The Wartburg Bookstore has changed its name to reflect its new way of doing business.

Rechristened as The Wartburg Store, it also is reimagined with an expanded array of merchandise from specialty items to high-tech accessories to Wartburg apparel.

“We’re changing our inventory and trying new things that may have interest, but we’ll still be Wartburg-centered for student needs,” said Janet Huebner, the Wartburg Store manager. “Our emphasis has been on what students, faculty and staff would want.”

“Book” may have been deleted from the name, but textbooks remain a mainstay, although with less floor space. Students will have various options to buy, rent or digitally access textbooks in the store or online after viewing competitive prices.

Even textbook “buyback” rules have been overhauled, so students won’t have to wait until the end of a term to get refunds.

Huebner said students will be able to take advantage of “dynamic pricing” when purchasing required textbooks.

“They’ll be able to pick from a cost list — prices at Wartburg and on the Web,” Huebner said. “There’s a perception that we’re the overpriced option. We’re hoping this new feature will show that we’re competitive.”

The Wartburg Store has entered into a revised partnership with the Nebraska Book Company, which serves more than 200 college bookstores nationally.

“Some books we’ll be able to offer at prices that are less than on Amazon,” Huebner said.

Student can rent almost all books — 98 percent by Huebner’s estimate — at cost savings of about $20 to $30. The books would have to be returned at the end of the term.

If students want to go digital, they will be able to access books on their computers, tablets and smartphones through Jumpbooks, a Web-based reader without the need to download an application.

Long lines to sell textbooks back could be history.

“Instead of waiting until the end of finals, we’ll have a daily buyback,” Huebner said, “which will include any book whether bought here or not.”

Huebner added that prices might be better if students wait until Finals Week, and if the book continues to be used in a course.

The Wartburg Store floor space has been rearranged to diversify and add product lines.

The trade books area — bestsellers and children’s books — has been expanded along with the children and baby’s section. Among the new specialty items are the popular Vera Bradley accessories for women.

Tech items from mini-speakers to flash drives to accessories for smartphones and tablets also are available.

“Students will be able to furnish or decorate their residence hall rooms with merchandise from DormCo, a feature of our online store,” Huebner said.

Wartburg apparel is undergoing a transformation, thanks in large part to input from student workers. Huebner said the new look features “fun fan designs,” including a new Knights logo and such game-appropriate slogans as “Protect The House,” “Fearless” and “Bring The Noise.”

“Student workers are the best judges of what people wear,” Huebner said. “They also keep a list of what customers request.”

The Wartburg Store’s retail display window will display outfits to aid shopping decisions.
Store hours will be extended to a 5:30 p.m. closing, Huebner said, and to 7 p.m. on some nights on a trial basis.