Alan Fitch

Feature Story

Continued from "Local Lumberjacks Mean Business" story.

Jack Backers

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ clothing and gifts

Alan Fitch, co-owns Jack Backers with his wife, Pam
Alan Fitch, owner of Jack Backers

After working for the bookstore industry in Lubbock, Alan Fitch'98 decided to return to his hometown and serve his alma mater with his own business. He and his wife, Pam '93, opened Jack Backers College Bookstore in 2008.

"Being a fifth-generation Nacogdoches boy and an Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ alum, this town was the best place for me to start my business," Alan said. "I had already worked in the college bookstore business for 23 years, so I thought to myself, 'Do what you know best.'"

Alan grew up attending Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ athletic and other events, so "I knew very early in life that Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ was for me. I am purple pride through and through. Pam and I love giving back to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ and the community."

Jack Backers phased out its physical textbook business a year ago to focus on e-books, per the higher education trend. The store is also known for its Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ clothing and gifts as well as its customer service.

"We emphasize customer service," Alan said. "As a small business, we have the flexibility to do what is necessary to meet customers' needs. We maintain competitive pricing on e-books, college apparel and gifts, so there's less hardship for students on strict budgets to buy items and show their school pride."

Alan and Pam also support Lumberjacks by providing discounts on in-store purchases. Jack Backers offers a 15% discount to all Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ faculty and staff, and 10% discount to all law enforcement officers, veterans and military members. In addition, the store offers a 10% in-store discount on Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ clothing and gifts to all alumni who are members of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Alumni Association.

Though he knows he shouldn't play favorites with the store's inventory, Alan said, "I love to sell hats."

A good portion of Jack Backers' west wall is dedicated to the store's baseball cap collection comprising 80 different styles. Clothing featuring the university's script logo and plush Twiggy squirrels with super-fluffy tails are flying off the shelves, as well.

Starting a business is always a challenge and a risk, but working closely with Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ faculty and staff was one of the best ways to ensure Jack Backers succeeded, Alan said.

"I cannot say enough how numerous faculty, staff and alumni have helped us along the way. We are forever thankful for the many amazing relationships we have built within the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ family."


936.462.7328
315 East College St.

Owners

Alan Fitch '98
Pam Fitch '93