A longtime supplier of books for Syracuse University students will close its doors in mid-February.

Follett’s Orange Bookstore, a division of Follett Higher Education group, cited multiple reasons for closing: competition with the SU Bookstore. Cheap online retailers. Class-specific readers. Late orders from professors.

This closing represents a sad occasion for SU students. As consumers, the more avenues available to search for less-expensive books, the better. With the technology available, it is easy to search multiple sites and stores for the best bargain.

Students must now rely on the SU Bookstore and online websites for their books. For students who need to pick up a book immediately for a class, the SU Bookstore is the only option. Course readers compiled by professors will only be available from SU, too. Oftentimes, these are expensive and nonrefundable, which is costly for students. Students must look for creative ways to find cheap textbooks around campus and online.

Consumers on Marshall Street have options, as students with textbooks did. A Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks are minutes apart from each other and are always busy. Manny’s and T-Shirt World are both on Marshall Street and appeal to the same consumers. Adapting to competition is a necessity for businesses.

Follett’s should also be transparent with students and acknowledge it is closing. Currently, there is a lack of signage announcing the change. Follett’s can benefit from one last boost if students know merchandise — be it books, school supplies or apparel — is on sale.

Last February, Borders filed for bankruptcy. The company could not cope with brands like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. With Follett’s closing, it is clear that traditional bookstores are struggling to compete with online competition. Students, as consumers, should pay attention to these struggles. The storefronts on Marshall Street may change, but students will always need books. 

Published on January 24, 2012 at 12:00 pm

Contact: opinion@dailyorange.com