Along with football, tail-gating and hundreds of alumni, homecoming weekend also brings increased sales of University merchandise to local bookstores.
The Student Book Exchange (SBX), on Wooster Street and the University bookstore located in the union, see the majority of the weekend’s business.
With a greater selection of BG merchandise than any other location in town, these two stores welcome home the University alumni with open arms.
“When alumni and visitors come back to Bowling Green, there are so many events that are available for them to participate in,” said Yvonne Stoner, general merchandising manager at the University bookstore. “So many of them want to come into the bookstore and shop just to buy something with BG on it.”
Both SBX and the University bookstore report T-shirts or sweatshirts, depending on the weekend’s weather, as their top selling item during homecoming.
Standard orange and brown BGSU T-shirts fly off the racks at SBX at $9.99 a piece, according to store manager Kent Kokomoor.
“In general, I have found that people that come back for homecoming aren’t necessarily looking for alumni items specifically, but rather just more BG apparel,” said Kokomoor.
Glassware, mugs and hats are also popular items among alumni.
The increased business that Homecoming weekend brings requires much preparation and planning.
The University bookstore gears up by bringing in new merchandise to replenish the shelves and ensure the alumni and other visitors have a wide selection to choose from.
Stoner mentioned that this year, aside from the typical brown and orange, BG apparel in the latest fashion colors should sell exceptionally well. Specifically pastels, Kelly greens and lime greens are really in the season, according to Kokomoor.
“Personally I would say that any store in town that stocks BG merchandise is going to see an increase of sales during homecoming week,” said Kokomoor. “The on-campus store and SBX are by far getting the majority of the business and I know for the last few years, with the Union being so new, many alumni would stop in the University bookstore while they were there.”
Collegiate Connection, located on Ridge Street, cited a loss of business during homecoming weekend due to their virtually exclusive Greek merchandise selection.
Both SBX and the University bookstore will extend their hours and staff heavier during Homecoming week to accommodate the increased traffic. SBX will be open Saturday, 9-6 and Sunday 10-5. The University bookstore will remain open until 6 p.m. on Friday and will open early on Saturday at 10 a.m. The increased hours will give busy alumni sufficient time to purchase BG merchandise while they are in town, according to Stoner.