Although a campus staple, the Bryn Mawr Bookshop was not always what we know and love today. Before 2015, the bookshop was run by one of the two giants in the college bookstore game: Follet. Alongside Barnes & Noble (which previously ran the Haverford Bookstore before its return to being owned by the college itself), these two companies are the typical choices for a college bookstore. But Bryn Mawr College is anything but typical. After Follet left Bryn Mawr following an unsuccessful trial contract, the brand-new manager was faced with a blank slate just before reunion weekend. Jim Huang, the Director of the bookstore, had no idea what alums, students, or faculty wanted. There was no pre-set inventory, no formula Jim could follow as an independent bookstore manager. So he turned to the expert: the campus herself.
Today, Stephanie Fiscella, who is the Assistant Director of the bookstore, and Jim Huang run the store using the same tried and true method of listening to the patrons and giving them what they want. Such is the difference between a corporate and independent bookstore. And yes, they do hear your desperate cries for Smiskis, and Sonny Angels and are doing everything they can to get as many on shelves as soon as possible.
Stephanie and Jim both came to campus from unique backgrounds. In another life, Stephanie had a much more glamorous job as a banker in Manhattan. Much of her experience with students, small shops, and other necessary Bryn Mawr knowledge comes from her time as a stay-at-home mom. For 20 years, Stephanie was involved in her children’s school theatre and local Girl Scout troupe. Stephanie attributes her vast experience with students, serving her community, finance, analytics, and ability to respond to needs to her success in managing the bookstore. One student employee, Kara ’23, claims that Stephanie can glance at a shelf and list everything missing.
Jim’s background is more uncomplicated: books. From 1987 to 2010, Jim worked in various bookshops, including his own mystery-focused store. His time in college bookstores, however, has been very limited, only having worked at Kenyon College before coming here. He says the biggest adjustment going from unaffiliated bookstore to campus stores is that “everyone hates you,” because you’re “overcharging for books no one wants.” However, the Bryn Mawr bookstore has been known to keep prices as low as possible, in comparison to other college stores.
The Bryn Mawr bookstore is unusual, as it operates more like a department trying to cover its expenses, than a proper store. Decisions about the stock are made to accommodate students and ensure that their needs are met. There isn’t someone sitting in a cubicle hundreds of miles away deciding what we get without ever having set foot on campus. This results in the lowest possible prices on things we need and want, including books, food, decorations, home goods, and even merchandise.
These are two identical Champion reverse weave hoodies, except Penn State is charging $85 to our $65. The contrast in prices doesn’t stop here. Textbooks at Bryn Mawr are significantly less expensive thanks to Huang’s efforts. Required readings are typically sourced from second-hand brokers or, when requested from faculty, are older editions. This means a General Chemistry textbook at Bryn Mawr is $60 for a brand new hardback (or $15 online access) compared to Penn State’s $100 online copy. In their own way, the two are doing what they can to make Bryn Mawr just a little easier to attend.
As much as possible, our independent bookshop wants to save your money, including what’s in your Self-Government Association (SGA) budget. As a non-profit, Bryn Mawr is tax-exempt and student clubs can avoid high fees on stickers, water bottles, sweaters, and a variety of other pieces of merchandise through the bookshop.
