When Barton Community College students stopped buying textbooks from the campus bookstore, it was time for the business to evolve.

The store, located in the Student Union, has been rebranded as the Cougar Corner Campus Store — and manager Cecelia Nicolet says the changes go well beyond a new name.

“For the most part, the new store does not carry textbooks. We do carry a few specialty books, and we continue to carry supplies that some instructors require for their courses,” Nicolet said, citing welding kits as an example

The bookstore function has moved online through the Barton Online Bookstore, hosted by eCampus.com at bartonccc.ecampus.com. When a student enrolls in a class, required and optional course materials automatically appear on their schedule. Options include OER (Open Educational Resource) materials, new and used physical books, e-books and rental books delivered directly to student accounts, and access codes. Books can be shipped to a student’s home address or to the Cougar Corner within one to two days.

Nicolet said the platform has lowered the overall cost of course materials for students. The store no longer conducts buybacks, but students can sell books directly back through eCampus, with Cougar Corner staff offering to help package and mail them.

“The first semester implementation of the new system went fairly well,” Nicolet said. “There were a few issues with students knowing where and when to pick up their books. There were also questions on book vouchers and scholarships as this was a brand-new system.”

Expanded offerings

With textbooks out of the equation, the store gained room to grow. Nicolet said Cougar Corner expanded its selection of Cougar apparel, keeping some familiar brands while adding new ones for clothing and hats. The store works with local vendors and designers whenever possible.

“The job’s different now,” she said. “I concentrate more on soft goods.”

The store also carries office supplies, and food and snack items. Nicolet noted that Alani energy drinks have become a particular hit with students.

Free popcorn and coffee or cappuccino every Wednesday has helped drive traffic, and Nicolet said the store is as busy as ever — if not more so. A social media class provided student input that has boosted the store’s promotions, helping spread the word about sales, in-store contests and campus events.

Cougar Corner Pop-Up Store

The store’s reach extends beyond the Student Union. Staff operate a Cougar Corner Pop-Up Store in the hallway of the Kirkman Visitor Center during most home basketball games, where fans can pick up youth and adult tees, cups, fan gear and Cougar plushies.

Cougar Corner Cannon

Cougar Corner also operates a T-shirt launcher available for college events. At many home athletic games, Barton mascot Bart the Cougar takes the cannon to the crowd, launching shirts to fans in the stands.

Apparel, merchandise and textbooks can all be purchased through the online store at bartonccc.ecampus.com. The Cougar Corner receives 20% of all online sales.