The chance for college students to stock up on school items in a guilt-free and money-wise way is finally here again—Meijer Mania. And for Eastern Michigan University students, it’s all happening from 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8 at the Ypsilanti location on Carpenter Road.
Shoppers get discounts on all the necessities including pens, pencils, binders and backpacks, which manager Barry Meyer explained the store goes through “like crazy.” Basic house goods, like laundry baskets and brooms, and groceries, like toilet paper, laundry detergent, toothpaste, and frozen foods, are expected to be very popular again.
“It’s a large social gather; a mix of fun students (old and new), EMU faculty and staff,” said Eric Ward, EMU’s Wellness Center Program coordinator.
Not to mention the entertainment: EMU’s Diversion Dance Troupe, along with a DJ, will be on hand. Giveaways, prizes, games and up to 15 vendors supplied with food and beverage samples will be found throughout the store.
This lineup, said Ward, who has been involved in planning the event since March, stays true to Meijer Mania’s initial purpose: offering fun and alcohol-free events to college students.
“The goal of the event is to connect to a local community resource as well as provide and promote a healthy, safe and fun environment,” Ward said.
So far, it has been successful. With each year since its first in 2001, the number of students and their families, faculty and staff has grown. Lately, the Ypsilanti Meijer has been hosting about 4,000-5,000 people, Ward said.
“Expect thousands of people,” Ward said. “For those who enjoy the thrill of Black Friday, consider this the ‘Black Thursday’ of college-supplies shopping.”
For students who live on campus and might not have transportation, free bus transportation will be provided by Golden Limousine to and from Eastern to Meijer. The bus stops at Eastern are on Oakwood Drive (at the Student Center Circle Drive), Ann Street (near the First Year Center), and on Washtenaw Avenue (near the McKenny Hall parking lot; across from Domino’s Pizza). Riders can expect signs directing them to the stops.
“It’s a fun atmosphere; there are so many people in the store and so much going on at once,” senior Kyle Sharp said. “It’s really exciting and a convenient way to pick up supplies for school.”
As a veteran of Meijer Mania, he explained how to get the most out of the four-hour sale: “Arrive early and leave late. That way you can gain the full experience and also be able to see parts of the store that may have been crowded earlier in the day.”
Ward and the staff at Meijer are working on ways to distribute people throughout the store
and make it less chaotic than Meijer Manias in the past. Since spatial issues have been addressed, guests should be able to investigate the entire store and everything it has to offer.
Volunteers are still needed. Two crews with different hours are available. The shifts for Crew A are from 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. and for Crew B: 9 p.m.-11 p.m. The volunteers on either shift can expect to help vendors distribute samples, meet and guide students throughout the store and give help where it is needed. For more information contact Ward by phone (734-487-2226) or email (eward1@emich.edu).
Ward, who is staying very optimistic about the event, hopes it will be “as fun and festive as possible.”
