Numerous shopping venues on campus provide varying styles of clothing to choose

By Erin Holmes
Daily Staff Reporter

For those who haven't gone broke from paying tuition, Ann Arbor shopping offers another way to empty the pocketbook.

From the ordinary to the unusual, Ann Arbor caters to University students with two distinct shopping areas on campus - South University Avenue and State Street, each catering to different tastes.

A walk down South University, with its music, clothing and gift stores, demonstrates the store owners' attention to students.

Disc-Go-Round, a used music store, offers used CDs and tapes at bargain prices.

For those who prefer first-hand products, Tower Records provides a large selection of music including opera, pop and country for those with varying tastes.

Tower Records employee Adam Sherman said the store offers more than just music, boasting a large selection of magazines and a few more unique items.

"We have fake wine with pictures of (the band) KISS on it," Sherman said. "But it doesn't sell well."

STEVE GERTZ/Daily Nickels Arcade, a covered shopping walkway at the corner of State Street and North University brings an old-time feel to Ann Arbor shopping. Among its stores are a barber shop, a florist, and an antique/collectibles store.

During the fall, many students opt to surf the racks of the M Den, which offers traditional University of Michigan apparel.

"We offer Rose Bowl memorabilia and a great line of quality University merchandise," employee Mike Rubi said.

Nearby, the Safe Sex Store offers slightly different Michigan memorabilia. Its racks include Rose Bowl commemorative condoms and other maize-and-blue sex toys.

Among the more popular of the South University stores is Middle Earth. Jennifer Fall, a Middle Earth salesperson, said her store's variety and fun atmosphere draws students in at all times of the year.

"We offer a great eclectic mix of things," Fall said.

She added that in addition to funny cards that "can't be found in Hallmark" stores and fun T-shirts, the store offers carved figurines from Mexico and African baskets.

Out-of-state students who come from large cities said shopping in Ann Arbor is an enjoyable activity.

"There is a great variety of stores that people our age would like," said Engineering junior Mannah Kallon, a New York native. "Everything is convenient; everything I want or need is within walking distance."

In the State Street shopping district, there are also plenty of options to draw in shoppers, with Borders Books & Music and trendy clothing suppliers.

Bivouac, near the Diag, offers both outdoor wear and fashion clothing and attracts many students when the first cold snap hits Ann Arbor each winter.

Owner Ed Davidson said Bivouac's clothes are different than those sold in most department stores - alternative brands and unique styles.

"You may find a coat there for cheaper, but ours will last longer, so you're getting a better product," Davidson said.

State Street's clothing suppliers don't stop with the essentials. With signs boasting, "Buy one, get three free!" Steve and Barry's Michigan clothing store gives students an enormous selection of University licensed apparel.

But if sportswear isn't the desired attire, Urban Outfitters offers an alternative, with an inventory of hip-hop clothing, Adidas athletic wear and resale clothing items.

"The clothing is great, but basically our novelty section is the most popular," said Urban Outfitters employee Jodi Strang.

For the more reserved student, Main Street shopping, still within walking distance from campus, offers fine jewelry, shoes and student supplies.

"We have students coming in year after year for our supplies," said Rider's Hobby Shop department head Fred Lindsay, whose shop offers model kits and architecture project parts. "Students tell us what they want to see us carry, and we try to have it for them."

Shoppers say that throughout Ann Arbor the variety is extensive but the prices are steep for the college budget.

"Things are very expensive, but high-quality," said Sarah Williams, an employee of Occasionally Gift Shop. "If you have the money, go for it."

With stores that could rival those in Chicago or New York City, Ann Arbor has great options for those with extra cash.

But, shoppers say, get it while you can.

"Even the best stores pop up and disappear quickly in Ann Arbor," said Chris Collins, an employee at another Main Street shop.

09-08-98