Bookstore owner says operating store is a fight
By Kristi Tollefson Special to the Kansan
When Jayhawk Bookstore owner Bill Muggy talks about his business, it sounds like David and Goliath.
"I have battled the establishment." Muggy said. "And I've survived."
Muggy, 51, said he has fought university bureaucracy, city politics and vocal residents for 16 years in a neighborhood feud that includes the University of Kansas.
The Jayhawk Bookstore,1420 Crescent Rd., across the street from Lindley Hall, competes with the bookstores at the Kansas and Burge unions and the University Book Shop,a privately-owned bookstore on 23rd Street. Before Muggy started the Jayhawk Bookstore, the University controlled the book business.
In 1978 Muggy and two partners started the Jayhawk Bookstore from a gift and supply store. Under Muggy's direction, the store expanded its product line to include textbooks, competing against the only game in town —
the Kansas Union Bookstore.
to make my bookstore nonexistent," Muggy said.
"The University did everything it could
While the University may not see competition as fruitful and practical, he said, KU students do.
Muggy said his first challenge came when he tried to obtain the required book list from the University. The University made him pay for it — and still does.
"Many saw us as the white knights riding in on white horses," Muggy said. "They appreciated the competition."
"I've never heard of anything the University has done to get at the Jayhawk Bookstore," Reid said. "If anything, they
Mike Reid, Kansas Union Bookstore manager, credited Muggy for his skill in operating a successful bookstore, but he denied Muggy's claims that the University has deliberately attempted to undermine his business.
Muggy continues to tangle with the University. He accuses the University of expanding its bookstore to the Burge Union to run him out of business, stealing his marketing ideas and blocking his double-decker bus concept designed to bring KU students to his bookstore.
have gone out of their way to listen to Bill."
The University isn't the only foe on Muggy's list. He has had to fight the city and neighborhood for approval to expand his bookstore. He said some neighbors thought the expansion would increase traffic.
Others thought it would pave the way for more commercial development. After
years of drawing and revising plans, hiring attorneys, and attending council meetings. Muggy received city approval to add retail space.
Many business owners might have given up the battle, but Muggy, who said he picks his fights on principle, stuck it out.
Muggy attributed his success with the Jayhawk Bookstore to understanding the market. He said his strategy was to offer a good selection of used books, competitive pricing and personal service. And Muggy said his location cannot be beat.
Brian Flink/KANSAN
Bill Muggy, owner of the Jayhawk Bookstore feels that the University and Union bookstores have been trying to force him out of business. He says he has fought the establishment and won.
March 1996 The Hill
Spring Fling
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