In 2020 and 2021, a newly constructed building for the bookstore opened its doors, designed to enhance accessibility for students. The updated layout features a variety of new products, making it a convenient one-stop shop for all students to get their supplies.
After years of operating in The Village bungalows, the Santa Ana College student store relocated to a larger, more accessible location on campus. The student store underwent significant renovations and is now situated in the Johnson Center, enhancing its ability to meet the diverse needs of students. This new location offers a wider selection, from school supplies to school attire. The relocation of the student store demonstrates a dedication to enhancing the student experience on campus.
Julian Tapia, an Auxiliary Services Specialist, has been a dedicated member of the SAC campus store team for the past eight years. As the store transitioned from a smaller space to its new location, Tapia navigated and embraced the opportunities that came with this significant change. We explore Tapia’s personal experiences with the relocation and what it means for the SAC community.
“But it was a very small campus store. Now we have this store, the quick stop, and the express as well,” Tapia said.
The old SAC student store occupied a much smaller space. This led to the store limiting their inventory, providing fewer supplies for students.
“So back then, we couldn’t order as much as we wanted to because we had nowhere to store it. Now we have a whole warehouse to store things,” Tapia said.
Now, the SAC store is convenient for students’ daily needs.
“If they’re on campus and forgot something, we’re always here for them. We have pencils and not just textbooks; we have other things too,” Tapia said.
This student store provides a wide selection of supplies such as clothing, water bottles, Apple products, as well as various school supplies and textbooks. However, with so many campus store options, we may wonder what sets the SAC campus store apart from others?
“We are one of the last independent bookstores in Orange County… So we have more freedom to do things,” Tapia said.
The move to the Johnson Center has significantly improved the SAC bookstore. With more space and better access, students can now find a wider range of supplies. This independent bookstore stands out for its ability to quickly adapt to student needs, making it a convenient spot for everyone on campus. The store offers a variety of items, including Hydro Flasks, SAC spirit wear, and backpacks. Beyond providing essential supplies, it ensures a welcoming and positive environment for both students and staff.
