Discovery Exchange Bookstore May Be Worth Discovering
February 25, 2009 by Colt L. Allen
Everyday rumors that Columbus State Community Colleges’ on-campus bookstore is unaccommodating and overpriced may just be a rumor after all.
On campus one may hear chatter that the Discovery Exchange is too expensive or doesn’t pay enough for buybacks. However, according to a brochure that is found in the bookstore “by buying and selling used books through the store you are only paying about 1/3 of the total price. “
“I used to shop there, but Aida’s bookstore is $20 to $30 dollars cheaper," Current CSCC student Melissa Longshore said. "For me it’s all about the price."
While the bookstore may be lacking in its current location and its popularity with some students, it makes up for it with its student services that are offered. In fact, it is not just a bookstore. The DX has a convenience store, a cafe and a book bag check in.
A DX employee named Terrence said “We are seeing repetitive business. We see the same people buying books, using our store and eating at our cafe. We are shooting for a Starbucks atmosphere, and with any new business it has to distinguish itself and we are gearing this toward the students.”
Discovery Exchange employee Stacy Mulinex said “We are the most competitive on buybacks and we provide the best service possible without price gouging. We only see 4.5 cents on the dollar.” According to the national association of college stores, she’s right: “a pre-taxed 4.5 cents goes to the college store income.”
A complaint that can be heard among students is the location of the store. Amanda Riley, a second-year student at Columbus State, stated, “I just don’t want to walk that far, when I can order them online and they’ll be delivered to my door step.”
In reference to location, Mulinex said “with the expanding that the college is doing, we will eventually be back in the middle of campus.” She also stated “I don’t believe that having to cross Cleveland Avenue is affecting our customer base.”
Marv West, director of auxiliary services, reiterated the services provided by the DX when he stated “We have a variety of merchandise, and offer free laptop services to people with cougar web accounts and gourmet coffee is available alongside seating to sit down and relax.”
Comments
discovery exchange
March 31, 2009 by Anonymous, 1 year 22 weeks ago
Comment id: 15
Maybe a brochure inside of the bookstore itself isn't the most non-biased opinion to quote for a story like this. We must remember that discovery exchange is a business like any other, and any literature published and distributed by the store is going to be at least somewhat self-serving. Rumors of DX being overpriced have more than enough foundation, as far as accommodation, I would discern that as a matter of opinion.
comments
May 7, 2009 by Anonymous, 1 year 17 weeks ago
Comment id: 25
so quit crying about book prices and get off your lazy rear and do something about it