The Collegian

Issue date: 1/31/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Liz Essley New items are available in the bookstore.

The new location of the Hillsdale College Bookstore in the Grewcock Student Union gives patrons a fresh glimpse into product quantity and variety. Students are more apt to mill in and out.

The usual assortment of binders, notebooks and pens are highly organized and abundant, and window seats, complete with cushion, nestle amid the books.

"I think the set up is much more aesthetically appealing and organized," senior Chelsea Strichek said. "It's beautiful."

While it may seem the bookstore stocks more new merchandise, Bookstore Director Vicki Nash only a few clothing styles are new.

"There is not more here than was in the old store," she said. "For the most part it is all the same merchandise. We are just able to display more. It is all in the new fixtures and presentation."

"It definitely looks like there is more stuff," sophomore Bess Cozby said. "The selection at least seems better."

Nash said the store is roughly equal in square footage to the old bookstore, but that staff now has more workspace.

In the move, the bookstore lost two-thirds of its storage and now presents most of its goods on the shelves.

"Every inch of the space is used without looking too cramped," Nash said.

Angie Berry, assistant manager of the bookstore, said the biggest difference is the atmosphere.

"It's so much more inviting and friendly," she said. "The windows are the biggest perk."

Berry and Nash also said they have observed more activity in this bookstore than previously.

"Our location is so much more convenient for students stopping by before class to get a pen or something," Nash said, adding it is too soon to tell if sales have risen compared to the old bookstore.

The best thing, aside from the windows, is that students have begun relaxing in the bookstore, Nash said.

"Two students were sitting at a window seat, talking and enjoying themselves, and I hated to ask them to leave for closing because this is what a bookstore should be like," she said.

Students and staff are still adjusting to their new surroundings in the student union.
"I have to pinch myself each day to make sure I am really in the right place," Berry said, smiling.

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