With seven locations in town, including four on or next to campus, The Duck Store has been a vital part of the University of Oregon campus and the Eugene community since 1920.
“We’ve worked really hard over the years to maintain good relations with the school and part of that is being receptive to what our community wants,” said Book Department Team Leader Bruce Lundy. “Our new store in the Erb Memorial Union (EMU) is right in the center of campus, so it’s especially convenient for students to stop by and shop on their way to the dorms, or to pick up snacks while they’re studying.”
The EMU location opened July 12, 2016, near the end of a two-year long renovation and expansion of the entire building. This $95 million project, which was completed in October, created over 80,000 square feet of space in addition to the existing 134,000 newly-renovated square feet. According to the school's site, "the EMU provides everything you might need between classes. It's designed to complement the college life; food, money, printing, student groups, event tickets, a wellness center, and comfy chairs galore."
The newest Duck Store was developed to fit in with this philosophy.
“Our focus for the EMU store is on serving the students using the facility and living nearby, so we have quick food-to-go, shakes, snacks and drinks as well as apparel, dorm room supplies and Duck Gear,” Lundy said. “This location is also open later — until 8 p.m. on weekdays.
"We asked what types of products students wanted to see and the merchandise we brought in is what they asked for," he said. "So far we've gotten great feedback."
Students will be able to sell their books back at the EMU store, the campus store and the Hamilton Dining Commons.
"This first time trying buyback at the new EMU store will be Monday through Friday of Finals Week from 10-4, but if there is high student demand we will likely expand those hours," Lundy said.
"We're planning on offering textbook pickup at this location as well," he added. "Our marketing department sent out a survey to students, asking if they'd be more inclined to shop online if there was a convenient place on campus to pick up their books. The results were overwhelmingly in favor, so that will be coming as soon as possible."
