VCU news

By Sarah Murphy

RamTech at VCU, which has only been in operation for 11 months, was named the winner of the Excellence in Technology Retail Award (ExTRA) at the 2015 Campus Market Expo (CAMEX) in Atlanta last month. Established by the Campus Computer Reseller Alliance (CCRA), a special interest group of theNational Association of College Stores' (NACS), ExTRA was designed to recognize a technology store for exhibiting exemplary store operations. RamTech is the first recipient of the ExTRA award.

It's clear the store has added a new level of excitement, collaboration and service to the campus community.

"Based on the quality of their submission, RamTech was an easy choice to receive the first CCRA Excellence in Technology Retail Award," said Julie Simonson, CCRA director. "It's clear the store has added a new level of excitement, collaboration and service to the campus community."

RamTech opened its doors in April of 2014 and has already become an integral part of the university. The store offers academically priced Apple and Dell products to students, faculty and staff, plus a wide range of third-party accessories. RamTech features an in-store FixIT computer repair location, as well as payroll deduction and a competitive "Trade In & Trade Up" program. Customers also have the ability to shop online through RamTech's ecommerce website.

"The entire RamTech team is so thrilled to receive this great recognition," said Jay Phinizy, manager of retail services at VCU. "We are all so grateful for the tremendous support of the VCU administration, faculty, staff and students."

The ExTRA committee judged each entry using four categories: marketing and promotions, business operations, outreach/advocacy, and value-add services. RamTech excelled in all areas, calling special attention to the store's promotional events (VIP preview party, grand opening, special sales), inventory practices, unique employee training program and "Appy Hour" educational opportunities. RamTech was also applauded for the partnerships and collaboration it has initiated with other departments on campus.

RamTech is located at 930 W. Grace St. and is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Fridays. It's always open online at ramtech.vcu.edu.

 

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