Why is text the only issue that really gets discussed? It seems like year after year there is growth in GM, so why don't they put more focus on building those areas in the stores since text seem like a lost cause?
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They jump on trends way too late and hang on to vendors nobody wants way too long (Vera Bradley, fidget spinners, Crocs, Vineyard Vine). The timing is always late to the party and never know when to leave.
The promos-great graph is on this season's crews.
Who is sourcing? Same items year after year.
Symptom of poor leadership failing to anticipate market changes. Stores were acquired based on increasing circulation of used books (and new text books, too). Follett had the used book distribution biz down. They bought low, sold high. They bought books back from students at pennies on the dollar, redistributed the books to the schools requiring them for curriculum. Sold the books at a fraction of new but multiples over what they had paid. The more bookstores, more profits.
As the text business evaporated (like Bezos' hair), follett leadership never recovered. It's a business model that worked well up until the 90's. GM was high margin, low volume add-on biz, not the focus.
Ever notice how many fashion shops close? Most don't make it. That's why follett can't change focus to GM. They're not good at it and they'd close, too.
This is why follett is a sinking ship. They've extended their live by throwing experienced employees over board like ballast. They have weak management, weaker middle management and front line employees who are unnoticed and unappreciated.
follett is not a good company. It's a dying company. It needs to implode and go away.
Gm only sells when fa is available and that has drasticly declined. Awful merchandise that hasn't change in years. Increased soda orders outgoing for gm has been noticed
It puts an extra Twix in the basket.
The company can’t and won’t survive by selling strictly or mostly GM and Twix bars.
Pink, pink, pink, it's the only color they send. Change the styles and colors please
"But this is the way it's always been done!"