Textbooks

To the Edtiors of The Crimson:

In the Crimson editorial dated April 1, 1981, the Crimson asked why the textbook prices are so high at the Coop, etc., etc. We have compared [prices of six "well-known" textbooks] to five other college stores in and out of our area. In addition to competitive textbook prices. Coop members last year received a rebate of 9.5 per cent, the largest rebate we know of in America in any bookstore cooperative (Yale had a 4.5 percent rebate).

The Crimson also asked why the Coop built a branch in downtown Boston. The store is located in the same building where a new Harvard Club of Boston exists and is designed to serve the alumni (one of the groups the Coop has served since 1898) and their needs. The downtown Boston store, because of the absence of profitless textbook sales, provides a higher margin of profit and benefits everybody's rebate.

The Coop and its people always strive to maintain the best possible service to customers and will welcome any constructive suggestions consistent with that objective. James A. Argeros,   Coop General Manager