General Merchandise

Access to most resources listed are for NACS Members only. If you are a current member and having trouble logging in, please contact membership@nacs.org.

A computer monitor with a picture of a man on the screen.

The Art & Science of Buying
Webinar and Job Aids (October 2021)

The roles and responsibilities of a buyer are many and diverse, and one thing is clear: in the fast-changing retail world, buyers must stay alert, flexible and responsive to market changes that can impact their sales, service and product selection. Learn best practices from peer stores and see how art and science play a role in the buying process. Whether you're new to the role or a seasoned buyer, you can gain insights and tips to improve.
A computer monitor with a screen that says sample self-faced resources from macs

Retail Calculations Workshop
Webinar and Job Aids (October 2021)

An understanding of retail math is crucial to campus stores. In this workshop, we'll take an in-depth look at calculations used in purchasing, daily analysis and running a retail business. Not a numbers person? That's okay! Extra time and attention will allow for all experience levels.
A chalkboard in a store that says welcome to the market

Making It Convenient
Article (September 2021)

It's difficult to imagine soft drinks and candy bars as part of the mission statement of any campus store. However, mission statements often tend to reference serving students, and at times, there's no more important way to do that than to offer a morning cup of coffee or midday grab-and-go sandwich…
A computer monitor with the word convenience on it

Convenience: How Campus Stores Can Grow and Thrive
Roundtable (June 2021)

From small areas with snacks, beverages, and essentials to completely separate spaces or full-service operations across campus, the convenience category continues to be an opportunity where stores may see...
A computer monitor with a question mark on the screen.

Open-to-Buy: What, Why, and How 
Recorded Webinar (originally aired February 2021)

Examine different factors that affect your open-to-buy and understand and apply formulas, calculations, and templates for calculating it.
A computer monitor is sitting next to a keyboard and mouse on a table.

Build A Story: E-commerce Product Photography
Recorded Webinar (originally aired February 2021)

"The quality of a product photo reflects your brand image, creating the infamous first impression. The key to making the most of that first impression is to present polished, professional images that evoke maximum engagement" (BigCommerce.com, How to Sell Online). Explore the world of mobile photography and hear best practices, design insights, editing apps and tips, including a demonstration of taking photos to build a product story online. 
A schwinn exercise bike is on display in a store

Fitting in Fitness Gear
Article (July 2020)

Exercise and health merchandise may be due for a workout at your store…Store directors can use a wide definition of health and fitness merchandise, especially as some items may serve double duty…
A man is looking through a telescope at a computer screen with a dollar sign on it.

Open-to-Buy: Effective Planning Yields Positive Results

Self-directed Learning Resource