BU Campus Store Returns
The Bluefield University Campus Store reopened for the 2024-2025 school year after having its doors shut for three years.
Located inside Shott Hall just a few steps away from the dining hall, the Campus Store is open to anyone and has variety of BU items that students and guests can purchase, including apparel, BU water bottles, snacks, and drinks, if you need a mid-day pick me up.
According to the BU news website, the Campus Store closed its doors in 2021 shortly after Bluefield College changed its name to Bluefield University. After the closure, students were only able to obtain BU merchandise through online orders, a sports coach, or on special event days. Laura Horton, a BU graduate who now works in the Campus Store, spoke about the value of having the store back on campus.
“I would’ve loved for it to be open my junior and senior years,” Horton said. “I am not someone who loves shopping online, so I didn’t buy any merchandise while the store was online.”
Campus leaders hope the store will get plenty of business and grow to be a hangout for all students, Horton added.
“It has opened up an opportunity for students to have a new place to hang out within the lounge area in the store,” she said. “If students want to build relationships and be more involved within the campus community, I encourage them to stop by and spend time in the store because it is a hub for students to come in and spend time with each other.”
The store’s current hours are Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday form 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. These days and times may increase as federal work study students begin working at the store.
“Students are more than welcome to apply to work in the Campus Store,” Horton said. “We have both institutional and federal work study positions (however, these positions have already been filled for this semester).”
Future plans for the Campus Store include special holiday deals, a social media presences, and the addition of new merchandise, including hoodies.
“The Campus Store will hopefully bring a new life to the student section at athletic events,” said BU women’s basketball player Elle Gunter. “The Campus store makes it easier for students to get BU attire that will distinguish us to the community.”
Students are encouraged to stop by the Campus Store to check out the environment and to keep an eye out for future updates.