“We began working with The Bankson Group in 2008 to address challenges with aged inventory and optimize our retail operations.

It was clear we needed outside expertise to create sustainable improvements. With their guidance, we implemented an open-to-buy program with full buy-in across all departments, including management, buyers, marketing, and accounting. This process has transformed the way our team approaches buying, with increased confidence and a deeper understanding of how budgets, margins, inventory turns, and cash flow drive success.

Our ongoing collaboration with TBG has been a game changer, not only strengthening our financial health but also enabling us to reinvest in Iowa State University and deliver stronger performance reporting to administrators. Monthly meetings with our retail analyst have been instrumental in driving focus on areas like website optimization, promotions, and markdown strategies. As the only self-operated retail store at an Iowa regent university, this partnership has been critical to achieving measurable financial results and aligning with our institutional goals.”

- Rita Phillips, Iowa State University