New UA area shops give students more options to buy

Rother's Bookstores, 501 N. Park Ave., will tentatively open June 1 to sell new and used textbooks, school supplies, Wildcat merchandise and study aids, said Assistant Manager Carla Rodgers.

"We want to give the students another choice," Rodgers said.

Meanwhile, Rother's Bookstores is buying textbooks to sell for summer school courses and the fall semester, she said.

Offering students up to 50 percent of textbooks' list prices for used versions, Rother's marquee states the store pays "top dollar." Rodgers said the store's location, at the corner of East Sixth Street and North Park Avenue, was chosen because of its proximity to campus and the nearby residence halls.

With more business than expected, Rodgers said business is doing well.

Students said they would be willing to try the new bookstore, the newest in Rother's chain of 14 stores in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.

"I think it (the UA Associated Students Bookstore) is overpriced. I'd be willing to shop there (at Rother's Bookstores) if they didn't rip me off as much," said media arts freshman Rachelle Angle.

Undeclared freshman Alyson Magid said she sold her books to Rother's because, "My friends told me I would get more money."

The May 5 grand opening of Caribbean Squeezers, 845 E. University Blvd., Suite 185, marked another business addition to the university area.

The family-operated smoothie shop has strong ties to Tucson.

"I grew up here," said Manager Bill Warner. "It is home to me."

Warner said he is pleased with its close-to-campus location.

"I personally couldn't think of a better spot to be in," he said. "Business is good, and all customers have been extremely positive and nice."

Divaz, a women's clothing store, opened February 16, adding to the shopping varieties available in the Main Gate commercial area.

Keeping in mind the clientele for "college girl" fashion, owners said the location at 908 E. University Blvd. has a good customer base.

"There is something here for everyone," Co-owner Kristie Burke said.

Selling an array of items from purses to dresses, Co-owner Bob Castle said he was pleased with the business. UA students said they are content with the selection of shops near campus.

"It (University Boulevard) is convenient and close to the dorms," said biology freshman Mike Moskowitz, a resident of Kaibab-Huachuca Hall. "I don't have a car and transportation becomes a problem. I am more likely to shop there because of where I live."

Undeclared freshman Lory LaPoint said she also liked the stores on University Boulevard.

"It is like your own little community on one street," she said. "You can do everything there."