Vassallo Interviews: Rebel Bookstore Celebrates 58th Anniversary in 2015

As students begin to trickle back into Oxford for the first day of winter intersession classes, Rebel Bookstore is starting its 58th year here in Oxford continuing to assist students where it helps the most — their wallets!

Constantly evolving and improving their services, Rebel Bookstore, located on the corner of Jackson Avenue and Ninth Street, a half block west of the Square is a major resource to Ole Miss students as well as their parents.

HottyToddy.com: Please tell us a little about the diverse inventory you carry.

Owner Richard Lowe: Mainly textbooks for Ole Miss students as well as a good variety of men and ladies’ clothing/accessories/souvenirs.

HottyToddy.com: Provide the top three reasons why students should trade with Rebel Bookstore.

Richard Lowe: 1. We’ve got the lowest priced textbooks guaranteed in Oxford. 2. Textbook rentals and our deferred payment program. 3. Knowledgeable staff with as many as 10 employees at peak times which means a dramatically shorter wait time compared to the other places in town.

HottyToddy.com: What does deferred rentals actually mean?

Richard Lowe: Students can acquire books in advance; charge their credit card at a later date; while postponing payment until their financial aid kicks in or they receive an anticipated income. All credit cards are accepted!

HottyToddy.com: What are your hours of operation?

Richard Lowe: Our normal hours are 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.. In peak seasons during January and August, we are open
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. as well as on Sunday, typically 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

HottyToddy.com: Describe a couple of your more exciting items.

Richard Lowe: Of course textbooks are always number one. Our $9.99 T shirts and $19.99 sweatshirts are very popular. Art supplies are increasing rapidly in demand as is our inventory of these products.

HottyToddy.com: Does Rebel Bookstore ever have sales?

Richard Lowe: There are several different ones throughout the year. Twice a year we hold a super sale with up to 40% off. March and April is the next major sale timeline.

HottyToddy.com: What were your top selling items in 2014?

Richard Lowe: Textbooks followed by T shirts, sweatshirts and hats.

HottyToddy.com: Here’s a meat and potatoes type question. Which academic disciplines require the most (and constantly changing) textbooks?

Richard Lowe: As to quantity, English and history are at the top. The more expensive books continue to be accounting, engineering, finance and science.

HottyToddy.com: You are known for offering rebates for returned books. How exactly does this work?

Richard Lowe: We like to sell used books as well as new. We will pay the student back to half the original sales price if possible.

HottyToddy.com: Give us just one good reason why a freshman student would not trade with Rebel Bookstore.

Richard Lowe: They haven’t heard about us yet!

HottyToddy.com: And give us one good reason why a freshman student would trade with Rebel Bookstore.

Richard Lowe: There are many reasons including the absolute lowest prices. We pull the books from the student’s schedule with a minimal wait, and the easiness and convenience of shopping with us — we’re just a few minutes from campus!

HottyToddy.com: Do you ever offer volume discounts?

Richard Lowe: Yes. We offer free shipping on orders in excess of $100 (online ordering utilizing rebel rental.com) and there is no sales taxes for textbooks in Mississippi, which could be significant.

HottyToddy.com: The term “renting books” is unique to some. How does Rebel Bookstore define this?

Richard Lowe: It works similarly to the way you’d rent a movie. You get to borrow the book at a discounted rate for the semester and you have to return the book at the close of the term. It’s a great option for people who want to save money on books up-front. Most of our customers and students in general prefer to rent books these days.

HottyToddy.com: Rebel Bookstore is also known as a community participant in so many ways.

Richard Lowe: We are active with the Chamber of Commerce; offer a $2000 scholarship to the Business School; and offer numerous gifts/gift cards throughout the year. Buy back week (week of finals) we give away $100 bills, flat screens and iPads.

Rebel Bookstore encourages current and future customers to visit their website or just drop by to experience firsthand this incredible world of savings right off the Oxford Square!

Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. In addition, he is a certified economic and community developer and currently, a highly successful leader in the real estate business with Premier Properties of Oxford.You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.