Revamped UCLA store officially opens

Tuesday, January 14, 1997

ASUCLA:

Association, students optimistic about new layout; Ackerman
Union rededicatedBy Frances Lee

Daily Bruin Contributor

Amid the fanfare of blaring trumpets, the students’ association
officially presented the new UCLA Store to the campus community on
Monday.

An early morning fire alarm didn’t dampen the spirits of those
in attendance. Students, faculty, alumni, past members of the
Associated Students of UCLA (ASUCLA) board of directors and UCLA
mascots Joe and Josephine Bruin were among those who helped the
association celebrate the grand opening of the UCLA Store and
rededication of Ackerman Union.

"We’re back and altogether in one building," said James Hagar,
chairman of the ASUCLA Board of Directors. "Now, more than ever,
we’re able to accomplish ASUCLA’s mission to improve the quality of
life on campus."

The new store, according to ASUCLA Executive Director Patricia
Eastman, is "the cornerstone for the health of the
association."

It’s also the cornerstone for the ASUCLA mission statement, she
continued, to provide students with a place to work, learn and
socialize.

Levin Sy, chair of the ASUCLA finance committee, cut the
ceremonial ribbon as Joe and Josephine Bruin invited people into
the store.

The newly designed and restructured UCLA Store has been touted
as setting a new standard for on-campus retailing, boasting the
first campus-store Calvin Klein boutique and the largest
campus-store Clinique counter.

Patrons of the store will recognize some familiar departments as
well ­ an expanded UCLA BookZone, a full-line Computer Store
and a larger Market.

"It’s much more pleasant-looking than Towell," said
Undergraduate Students Association Council (USAC) President John
Du. "It’s more inviting and organized. I think it’s the first step
to bring ASUCLA back to its feet."

If the opinions of patrons are indicative of the store’s future
performance, the new store is well on its way to success.

"I think (the store) is great. (ASUCLA) did an amazing job. It’s
a real showcase for UCLA," said Steve Sann, a 1983 graduate of UCLA
and board member of Unicamp.

Walking through the store, Sann, an avid UCLA historian, had a
story to tell about each of the murals. Students can see images of
famous athlete alumni, as well as a 1976 picture of Chancellor
Charles Young, an advertisement for $1 Bob Dylan concert tickets
and a photograph of Carol Burnett’s "debut" performance.

Not only does the store offer students a convenient place to
shop, but the re-opening of Ackerman Union is expected to boost
sales in food operations and the game room as well.

"The store is just spectacular," said Carol Anne Smart, director
of retail operations and chief operating officer of ASUCLA. "It’s a
customer-friendly and service-oriented layout. Everything leads
itself to an improved customer service level."

SHAWN LAKSMI

The UCLA band helps kick off the official grand opening of the
new UCLA Store in Ackerman Union.