Follett's strongest years in profitability and customer retention were around 2000-2005. Who was in charge, who made the decisions, who ran the company? Those people are now gone and the current results reflects that. Talk about the market and changes all you want but a company is like a ocean vessel that needs a strong leader serving as Captain to plot the course, ensure that the best possible crew is on board, plan for obstacles along the way, set the course and proper speed and takes full responsibility for the journey. Without that leadership, I'm afraid Follett is sinking and what a shame since Follett was once one of the best companies anywhere to work and spend a career meeting such wonderful associates and customers.
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Sadly, the book industry is mostly stuck in the good ole days of the past. You got to be able to adapt and change or you won't make it. People stuck in the good ole days are going to be let go
"freight initiative", COPAR are still happening. Now they added included so students can't buy from the cheapest source becuase it is added to their tuition. The schools are participating in this screwing. BN does it too.
2000 - 2005 was also when they did shady stuff like "freight initiative", COPAR, not posting ISBNs, exempting staff discount sales, and generally screwed students. Rolled t-shirts went from $9.95 to $11.95. HO made you ask for permission to hire rehires.
Trust me, the signs of a company in decline were there.
Sounds like solid wisdom to me.
Thanks Grampa. Tell me some other stories about the olden days.
I'd like to blow a few more holes in their hull. For the way FOLLETT Family treated so many, they deserve to sink.