By Bonni Ferguson
The BYU Bookstore is a convenient and inexpensive way for students to obtain religious literature.
“The BYU Bookstore has everything I need,” said Jennifer Bates, 22, from Burbank, Calif., majoring in media arts. “I always call and compare to see whose [religious books] are on sale and [BYU Bookstore] is usually the same price [as their competitors].”
Nate Pusey, 24, from Orem, majoring in Japanese was impressed with the general changes the bookstore made and continues to go there because it is close to class.
“The BYU Bookstore has met my needs so far,” Pusey said. “I go there more [than other religious bookstores] because it is convenient.”
BYU Bookstore General Books Manager Linda Brummett said the reason people continue to purchase religious books from them is because the company provides a wide selection for its patrons.
“What we have to offer is a very complete religious section-a large selection of LDS and non-LDS religion books,” Brummett said. “There are very few stores with the number of titles that we have.”
She also attributed the department”s success among students to convenience.
“People”s time is worth something,” Brummett said. “Convenience is a significant factor.”
Bookstore employee Cheryl Skinner, from Lindon, majoring in geography, said customers continue purchasing from her department because of the quality service.
“We have great customer service and that”s why [students] like to come here,” Skinner said.
Prices also play a key role in students” decisions to purchase religious literature from BYU Bookstore.
“[BYU Bookstore”s] prices are exactly the same as Deseret Book”s,” Skinner said.
Bates said she often waits until merchandise at the BYU bookstore is discounted 20 percent because Deseret Book does not usually go on sale.
Brummett said the bookstore will never lessen its commitment to religious books.
“[The religious books section] is really an important part of our business and it provides a good foundation for the [general books] department.”
General religious literature is important because it helps students look outside of themselves, Brummett said.
“We don”t live in a vacuum – we live in a world,” Brummett said. “Part of why we”re at a university is to learn how to interact in the world that we live in.”
