Clarion University will nestle into downtown Clarion when a new retail store, Golden Eagle Landing, opens this summer in the former S&T Bank building on Main Street.
The Main Street location will add to the vitality of the downtown business community, as well as provide an off-campus site where shoppers can find clothing, gifts and more. Golden Eagle Landing is a division of Clarion University Book Center.
The idea developed from the thought that a Main Street store that is all about Clarion University would be good for both the community and the university.
“I think people can be apprehensive to come on campus because they are not sure what our book store offers. Additionally, parking and actually knowing our location can be daunting to those not familiar with campus,” said Shelly Wilson, business manager of Clarion Student Association, which handles finances for the book store. “When Karen Whitney became president of Clarion University, she expressed a desire to see Clarion University represented when you drive down Main Street. Golden Eagle Landing will provide that presence.”
Although the community is very much welcome on campus, the downtown location will provide easier access to Clarion University merchandise and more. Golden Eagle Landing will have inventory different from that of the campus location, and it will include items such as stadium blankets and pom-poms in local high school colors.
“We’re going to offer a couple of lines of clothing that don’t have any type of design on them. Hurley is one we know we’ll offer,” Wilson said. “We’re going to expand our gift lines and offer some things that aren’t at the book center. We’re looking at a couple of jewelry lines and a line of crockery. Someone coming in might not want a Clarion University sweatshirt, but they might be interested in a pendant or a phone case.”
Visitors to Golden Eagle Landing will be able to shop for fashion accessories, a unique line of fans that are designed in the shapes of animals and an expanded teacher and art supply inventory. The store will also have a new line of greeting cards, novelty napkins, gift bags and those kinds of things. The Yankee Candle line and related accessories will be moved to the downtown site.
For the convenience of the community, tickets for campus events such as theater productions and sports will be sold there.
Along with providing a shopping option, Wilson said Golden Eagle Landing will be an enjoyable place to spend time and relax.
“It will be very appealing to people when they walk in. It has a very comfortable, warm, rich feeling,” Wilson said. “There are three fireplaces in that store. We’re thinking about putting local authors’ works there and providing a place to sit down and look through the books.”
Wendy Turnipseed, manager of the campus book center, will also manage Golden Eagle Landing.
“She’s an integral part of this,” Wilson said. “She’s worked very hard to make the store happen. She’s very gifted at being able to arrange things and knowing how to display things.”
Buyers Lori Henry and Nancy Huffman are instrumental in providing an interesting selection of clothing and gift items, respectively, Wilson said.
The store will be staffed primarily by students, who will be cross-trained to work at both locations.
Students voted from several selections to name the store. Wilson said she received more than 300 entries, and Golden Eagle Landing received an overwhelming number of votes.
Wilson projects a late July or early August opening, with a week-long grand opening set to coincide with Autumn Leaf Festival.
Golden Eagle Landing will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Saturday hours will vary, depending on time of year.
“It’s well worth coming in and looking at the beauty of the building. We are proud to be able to bring that building to life again,” Wilson said. “Clarion has a beautiful downtown. The merchants do a magnificent job. My hope is that we can expand on that.”