KRISTIN ELVES/Arizona Daily Wildcat Theater arts sophomore Antonio Ziherl strolls by Gap, 825 E. University Blvd., Monday afternoon. Gap Inc. is closing its Main Gate Square location as a result of low sales nationwide.

Sales drop will force a convenient shopping spot to close and its employees to find new work

Today will be the last day of business for a major shopping spot near campus - Gap on East University Boulevard.

After five years of operation, Gap's Main Gate Square location at 825 E. University Blvd. will close because of a drop in business, a trend with Gap stores nationwide.

"Our sales have dropped, and we're not meeting the goals that the company set for us," said Janet Garrett, store manager. "We've been open for five years, but business has slowed a lot recently."

"It may have to do with the economy and people not having much money right now."

Gap's stock has dropped significantly over the past year.

After peaking last April at $34 per share, the price has plummeted to $14.42 per share.

Garrett has been with Gap for 16 years and after the close, she will be leaving the company.

"We're all very disappointed," she said.

"We love this location and the store, but we understand that the company has to do what they have to do. Gap is closing all stores not meeting performance quota and opening new stores in new locations, but there's nothing on the books for Tucson right now."

Garrett said some employees are being transferred to other stores while others are choosing to take advantage of the severance package.

Several Gap employees, who are on a first-name basis with their clientele, will miss the friendly atmosphere of the store.

"I'm very sad," said Katie Huber, political science junior.

"I've been with the company for four and a half years, and I've worked at this store since my freshman year. It's been so nice to work in a close location with such flexible hours."

Many Gap customers are UA students and Main Gate Square area employees.

"Gap has been the major store on this strip for a long time," said Jennifer Kim, a junior majoring in English.

"Urban Outfitters is more trendy and up-to-date though, so that clothing probably fits our school more."

Garrett said the Marshall Foundation, which owns the property, was very cooperative, and the store is not closing because of leasing issues.

"The Marshall Foundation has been very willing to work with us because they didn't want us to go," Garrett said.

She said the foundation does not yet have plans for a new business at the site.