Campus Bookstore in Ames

[Cycsk]

I was driving through campustown and saw that Campus Bookstore (across the street from the Memorial Union) is going out of business. They have big 50% off signs so it might be a good time to stock up. Anyone know what happened? They seemed to have lots of customers.

 

[Rabbuk]

Seems like a bad location being right across from the "real" bookstore. A lot of people would just as soon go there, even if everything is marked up 15%

 

[Cycsk]

Seems like a bad location being right across from the "real" bookstore. A lot of people would just as soon go there, even if everything is marked up 15%

I've pulled up, parked, and made quick purchases at Campus Bookstore many times, but only go to the University Bookstore on special occasions.

 

[3TrueFans]

I would have thought gouging people on textbooks would have been good business.

 

[IcSyU]

There sure haven't been too many customers in there the last year or so the 10-12 times I've been in there. They tried to go with University Bookstore prices without the University Bookstore brands (Nike, UnderArmour). I'm sure Cy's Locker Room also didn't help places like Campus Bookstore or T-Galaxy (both of which are/will be out of business now).

 

[alarson]

I would have thought gouging people on textbooks would have been good business.

The increase of online options to get books probably hasn't helped.

 

[Senolcyc]

I would have thought gouging people on textbooks would have been good business.

It was for many decades. Too much competition in the market now with textbook rental options and the vast internet marketplace for students to buy and sell amongst themselves. Good riddance.

That is a prime location --- wonder what will go in there?

 

[alarson]

That is a large chunk of retail space opening up if theyre out. Could be a good opportunity for some business to get in there.

 

[Rabbuk]

That is a large chunk of retail space opening up if theyre out. Could be a good opportunity for some business to get in there.

Cyclonefanatic sports bar.

 

[longtimeclone]

That is a large chunk of retail space opening up if theyre out. Could be a good opportunity for some business to get in there.

Didn't T-Galaxy or some other retail store close near Welsch?

 

[Senolcyc]

Didn't T-Galaxy or some other retail store close near Welsch?

T Galaxy closed.

 

[Cycsk]

Cyclonefanatic sports bar.

Let the owner bid against the former Legends space for the honor of hosting the CF lounge.

 

[ketelmeister]

They had inferior merchandise in clothing, and were still selling the old swirley bird merchandise as if it were current. I thought it was poorly run and not a good selection. I imagine and addition to the Union and Cy's Lockerroom plus Signus downtown did them in.

 

[longtimeclone]

I imagine and addition to the Union and Cy's Lockerroom plus Signus downtown did them in.

I believe it was some of this and also the fact that the Union and Cy's locker room probably had better websites. I would have to imagine that the sales of ISU merch has increased the last few years so they must have been losing market share.

 

[alarson]

Didn't T-Galaxy or some other retail store close near Welsch?

Yeah, that space (with the space the post office occupies as well) would make for some primary redevelopment land as well. If the city wants to improve the welch area that tgalaxy\post office area is the one i'd look at first. There was also an article that mentioned talk Kum N go wants to move across the street (opening up that space instead)

 

[Senolcyc]

I imagine and addition to the Union and Cy's Lockerroom plus Signus downtown did them in.

Apparel sales were good to them, I'm sure, back in the day of less competition. But they couldn't sell a sweatshirt for $50, buy it back for $10, and then sell it for $50 again. Multiple times. The textbook business was a license to print money. Students have more options now for textbooks. That's what did them in.

 

[Cycsk]

Apparel sales were good to them, I'm sure, back in the day of less competition. But they couldn't sell a sweatshirt for $50, buy it back for $10, and then sell it for $50 again. Multiple times. The textbook business was a license to print money. Students have more options now for textbooks. That's what did them in.

Sigler's on Main recently sold out all their non-ISU clothing in order to focus on ISU clothing.

 

[longtimeclone]

Yeah, that space (with the space the post office occupies as well) would make for some primary redevelopment land as well. If the city wants to improve the welch area that tgalaxy\post office area is the one i'd look at first. There was also an article that mentioned talk Kum N go wants to move across the street (opening up that space instead)

I always thought would make a great location for an apartment building with commercial on the first floor. I don't know if there would be enough parking though.

It would make a lot of sense for Kum & Go to go over there so they could have more space for the store and for people to get gas. I always felt a little cramped trying to get gas there.

 

[CysRage]

I once inquired about a job ad the campus book store had on the student job space. Didn't even talk to the guy for 3 minutes and he asked me when I could start. I told him I was only trying to get information and I didn't know if I was ready to accept a job yet. He seemed pretty desperate to get help.

 

[ruxCYtable]

if its under the same ownership as the mid 90s they were absolute nazis who deserve to be out on the street.

if not i feel real bad for them.