CAMPUS BRIEF
Laker Store
on Monroe
New Laker Store opens in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids
STORY BY JULIANNA SCHRIER
PHOTOS BY AMANDA PITTS
The GVSU Laker Store expanded to a new location in downtown Grand Rapids. Leaders, Louie the Laker and cheer teams celebrated the new Monroe Center site with a ribbon cutting on March 22.
“Grand Valley students and alumni animate the city of Grand Rapids,” said President Philomena V. Mantella at the ribbon cutting. “This location, right in the heart of downtown, is literally and figuratively at the center of so much that takes place in Grand Rapids.
“It is much more than just a merchandise store. We have plans to make this a place for entry and access to all things GVSU. We will activate the space, just as our students do every evening downtown.”
Community leaders agreed, saying the Laker Store will act as the face of GVSU in a high-traffic part of downtown Grand Rapids.
“We’ve put a lot of effort into the creation and growth of Rosa Parks Circle and the space around it,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “GVSU is a perfect choice to help this area become an even more popular place to gather, learn and celebrate.”
The location was ideal for graduating Lakers and their families celebrating Commencement at Van Andel Arena on April 26-27.
The new Lake + Valley clothing line launched in May
and is available at all Laker Store locations.
“We did see an influx in sales and customer traffic that weekend due to the ceremony being so close,” said Beth Junglas, downtown Laker Store manager. A longer-term goal, according to Junglas, is to expand store hours during summer festivals at Rosa Parks Circle, and to bring other campus departments together to create a community hub for Grand Valley in the heart of downtown.
The Laker Store on Monroe is open for business; check store hours here, and stop by during your next visit to downtown Grand Rapids. The location currently carries a selection of GVSU clothing and gift items available for purchase.
President Philomena V. Mantella, right, inside the Laker Store on Monroe.
President Philomena V. Mantella, right, inside the Laker Store on Monroe.
Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss gives remarks during the opening of the Laker Store on Monroe.
Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss gives remarks during the opening of the Laker Store on Monroe.
