Grocery and corner stores may be a thing of the past for ASU campus residents looking for necessities such as condoms and toilet paper.
The newly renovated Union Market, located in the Memorial Union, has added an extensive array of products that range from cleaning supplies to trash bags.
Two additional checkout registers were also added, along with debit and credit card machines, during the renovation.
The new accommodations, complete with an organic food section, are part of increased services in light of the now-mandatory meal plan for those living on campus.
"Customers are being taken care of better," said Michael Fleming, director of retail for Campus Dining.
"Students can use their Maroon and Gold cards ... they can save their money for fun on weekends," he added.
He also noted that there are eight cashiers on duty at all times.
The Union Market's first day sales for the semester have increased about 10 percent to 12 percent from last year.
The toilet paper could come in handy for students living in suite-style residence halls.
Residential Life provides toilet paper for community-style bathrooms, but not suite-style rooms, said ResLife spokeswoman Diana Medina.
Product prices range from $2 for a four-pack of Charmin toilet paper, to $7 for a 50-oz bottle of Tide laundry detergent. A three-pack of Trojan condoms costs $2.
Fleming said that Union Market prices items based on nearby markets.
"Two times a year we do a retail blueprint, where we compare a pricing analysis of stores within a mile," Fleming said. "We want retail pricing too be in the middle of lower end of [these prices]."
Adelphi Commons resident Chelsea Fidone, a pre-dental sophomore, thinks the Union Market expansion is a good idea, but she says she won't be shopping there often.
"Last year I bought stuff like cough medicine from Saguaro Market. It's closer," she said.
"Maybe [it would be better] for people who live in the honors residence," she added.
Kelly McLaurin, a Cholla Apartments resident and undeclared freshman, had similar thoughts.
"Honestly, I'm sure a lot of [students] would shop here, but I personally would only buy snacks," she said.
The Union Market offers weekly grocery coupons that are valid Tuesday through Monday. The market is open Monday through Thursday 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Reach the reporter at: astrid.galvan@asu.edu
