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UAS bookstore gets a major face lift
By Vita Wilson
Whalesong Staff
“I like the
new lights,” is the most frequent comment that Sara Hagen,
bookstore assistant, hears regarding the UAS bookstore remodel.
The funny thing is, the lights haven’t changed (yet), but almost
everything else has. New lighting and signs, which should arrive
in late November or early December, will complete the remodeling
that began this past July.
Shawn Hunstock, Director of Business Operations, says
that the remodeling goal was “to create a better retail environment
within the store. Most fixtures had been purchased second hand.
There was no clear design, theme, or finishes throughout the store.”
Before remodeling, bookstore employees made do with shelving from
state surplus sales and local stores that had gone out of business.
The result was a mismatched, dark, uninviting look. So, in late
June this year, a $100,000 budget purchase order was submitted for
new shelving and lighting fixtures.
“There was a lot of thought that went into designing
the store… I’m really pleased with the outcome and haven’t
heard any negative comments,” said Linda Snyder, bookstore
manager, explaining that the new design was carefully planned to
achieve the brighter lighting effect and increased shelving space
without actually changing the lighting system or adding to the bookstore’s
square footage. Snyder estimates that the new design allows for
300 to 500 additional square feet in volume. But, referring to the
new lighting fixtures on order, she adds, “this isn’t
the final look—we had to re-open for fall.”
The fixtures selected are called “real retail shelving
and displays,” and the bookstore’s vendor has had 35 years
of re-designing, remodeling, and creating college bookstores. Because
all light fixtures could not be replaced, Snyder chose light maple
and light metal shelving and painted the walls soft white to help
reflect and diffuse light in the store. Track lights near the clothing
and gift displays will complete the more inviting look. Molding
was painted a light blue to match carpeting and round out the unifying
design.
Not only is the remodeling aesthetically pleasing, but
it is now easier to maneuver around and locate items in the bookstore.
American Disabilities Act regulations were taken into consideration
while planning distances between displays, and all shelving fixtures
can be rotated and moved around as needed. Kelly Manning, UAS student
and bookstore employee, says that things are much easier to find
now, and the system in the back for books is very simple.
By spring 2003 semester, the aisles will be numbered
and signs will point out where different supplies are stocked. The
store will be fully re-stocked, and at some point there may be a
computer kiosk where students can order their textbooks from Missouri
Book Services Direct. To better serve student’s needs, the
bookstore will begin carrying new product lines. Possible items
include PDA and other small electronic items. If there is anything
that you’d like to see available that isn’t already there,
please let Linda know. Linda's email is linda.snyder@uas.alaska.edu
Email Vita Wilson at dolcevita23@hotmail.com
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