Bookstore Management Services

Haywood Community College in North Carolina is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) #101-HCC2026-01 for bookstore management services, seeking comprehensive market research to explore potential partnerships for managing its campus bookstore. The RFI aims to gather vendor capabilities for a solution that supports the college's academic mission, focusing on efficient textbook and course materials services, reducing student costs through used and rental programs, and creating multiple distribution channels. Vendors are required to provide detailed information including marketing materials, service capabilities, cost estimates, implementation strategies, and client references. The RFI is specifically targeting comprehensive bookstore solutions that can enhance the campus experience with exceptional customer service and develop a robust online/web strategy. The response deadline is August 29, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with the understanding that this is not a formal solicitation and vendors will not be compensated for their responses. The college intends to use the gathered information to assess market maturity, competition, and potential service levels for a future formal solicitation of bookstore management services.

The RFI does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. The current bookstore is operated by a third-party vendor, though the specific incumbent is not named in the documentation. While no specific budget range is provided, the document suggests the college is seeking a dynamic retail environment that can integrate marketing, branding, and comprehensive digital strategies. The procurement is located in Harnett County, North Carolina, with Haywood Community College as the primary agency. The RFI emphasizes that this is a preliminary market research effort, indicating that a more formal solicitation will likely follow based on the information gathered. Vendors should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to create a flexible, student-focused bookstore management approach that can adapt to the college's evolving academic and retail needs.