Student Book Center

Annotation #4: Student Book Center

Student Book Center on College Avenue, yards away from Campus Corner

Do not let the name deceive you, the Student Book Center is the store that gives off the more “family orientated” vibe than the rest of the businesses I have mentioned. From the younger kids to t-shirts just for mom and dad, this shop offers an impressive variety of apparel and gifts for the students and their family. It is generally my favorite place to stock up on ASU clothing and is averaged to fair prices. In addition to the favorable prices, the Student Book Center has been known to provide 50% apparel items in the Student Handbooks, which is never turned down by the customers. A review online described the Student Book Center genuinely. “I love this place. It’s cheaper than the ASU bookstore on campus and gives away free green/blue books. They also have awesome coupons.” (https://plus.google.com/103071316291890454021/about?hl=en). There are normally only a few employees available for assistance; however that is usually not a problem thanks to the quiet, spacious atmosphere. This particular store happens to be almost right next to the Campus Corner, creating a competition between the two.

Campus Corner

Annotation #3: Campus Corner

Campus Corner on College Avenue

The Campus Corner can be found in one of two locations, on College or Mill Avenue. The store on College Avenue attracts the northern residential students, whereas the Campus Corner on Mill Avenue tends to have more of tourist crowd. I have had the pleasure of shopping at the College Avenue location and can provide a broader perspective on this particular store. The most interesting part about the Campus Corner is that it not only serves as a place of ASU apparel but also a convenience store. On game days, the Campus Corner is a popular site, as it prepares folks with their maroon and gold while also providing things like drinks and snacks of variety. The school shirts are at a popular price of $5-$10. They are simple tees, not as decorative as the ones that can be found at the other shops but the store still holds a good selection in apparel. One satisfied customer reviewed, “This store offers almost everything a student would need including a huge selection of sun devil clothing. The staff is always friend and ready to help.” (http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3709895389/campus-corner-tempe-1).

The College Store

The College Store on Rural Road

Annotation #2: The College Store

The College Store is most famous for its location on the far east side of campus on Rural Road. It is not very much as popular as the other three shops, due to the site being slightly further away than the rest. One thing that does draw attention to this particular shop is the affordability. Customers have commented that there are “Much cheaper prices than the ASU bookstore [The Sun Devils Campus Store]”, and is “A great alternative to the ASU bookstore. They always have great details on ASU apparel.” (https://foursquare.com/v/the-college-store/4cd0a97a7f56a14314b9cfa6). The shop provides a collection of basic Sun Devil apparel and accessories good enough to set someone up for a spirited event. Personally, I do believe the College Store is more affordable than the campus store; however the only downside is that the variety isn’t as vast.

Sun Devil Campus Store

Annotation #1: Sun Devil Campus Store

Located in the center of campus, the Sun Devil Campus Store offers a vast amount of Arizona State’s official collegiate products and merchandise. Because it’s considered the primary source of ASU’s books and apparel, it is slightly more costly than the other three shops located outside of the campus. Despite that detail, the store offers a very welcoming atmosphere and a terrific first taste to the college environment. The store carries items in brand apparel such as Nike, Adidas, Reebok, and is well known for carrying the most variety in official collegiate merchandise. Like any clothing store, the items vary from t-shirts to socks and sweatpants. Reviews online have all shared similar opinions about the store products and service, claiming “They are always ready to help with anything and has everything you’re looking for.” A distinctive characteristic of this store is their consistent prices, which never seem to surprise much of the customers. “I agree the store has a lot to offer but the prices are exactly what you would expect and they rarely go down.” (http://www.yelp.com/biz/sun-devil-campus-stores-tempe) A few 20% coupons have been spotted in the yearly Student Handbooks and Student Insiders, just in time for the students to prepare for events like football games and such Fridays. 

Introduction: Getting Geared

Introduction:

Part of the college experience here at Arizona State is representing your school by blending into the sea of maroon and gold. Everywhere you go on campus and in the entire city of Tempe, you will more than likely catch someone showing fanaticism for our school. It is inevitable, and a trend that will never fade.

ASU rivalry football game at University of Arizona

School pride is rooted to something simple but specific, donning colors, logos and jersey numbers. As ridiculous as it sounds, you’re doing this right if your go-to outfit in the morning is a school t-shirt regardless of whether you wore maroon or gold the day before. Teachers and professors tend to go for the maroon and gold collared shirts to stay professional but still represent the university. In addition, it is a school tradition to wear gold in specific on Fridays to show the Sun Devil spirit and pride. By now it should be clear; it is rather difficult to isolate yourself from this custom.

The availability of such apparel is not hard to find, especially for such a large and popular university as ASU. Four of the most well-known places to stop by and shop for that sporting event or Maroon and Gold spirit are the on-campus Sun Devil Store, the College Store, Campus Corner, and the Student Book Center. Since demand for collegiate products are unlikely to ever decrease, these stores are visited often. They are all within walking distance of the heart of the Tempe Campus. It really all narrows down to where the customer would rather travel to and which shop they have heard of. Believe it or not, many students are unaware of their options when it comes to stocking up on school affiliated clothing. They might visit the most well-known shop once or twice but that doesn't mean the most popular business provides the greatest deals.

Campus Corner on College Avenue

Some items may or may not be more expensive than the others but that is all part of the effect of quality, affordability and variety. These elements are also the core of the businesses’ competition against one another. In order for us consumers to get the most for our money we will evaluate the locations and their overall rating as an option for getting geared up as a Sun Devil. I hope to establish a clear difference in the atmosphere in all four of these locations and help others find their ideal shop that will provide according to their standards and expectations.

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