"Amazon to Launch Kindle for Textbooks"

So states the headline for a Wall Street Journal article online today (read article here).

The move to digital textbooks seems to be quickening every day. So why does this keep The Retail Muse up at night? Because I wonder how many college stores are preparing for the change that is coming. The change in their traffic producers, their stock rooms, their floor layouts, and their revenue streams. To say nothing of their relationship with their customers--students, faculty, administrators, and pubishers.

I wonder if we are all doing enough to prepare for the change on BOTH sides of our business--course materials and...everything else.

Now, more than ever, we must all be skilled, effective retailers and ready to meet the challenges ahead head on.

Now, more than ever, is the time to reach out to others to seek partnerships, find out ways to meet your customers' needs, and solidify your store's value contribution to yours customers and campus.

Now, more than ever, we must invest in our people and support them with the tools and resources they need to drive our businesses to the next level.

It's time for a revolution.