Many students at Winthrop can relate to feeling a bit discouraged upon walking into the bookstore, seeing the hoodies, t-shirts and other goodies, but knowing the prices are just too high to splurge.
By the time tuition is covered, books are paid for, parking and all sorts of various fees are also paid, very rarely is money left to be spent on collegiate apparel.
Every time a student sports their collegiate clothing, they are not only proudly representing their school, but they are acting as walking billboards for the institution. Because of this tool of advertising, and the fact that tuition, fees and textbooks are so costly, shouldn’t students be given a couple of items as they finish out their senior year, or at least a proper discount?
Sure, a t-shirt or two may be given to each freshman during welcome week, but what about those farther along who have worked hard to cover costs every semester? This could actually be something that would shine a spotlight on the university because it brings about more attention and publicity.
Although the Winthrop Barnes and Nobles bookstore has continuous sales, one would think that students might get a greater or more exclusive discount. Each semester, whether paid out of pocket, taken out in loans, covered by scholarships or a little bit of everything, students and/or their families contribute to the vast amount of funding the university consumes.
Though universities all over the country may be taking a hit financially right now (as so many businesses, organizations and citizens are), there is no doubt that Winthrop University is still bringing in a tremendous amount of money.
One of the most overpriced items that the bookstore sells is the simple and classic Chicka–D corded crewneck sweatshirt, which is priced at about $60. In comparison, Harvard University sells a similar vintage crew sweatshirt through its student-run store, theharvardshop.com, which is priced at just $34.99. While Winthrop is also an amazing school filled with enlightening course materials and professors, this information is a pretty surprising contrast, considering how prestigious and prominent of a university Harvard is.
With this comparison in mind, it may not be far-fetched to demand a student discount, gifted items for seniors or lower prices, at least. After all, wearing WU apparel is a form of telling friends, family and anyone who may see you walking by to check out Winthrop University.
Another factor and reason Winthrop might want to consider coming down on apparel prices is because of the fact that we are still in the middle of a pandemic, which means many students who were already struggling financially are likely to be having an even more difficult time.
With all that is going on today, not only would it help students if greater clearance prices or a student discount were implemented, but it would also motivate more people to buy merchandise, which would in turn create more revenue for the university during these challenging times.
Photo by Jamia Johnson
