For immediate release: November 29, 2012

BLOOMSBURG — Bloomsburg University’s University Store has been nominated for the 2013 Collegiate Retailer of the Year Award. Through the National Association of College Stores (NACS), the Collegiate Retailer of the Year Award recognizes the highest level of retailing excellence. Nationwide, only 51 stores have been nominated, including BU.

Beth Christian, manager of BU’s University Store, said, “This nomination means a lot to me and to the store staff because it shows that we are doing our jobs well and serving this community well. The college store industry is in the midst of turmoil with students shopping more online. This trend has forced collegiate retailers to become more adaptable and open to change.”

One college store will be recognized for the award and receive $5,000 every two years. Christian said, “The use of this prize would be determined by the Community Government Association, but I believe it would go toward a student scholarship—an important benefit to BU students.”

The NACS Foundation was founded in 1982 by a group of industry leaders. Members of NACS have partnered with the Campus Market Expo (CAMEX), the industry’s largest trade show and educational event attracting attendees from more than 1,100 college stores and 700 exhibiting companies. The award is underwritten by the Tommye and Keith Miller Endowment, reflecting their philosophy on how to operate a resourceful college store. The recipient of the Collegiate Retailer of the Year award will be announced at CAMEX Feb. 22 and 23, 2013.

Bloomsburg University is one of 14 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. BU serves approximately 10,000 students, offering comprehensive programs of study in the colleges of Education, Business, Liberal Arts and Science and Technology.