Social Media

Social MediaOne of the most important elements of communicating with students is being well-versed in how they’re communicating.

In recent years, social media has grown from a niche communication channel to a powerful marketing tool – and an undeniable part of campus life. An early pioneer in the social sphere, Barnes & Noble today maintains more than 500 campus bookseller Facebook pages and even recently integrated them with e-commerce to create a superior social shopping experience.

Using Facebook, a daily presence in student lives, we’re delivering timely and targeted information about promotions, special events and programs that drive traffic and increase sales. And from study tips to interviews with celebrities, we keep our students amused, informed and engaged with Twitter. Last year we “tweeted” nearly 2000 messages to students.

 

  • Facebook

    Facebook Top Fan SweepstakesWe continue to drive social media innovation, like with our Top Fan Sweepstakes contest on Facebook where students were asked to “like” us on Facebook for a chance to win $1000 towards textbooks.

    Twitter

    TwitterBravo television’s outspoken, no-nonsense star Tabatha Coffey “took over” Twitter recently with a Twitter view (a real-time interview via Twitter.com), hosted by Barnes & Noble.

    Foursquare

    FoursquareWe partnered with Havaianas for its first-ever FoursquareTM promotion. Students who purchased a pair of Havaianas flip-flops and “checked-in” at the bookstore got a free USB drive, while supplies lasted.

    In-Store Promotions

    In-Store PromotionsThe aroma of bacon cheeseburgers, barbecue-tinged chili and cinnamon-laced chocolate brownies filled the air during the official grand opening of Rowan University’s Barnes & Noble Collegiate Superstore. The aromas were courtesy of Bravo TV’s “Top Chef” reality star Spike Mendelsohn, who demonstrated recipes and signed copies of his new book, The Good Stuff Cookbook: Burgers, Fries, Shakes, Wedges and More.

    Monday Morning Money Back

    Monday Morning Money BackOur popular Monday Morning Money Back program helps generate traffic and sales by offering fans a discount on winning team gear. Heavily promoted via email and the bookstore website, if a school’s team wins, the following Monday team gear is available at a discount equal to the point spread – up to 20 percent.

    Excellence in Overtime

    Excellence in OvertimeAfter barely making the 2011 NCAA men’s basketball tournament, Virginia Commonwealth University rammed its way through to the Final Four – creating an unprecedented demand for VCU and NCAA tournament gear. We had the infrastructure in place to produce large supplies of VCU Final Four merchandise on a moment’s notice, resulting in over $1.3 million in March Madness merchandise sold at VCU’s Barnes & Noble bookstore.