Mando Books recently relocated from Old University Plaza to Portobello Row, just outside of the Binghamton University campus. With the new location, owners expect increased sales and convenience for students.
According to Aaron Berthelette, a Mando staffer, the decision to move was primarily to situate the store in a better location, closer to campus.
“At our old location there were definitely visibility issues. We weren’t even allowed to put up signs to advertise,” Berthelette said.
Berthelette believes the move will make it easier for students to access the bookstore from campus. He also said that the plaza, on BU’s outskirts, tends to draw more customers than University Plaza.
Berthelette hopes the move will increase profits, but he acknowledges that it is always costly to operate a used bookstore.
“Used bookstores typically don’t make a lot of profit and a lot of credit is needed to open one up. Hopefully the relocation will benefit our sales, but with moving there is always a risk,” he said.
There are chances that the limo service, which brings students to and from Mando Books for free, will still be available.
“The police have given us a hard time because the service is free, but we understand that students might still need the limo since it is a bit of a hike to our store,” said Berthelette.
Many of BU’s students are excited about Mando’s new location.
“The move was a great idea because the bookstore will now be closer to campus, creating greater convenience for students,” said Christopher Farrell, a junior history and geography major.
Farrell said he tries to buy as many books from Mando as he can, because it is good to take away business from the “big textbook companies” and the campus bookstore, which is operated by Barnes and Noble.
“This was a great move for all those involved. It is likely that the relocation will increase sales and students will have easier means to get their books,” said junior history major Emory Davis. “Mando will also profit from being closer to campus than other bookstores.”