Davidson College store, in the former BB&T building at Main and Depot streets in downtown Davidson.
The new Davidson College Store is now open in the former BB&T building at 137 N. Main St. and plans a grand opening ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Davidson President Carol Quillen will cut a ribbon, along with Mayor John Woods and local merchants and the Davidson Wildcat mascot.
The public is invited to the event, which will include refreshments, door prizes, and merchandise sales. Prize drawings will give away merchandise from Nike and local merchants, Davidson logo gear will be 25 percent off all day, with a limit of one item per customer.
The new Davidson College Store replaces the Davidson College Bookstore, formerly on campus in the Alvarez College Union. It also incorporates the former Cats on Main shop, which had been in a storefront next door at 131 N. Main St. for the past three years.
The college bought the former BB&T bank building from local investors in December 2010 for $1.25 million and spent much of this year renovating it.
Store Manager Gwen Gardner said the store’s new location and new look are advantageous. “It’s much easier for visitors to find us, and there’s more parking available. The store has an up-to-date feel and comfortable sitting areas for students and visitors,” she said.
The two-story retail store has clothing and merchandise on the first floor and student textbooks on the second. The separation of books and merchandise provides students and visitors a simpler and quick shopping experience, Ms. Gardner said.
Ana Pinheiro, a work-study student in the store, is also very pleased with the new design. “The new store is more modern and trendy, and is full of natural lighting through the huge windows,” she said. “I’ve already notice more students, parents, and prospective students in this store than in the old one.”
The idea for a Davidson College Store in downtown Davidson originated with the success of the college’s boutique-style Cats on Main. That led the college to purchase the former BB&T building and reconstruct it into the new, larger Davidson College Store.
- Robert Abare, Davidson College Communications
