CSUDH campus Bookstore’s limited-contact merchandise display is safe and ready for shoppers. Photo by Skyler Belmonte.
By Skyler Belmonte, Staff Reporter
After the California State University, Dominguez Hills bookstore surpassed major layoffs and overcame a decline in sales, it continues to be one of the few places on campus that has remained open and operating a year after COVID-19 caused the university to suspend all in-person classes and almost all on-campus operations.
The book store, which before the pandemic welcomed approximately 200-250 students daily, has now seen those numbers decline month after month. According to Angel Covarrubias, the Course Materials Manager, the shutdown has caused foot traffic to stop completely, something that has bookstore staff eager to have students return to visit the bookstore and to spread the word that they continue to be open for business.
According to Covarrubias, the fact that they were one of the only campus entities open, the bookstore resembled a support center. “Any questions students had, they would come in and ask us,” Covarrubias said. “Parents are calling and asking for answers about financial aid, and admissions because they say we are the only people who answer the phone.”
But continuing their services did not mean great news, instead “sales rapidly declined,’’ said Rick Dorsey, the bookstore manager. In fact, the vivid pictures of long lines of students in search of purchasing their cap and gowns that once took over the single-floor store and were visible during this month have now vanished.
The central place for all commencement materials and a place where the university continues to recommend all seniors graduating to purchase their caps and gowns months prior to graduation, has now resembled a ghost town. With commencement just months away, the bookstore staff encourages students to purchase all items needed online and pick them up at the store during normal business hours.
Besides sales, there is another problem that the staff had to face: layoffs. According to Dorsey, 20 employees have been laid off since the start of the pandemic, and only six student employees were asked to return to help with book returns.
The thing that has made operating successfully, according to staff, is letting students know they remain open. “The most challenging part we were and continue to face is the lack of communication between the school and the students,” Dorsey said. “No one knew that we were open, and they still do not.”
Students received few notices of the campus bookstore remaining open and accepting only online orders. Two emails delivered months apart were the only information students received about the bookstore being open. Staff wondered where the students were and why they were not visiting the bookstore.
The University Communications and Public Affairs Department sent two emails to students informing them of updates regarding the school bookstore, and other campus news. One email was sent on Aug. 14, 2020, stating that the bookstore was not currently open for in-store shopping and all orders were to be made online via the bookstore portal. The second email was sent on Jan. 19, 2021, informing students to visit the Toro Together website for further information about the bookstore’s policies.
In order to adhere to health guidelines and to make shopping at the store more convenient, the bookstore implemented strict health guidelines for a safer shopping experience. Students visiting the bookstore and all faculty are required to adhere to the health procedures directed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, local health departments, and Campus Leadership. Masks are required and distance spacing markers are in place to respect the 6-foot distance rule. In addition, merchandise is displayed in a single-aisle where customers are welcomed to select the items they want to purchase and an employee will assist them.
The website provides details on how to purchase textbooks, college gear and other supplies from the bookstore portal, weekly hours plus pick-up time information and mandatory health procedures for students who visit the store.
The bookstore hours are currently Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Students are allowed to walk-in and make purchases as staff have created a contact-free shopping experience in the front entrance.
Mask wearing and social distancing is required.
In an effort to help incoming students, Dorsey encourages new Toros to visit the store and ask questions about the campus and purchase all necessary materials for the new semester. Employees say they miss socializing with their friendly, frequent customers and are hopeful that the school will officially reopen soon.
