Tuck Shop reno delayed

September 5, 2008

Construction delays mean the renovated Tuck Shop in the Arts Building will not be open in time for the start of the academic year, but when complete, it will have a new look and new services.

Mark Jagoe, director of retail sales with the U of S Bookstore which operates retail outlets across campus, said the target opening date for the Tuck Shop was originally Sept. 1 but problems co-ordinating planning and work by trades have pushed that date to late October. “The upside is that the Centre Shop (in lower Place Riel) is so close, so we’ll be adding extra staff there to serve more customers.”

The renovation is designed to make better use of the shop’s space, and to incorporate the Canada Post outlet currently located on the main floor of Place Riel. Jagoe added the changes will also revamp the look of the shop, blending it more seamlessly into the architecture of the Arts Building.

As that work continues, Jagoe has been busy organizing the Bookstore take-over of merchandise sales at Huskies football games. “We set up a tent at the entrance to Griffiths Stadium and we’re trying to sell as many football-specific or alumni-specific items as possible.”

Response to the move has been strong, with the most popular items being alumni jackets, caps and golf shirts. “There’s a real market for this so we’re going to try to expand the service to as many Huskie Athletics events and possible and start to get sport-specific merchandise.”

Jagoe added there will be extra stock on hand for the Alumni and Friends Homecoming Game Sept. 26 which will see the Huskies take the field against the visiting University of Alberta Golden Bears.