are from a small store or large
store, there just isn’t enough time in the day.
With the Connect2One catalog, you can
readily preview the show specials and price
matrix for key items and be ready to place
orders. There are more than 700 vendors
at CAMEX and only 23 hours of trade show.
If you’re fast (and forget about lunch), you
can spend about 2 minutes with each vendor.
Obviously, you’re probably not stopping at
each booth but if you are prepared with your
C2O catalog pricing and the pictures from
the C2O In-Depth Review sessions, you can
make better use of your time on the CAMEX
floor.
But, you have to make the time investment to
come in early for the Connect2One education
day to get the full benefit of the work that’s
been done for you. Plan now to attend the
Connect2One Education Day on March 1. It’s
worth it for more than 400 of your fellow
buying group members. Give yourself back
some time; join us in Salt Lake City.
booth to visit with our staff or invite
them to come to the C2O education day
with you. If they sign up for membership, you will be awarded a $100 gift
card. Even if they don’t sign up, you’ll be
entered into our prize drawing.
Watch your mail for details!
BONUS REWARDS
Indiana stores represent! Kym Bell (Vincennes
University), Brenda Elliott (Rose-Hulman), Ron Kotter
(Vincennes), C2O’s Ellen Broughton, Sheryl Fulk
(Rose-Hulman) and Alan Raggo (Vincennes) at last
year’s Welcome Reception.
If you spot a friend on the non-member
list, bring them to the Connect2One
Stay with us for our most popular
session - the Idea Exchange - in the
afternoon on March 1 and be eligible
to win prizes! You must be present
to win Visa Gift Cards, CAMEX 2013
Registration and more!
December 2011 Connections
7
Exclusive Connect2One
Member Events
Visit www.connect2one.com for the latest updates and to RSVP online. All
Connect2One events will be held in the Salt Palace Convention Center.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Exclusive Member Registration
While there is no cost for these exclusive C2O events, please
RSVP by Friday, January 27, 2012
to ensure adequate seating, meals and refreshments.
6:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Connect2One 101: If this is your first time to a C2O Education Day or if you
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.
7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
C2O Welcome Reception: Refreshments & Goody Bags!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
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 Director, 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.
New 2012 Session: The Other Side of Supplies: Paula Haerr, C2O
Program Director, 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 Haerr, C2O Program Director, will
highlight supply vendors with emphasis on the top commodity comparisons,
national trends, new products and the popular Paula’s Picks.
10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Apparel Partner Insights: Come hear what our major vendor partners
have in store for 2012. These sessions will help you make efficient use of
your time at CAMEX.
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. - 1:30 p.m.
Gifts, Bags & Souvenirs In-Depth Review: Michelle Johnson will review our
gift and souvenir programs with special emphasis on bags and backpacks.
12:45 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
There’s More? You Bet!: There’s more to C2O than apparel, supplies,
backpacks and gifts. Mark Palmore and Paula Haerr will provide an
overview of other C2O programs and open up the floor for Q&A.
1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Apparel Partner Insights: More presentations from our major apparel
vendors.
1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Round Robin: Informal networking on a variety of topics, each facilitated
by a C2O vendor partner, on a 10-minute rotation. Topics related to store
operations, store services, new GM categories and course materials.
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Buyers’ success stories shine in this
session! Don’t forget to pack your topselling items to show your fellow buyers.
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
“Be True to Your School” Party: Be our guest for appetizing refreshments,
music and dancing.
Member attendees of the Thursday C2O Education Sessions are eligible to
receive the 2012 C2O Goody Bag, which will be distributed throughout the
day in rooms adjacent to the C2O meeting rooms.
Please make additional copies as necessary
and fax to 800-600-9034 or sign up
online at www.connect2one.com.
Sign up for:
Time
o Wednesday, February 29 – Connect2One 101
6:30 - 7 p.m.
o Wednesday, February 29 – Welcome Reception
7 - 8:30 p.m.
o Thursday, March 1 – Education Sessions
o Thursday, March 1 – Awards Lunch*
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
o Thursday, March 1 – Party
6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
o Friday-Tuesday, March 2 - March 6 – CAMEX
Any Day(s)
*Special Meal Requirements:______________________________
If you are unable to attend any of these events, please check here. o
____________________________________________
Name
____________________________________________
Bookstore
____________________________________________
Address
____________________________________________
City, State, Zip
____________________________________________
Email
____________________________________________
Phone
Please indicate which merchandise categories you are responsible for check all that apply:
o Apparel
o Books
o Supplies
o Store Director/Manager
o Technology
o Other: ______________
o Guest of Bookstore Staff
You will receive a confirmation of your RSVP within 72 hours. If not, please
contact Connect2One at 800-563-9034.
4350 Glendale-Milford Rd., Suite 240, Cincinnati, OH 45242
Phone: 800-563-9034
Fax: 800-600-9034
www.connect2one.com