College Store Group Grows With Connect2One Acquisition
OBERLIN, Ohio -- The National Association of College Stores today completed its acquisition of Connect2One, a buying group in the collegiate retailing industry, from Nebraska Book Co. Inc.
Under the agreement, Connect2One will become an integral and strategic unit of indiCo LLC, a National Association of College Stores subsidiary focused on uniting independent college stores.
“The alignment of Connect2One and indiCo emphasizes a renewed commitment to the success of independent college stores,” said Brian Cartier, CEO of the National Association of College Stores. “The expertise and reputation of Connect2One throughout its 25-year history provides indiCo with a new way to fulfill its mission of helping independent stores evolve and thrive.”
As CSNews previously reported, indiCo, formerly known as NACS Media Solutions, was formed earlier this month to incorporate the association's Business Development, Information Technology and OnCampus Research divisions.
indiCo will help independent college stores adopt shared strategies and practices, introduce new retailing opportunities and provide leadership and innovation on many issues, noted President Ed Schlichenmayer.
Meanwhile, Connect2One will be led by longtime employee Paula Haerr, who will serve as interim executive director.
“I am thrilled to be in on the ground floor of yet another chapter in Connect2One’s successful history,” stated Haerr. “The integration of the buying group is an exciting opportunity to leverage Connect2One’s strengths to support the mission of indiCo and truly make a difference for independent stores.”
Mark Palmore, Connect2One’s former executive director, will stay on with Nebraska Book Co.
Based in Oberlin, Ohio, The Association of College Stores is a professional trade association representing the collegiate retailing industry. It represents nearly 3,000 collegiate retailers and approximately 1,000 associate members.
Lincoln, Neb.-based Nebraska Book Co. sells 6 million textbooks annually and installs more than 1,600 technology platforms and e-commerce sites at more than 2,500 bookstores.