Emerging technologies, evolving institutional strategic plans, shifting customer preferences, and increasing competition are reshaping the college store industry. ICBA offers education and resources to help independent college stores adapt and meet challenges head on. Topics include Course Materials, General Merchandise, eCommerce, Marketing, Systems, Strategy, Leadership, Inventory Management, DEI, and more!
Explore our learning opportunities and resources below.
NEW (3/25): Visual Merchandising Resources!
Here are new resources specifically to help ICBA Members with visual merchandising. Based on conversations with Members and the sold out 2025 ICBA Visual Merchandising Institute (VMI) held in Chicago (historically popular), we know there is great interest in VM and for how Store Members can enhance this area of their operations. MEMBERS: When logged in, you’ll see the download links for these documents, and you can also find them in your Member Dashboard!
Visual Merchandising Glossary with Images
Tracy’s Tips: 8 Visual Merchandising Ideas to Keep You Grounded
DIY Folding Board for Visual Merchandising
Hoodie Folding Reference Guide
Fixture Capacity Planning Worksheet
Visual Merchandising Resources List
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Providing Professional Development Education along with actionable resources is a foundational pillar of ICBA. ICBA maintains educational content libraries and holds educational events throughout the year.
Webinars
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ICBA Institutes
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- In-person
ICBA Institutes are held just prior to the annual ICBA Conference and at the same site, allowing for extra education opportunities across a range of new and repeated topics. Institutes for General Merchandise Buying, Course Materials, and Visual Merchandising are typically held every several years, along with other timely topics.
Online
Online Institutes, consisting of multiple webinar sessions can be held in spring or fall and can cover a different/more broad range of topicsVOICE Resource Library
ICSR