For the past four years, Rita's Gift Shop, the Memorial Union's very own postal and trinket oasis, has served the student body with its mailing and movie poster needs. Because of high rent, the gift shop will be closing its doors at the end of March.
We aren't exactly real estate agents here, but Rita's is in a prime location and will surely be filled by another quality business. Here are our top 10 suggestions for what we want to see in its spot.
10. Cereality 2 -- The Revenge. We weren't too keen on a cereal place in the MU at first, but it has grown on us. The only thing better than one breakfast establishment is a second one. Hey, if there's still milk in the bowl ...
9. Starbucks. Who doesn't like coffee? The fine folks at Starbucks probably have a quota to fill and will present some stiff competition for Jamba Juice in the addicting drink category.
8. A fireplace. What good is a fireplace in the MU? Well, there already is one on the main level, so a second fireplace will finally give it some company.
7. Michael Crow's office. He's got great digs in the new ASU Foundation Building, but an office in the MU would help Crow better connect with the student body. Next time he raises tuition, you can pelt his office with half-eaten burgers and milkshakes. Speaking of burgers ...
6. In-N-Out. A new setup just northeast of campus is a great idea, but that's a long walk and with the latest tuition hike, we couldn't make our car insurance payments. Besides, a double-double combo is a great way to start the day.
5. Ikea. Even with all the food choices at the MU, it could use a little more foreign flair. And we're pretty sure Sweden isn't in America -- at least not yet. We can cash our financial aid checks and decorate our dorm rooms in one shot.
4. A pet shop. Everyone likes dogs ... unless you're allergic or a cat. We all stop by the pet store when we're at the mall and look at puppies. Now you can buy that Corgi you've always wanted and not be late for philosophy class.
3. Wal-Mart. Say what you want about Wal-Mart, but where else can you find a refrigerator for $6 or microwave-safe bowls for pennies? Like anything else at the MU, prices will have to be jacked up, and they won't have any open registers at 3 a.m., but that's OK. And you'll have a smiling old man to welcome you.
2. A bar. It seems like in every editorial we say ASU should build a bar, but this is the perfect place. Instead of stumbling around Tempe to quench our day-drinking urges, Crow and company can make some money off of it. There are pool tables down the way, and what pool hall is complete without a bar nearby?
1. Disneyland Tempe. It would only be the happiest place in the MU.
