Reimagining the Campus Store: Summer Redesign and Transformation.

Under the leadership of Carol Dreste, Director, the UCSB Campus Store has undergone a remarkable transformation, demonstrating that big changes can happen even with no budget. The Campus Store had been stuck in an outdated look for years, with old, tired textbook gondolas that no longer served our students or our space. We needed to address issues with theft and have implemented a higher standard of customer serve.

Here's how we turned things around and gave our store a fresh, modern look without spending a dime.

1. Recognize the Need for Change 

Identify Outdated Elements: We took a close look at our store and identified areas that were screaming for an update. At our store, our old textbook gondolas had been stationed in the same place for 20+ years, contributing to a stale and uninspiring atmosphere that didn’t reflect the vibrant campus community we serve.

Set Clear Goals: Once we identified the areas in need of a refresh, we set specific goals. Our primary aim was to modernize the store’s appearance while improving functionality and security, all without incurring costs. Also providing a consistent merchandise flow so school supplies and course materials play off of each other, rather than being separated.

2. Reimagine Existing Spaces

Repurpose Underused Areas: Consider how underutilized spaces can be transformed. We decided to convert our greeting card room—an area plagued by theft and poor utilization—into a new, counter-service textbook area. This change not only improved the space’s efficiency but also addressed long-standing security concerns.  This also increased our one-on-one service to each of our guests.

3. Leverage Partnerships for Fixtures and Materials

Collaborate with Partner Stores: We didn't hesitate to seek help from other stores or institutions. Thank you to USC and our California sales rep, who generously provided recycled Under Armour fixtures and mannequins. These stylish, repurposed elements replaced our outdated gondolas and instantly uplifted the store’s look—without adding a single dollar to our budget.

4. Communicate Your Changes

Engage Your Community: Share the story of your transformation with your customers. Highlight the improvements you’ve made and the benefits they bring. At UCSB, we proudly promoted our new textbook area and fresh store look, and our customers responded positively.  They love how bright and airy the store feels with more light flowing through the store and smaller lower fixtures which open up the sight line across the floor.

5. Plan for the Future

Continuous Improvement: A revamp doesn’t have to be a one-time project. Keep evaluating your space and looking for new ways to enhance your store. At UCSB, we’re already planning our next steps to continue improving our store.  We like to think of it like a jigsaw puzzle, that you take each piece and move it around until it fits and shows the whole picture.

By reimagining existing areas, leveraging partnerships, and focusing on high-impact changes, your store can achieve a fresh, modern look that will excite your customers—all without spending a dime. With the leadership of Carol Dreste, the UCSB Campus Store’s experience is a testament to what can be achieved with determination and resourcefulness.