About Us

The Michigan Association of College Stores was conceived in 1972 by a small group of college store managers who felt the need for more frequent and personal contact with their colleagues than was possible at the yearly national meetings. This group could discuss common problems and exchange ideas with each other as well as enjoy some of the social benefits of networking (not even a word at the time!) with professionals who shared a common interest. From the beginning, this vision included equal status and participation by vendor as well as store members. As our industry continues to change, we have come to appreciate even more the value of the face to face contacts our Association provides. We are grateful to those charter members for their insight and leadership in founding our organization we enjoy today, MACS.

Service to its members is reason the Michigan Association of College Stores exists. MACS serves its members by bringing together those people who are engaged in selling books and supplies to the students and faculties of educational institutions in Michigan. Effective communications are developed between bookstore members and associate members, who represent the firms doing business with college stores.

One of the most important services is educational programming. MACS holds two meetings a year, one in the Fall and one in the Spring, hosted by different schools. These consist of a well-planned program with topics ranging from online bookselling to product knowledge to management techniques. Outside guest speakers are often invited to contribute their expertise on a variety of topics. Tours of the local bookstores are often available so members have the opportunity to see different merchandise ideas and the products other stores have available. The Fall Meeting also features a table top exhibit of associate members' merchandise as a significant feature on the program agenda. An informal dinner and evening of entertainment are usually part of each meeting's program.

MACS issues a newsletter where meeting dates, store and vendor member news, discussion of current topics/problems is published. Any member seeking information may have their request published in the newsletter.

A membership directory is also published which contains the names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of all current store members and associate members.