It was released last week that the vacant space on the University of North Florida campus that previously housed a cell phone repair shop will have a new tenant and, I am not happy.
According to the UNF Spinnaker, there were other options considered before the administration decided on a national eyeglass chain, which included a tattoo parlor and tanning salon.
While there is not another location on the UNF campus that provides students with eyeglasses, there are upwards of four major chains for glasses in the St. Johns Town Center. Additionally, the chain will be replacing CPR, the Cell Phone Repair store that closed its doors due to low traffic by students.
According to Spinnaker, since UNF is under contract with Chartwells, the dining hall service, and Follett, the textbook/bookstore, it is harder to find a company that doesn’t conflict with the contracts both has with the university.
Here’s my list of 20 stores that UNF could more benefit from than an eyeglass and eye exam shop.
“Wal-Mart on Campus”
Yes, it’s a thing. While I don’t know how common it is, after a brief Google search, I was able to learn that there are college campuses that have mini Wal-Mart’s on them. Being cost conscious is only one of the many reasons to have a Wal-Mart on campus, but I can imagine plenty of jobs that could be created, even at a smaller version of the big box store. Additionally, many small incidentals that college students always need could be found at a Wal-Mart.
Dollar Store
I’m sure plenty of administrative people are against this, however, this could be a fantastic way to save college students money, a goal that all administration should have. If possible, ever college campus should have a dollar store.
Amazon/Barnes and Noble
Follett is a staple at a lot of college campuses; however, what about having a major chain that you could use gift cards and other discounts? Additionally, if Amazon wanted to promote their e-readers in the classroom, what better way than selling them on campus and offering support with people live on scene.
Panera
What an amazing gift a Panera would be on any college campus. Salads, sandwiches, soups, coffee, breakfasts, everything!
Dunkin’ Donuts
We already have a Starbucks and Einstein Bagels, I get it, but many other campuses also have Dunkin, too! What better way to start your morning than one, two, 12 donuts?
Apple and/or computer repair shop
Nearly every college student has a laptop today. While probably decent population might wear glasses, almost everyone would need help from a laptop technician at one point or another within their time on a college campus.
Chipotle and/or Tijuana Flats and/or Moe’s
Okay, listen: if it were up to me, I’d have all three of these on campus. But I get it, some people don’t want to eat Mexican food five days a week. But those people are wrong.
Fresh Market/fresh produce store
What would be fantastic is a place on campus to get fresh fruits and vegetables, everything from apples to zucchini. Especially when the space we are trying to fill is right next to Chick-Fil-A.
Jimmy Johns
A healthy fast-food substitute, Jimmy Johns could be the go-to for the days when you have back, to back, to back, to back classes with no more than a 10-minute break. Also, if you’re stuck in Club Lib, they could deliver it to you in a study room on the third floor.
CVS or any drug store
Everyone might not require glasses, but anyone could benefit from a drug store on campus, especially a place where prescriptions could be filled.
An eyeglass chain might not be the worst idea, but it’s not a great idea for our campus.
