As the big trifecta of window shopping – Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas – approaches, it can be easy to visit Macy’s and other high-end department stores to fulfill all material desires. The on-campus bookstore, however, offers products and services closer and more personalized for members of the Trinity community. The bookstore is the perfect combination of thrift shop and designer boutique, and it is filled with both unique and practical items at a range of prices.
With Black Friday just two months away, employees are preparing to receive desired products, while anticipating some may not be available in-store.
“The home office gives a breakdown of what every store should carry. They know what sells really well and that’s what they recommend we carry in the store. I recommend ordering online that way you get an email when an order is ready for pickup and don’t have to wait in the long line at the register,” said Susie Juvera, bookstore manager.
First year Juana Suarez used both the Trinity bookstore and online shopping site to buy her books for the semester. The bookstore, however, quickly ran out of the required text for her psychology class, so she had to look online for a copy.
“I actually couldn’t get it until a week later, so I cancelled my order and ordered it from Amazon instead. I haven’t gotten any merchandise yet, but I plan to later.” Suarez said.
One place to begin shopping in the bookstore is the clearance section, which has quirky collectibles like the $3.99 cupcake hideaway “” an item so small that it can’t even store a paperclip. The section is also home to a unique 3-in-1 backpack carabiner, which includes a pink keychain with a digital photo display and MP3 player for $19.99.
Another location with a variety of novelty products available is known as the impulse zone item. This section includes products like the Super iPhone fan, which plugs into your charging port and serves as a $4.98 lifesaver for concerts or other outdoor events. Another item found here is the $19.98 llama-shaped knife, a multi-tool with each blade representing a different quirky animal.
“It has quirky little stuff that people buy that I’m like, “˜woah, that’s different,'” Juvera said.
The store isn’t geared solely towards students, however; it also has important Trinity memorabilia for parents and alumni. Parents may be intrigued by matching bamboo salt and pepper storage boxes, sold for $22.98, while a $42.98 Texas-shaped cutting board with “Trinity” emblazoned on it may appeal to alumni of all ages.
Even in the office supplies section, the bookstore doesn’t disappoint with eccentric items. Transparent pencil sharpeners, available for 99 cents, adorn the walls. Nearby, waterproof graph paper notebooks, on sale for $6.98, may appeal to math students who find themselves frequently caught in the rain or trying to solve calculations in their shower.
The bookstore even sells items forbidden in dorms. Ranging from $3.48 to $12.98, 3M products stand in direct violation of the new residence hall policy that prohibits using sticky items on walls.
“Last year [the school was] in a transitional period, but this year it’s official. Maybe the bookstore isn’t aware, but I’m not too sure,” said senior Amanda Cantu, a psychology major and resident mentor.
The bookstore, however, focuses on ensuring that all members of the Trinity University community have access to basic needs, products and services.
“The Trinity bookstore services a wide array of individuals “” including faculty, staff, administration and off-campus students. Their services are not limited to only those who live on campus,” said Stephanie Ackerman, a ResLife coordinator for the first-year area.
The bookstore is guaranteed to liven anyone’s day with scandal, surprise and school supplies. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. It is closed for business on the weekends.
