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You will find long, maze-like lines in either location for the first few weeks of any semester, at the Campus Bookstore (CB) or Gray’s College Bookstore. Yet throughout the year, these competing bookstores have differences and similarities that benefit the UNC Charlotte student population.
First let’s take a look closer home at the CB, which offers great customer service by mainly student employees. Student and Associate Amanda Childers embodies the CB’s goal of helping students find their books efficiently. She tipped us off that the best time to come into the store is in the morning, whereas right after a class lets out there is a surge of studious shoppers. Also, she said, “Our prices are good, and if Gray’s happens to have a price lower than ours we will match it completely.”
Jimmy Grinnell, CB manager, backed that statement and added that prices will be matched “as long as it is the same book and the book is in stock.”
He also said, “We offer a convenient online ordering system that allows students to place textbook orders on our Web site and have them shipped to their house or pick them up in the store. ”Early fall orders can be placed and purchased during North Carolina’s Tax Free weekend.
As for the CB’s return policy, it allows students to bring back books or course packs within the first 21 days of classes during the fall and spring semesters, which is with the original receipt only for a full refund. As for buyback during the end of semesters, locations are scattered across UNCC’s campus and in the CB itself.
Plus, next year the CB will be moving to its new location in the new Student Union Building, which is in construction right now.
Student and customer, senior Amanda Dean, said why she prefers shopping at the CB, “I like this one because it’s on campus, easier to get to, easier to access.”
Chris Stallings, sophomore, agreed that convenience is what keeps him coming back to the CB.
Across the way on a corner of University City Blvd. is Gray’s College Bookstore, located diagonally from the East Parking Deck. Gray’s is a manageable walk, bike ride or car trip away; just look both ways while crossing the busy street. Gray’s, too, focuses on student employment and customer service, said Associate Mo Sharp. Obviously, finding books in any bookstore can be difficult, but with the help guaranteed by its associates Gray’s hopes to lessen any confusion for its customers, said Sharp.
Student Kelcy Barnette, junior and Nursing major, said she shops Gray’s because of the cheaper prices. Also, she said that Gray’s tends to have more used textbooks than the CB, which equals lower prices for students.
Junior Sergey Ivanes, Math and English major, was actually over at Gray’s because the CB ran out of the book he needed. As a bonus, he found the price was better at Gray’s.
“We do have cheaper prices,” said Gray’s Operations Manager Mike Nieken in an interview. In comparison to the CB’s prices, Gray’s varied by a couple of cents to $20 lower on some textbooks. Textbook prices change due to competition, and Gray’s, too, will match prices from other bookstores.
They also have online reservation for books on their website and honor the NC Tax Free weekend in the fall.
Returns for a full refund on books and course packs ended Sept. 1. Looking forward to the end of the semesters, buyback for Gray’s is only located centrally at their store.
On the plus side, Gray’s has certain promotions at the beginning of each fall semester: 10 percent off all books for the first two days of the session and a free T-shirt and a free planner while supplies last.
Now between the two bookstores, both have 49ers collegiate apparel, candy, classroom supplies, and other souvenirs for sale. Also important in any business, customer service in both stores is excellent and helpful.
No matter which bookstore you plan to use in the coming semesters, competing or not, finding the place and price that fits your budget is within reach either on campus or across the street. Just be prepared to wait in line with the masses.
Go to The University’s Bookstore or Gray’s College Bookstore to compare online.
