Wednesday, the Shriver Center Bookstore will premiere its newly renovated store, after months of renovations. The upper level officially reopened Jan. 31 while the lower level opened April 18.
The last time the store was redone was 18 years ago, making it outdated and in need of new floors, light fixtures and a new layout, according to James Simpson, assistant director of the bookstore. Simpson said the once cramped textbook section in the lower level is now more open, with much wider aisles. On the first floor where Miami University paraphernalia is sold, windows that had been sealed since the last remodel 18 years ago are now reopened, creating a lighter, more inviting space. According to Simpson, the newly renovated store will improve students' shopping experience.
"It gives the students something to be proud of and a nice place to shop," Simpson said.
He said the newly opened windows on the first floor and the new entrance in the basement level will draw more customers in. Simpson also believes the new design aesthetic is much more pleasing to the eye and the layout opens up a considerable amount of space on both floors.
On the basement level, the main entrance reveals many Apple store-like qualities. The computer center has more space for customers to walk through since display counters have been replaced with modern, round, wooden tables. Simpson said to celebrate the grand reopening, the bookstore will be offering a number of deals on Apple products Thursday.
Although the shelves have yet to be stocked with textbooks, the vast majority of the items are moved back into the store. According to Simpson, among these items are many new products ranging from school and art supplies to an entirely new art and architecture section.
Though many changes have been made to the store itself, Simpson believes as of now the staff will remain the same.
According to Robert Keller, vice president of facility planning and operations, the budget for this project came from several different sources including the Housing, Dining, Recreation and Business Services, which funds capital renovations and replacements. Keller said part of the budget also came from a surplus of revenue from the bookstore itself. Fully completed, the renovation cost a total of $1.5 million.
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