University of Kansas - Jayhawker Yearbook (Lawrence, KS)

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(J Z Z i i i Massachusetts Street compromised its local, eclectic feel for pairs of trendy flare jeans. Top: The 600 block of Massachusetts street became home to new national chain stores such as Eddie Bauer and American Eagle, which opened in September and November, respectively. Bottom: Sunflower Bike Shop boasted a local flavor typical of downtown Lawrence. CD.

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color guard paused its routine momentarily to rest. The team prac- ticed four days a week for performances. Students lined up along Jayhawk Blvd. in front of Wescoe where the largest crowd gathers. The marching band played tunes for the color guard to twirl to. Sigma Kappa and Triangle members rode along their float, waving to students and Lawrence residents. 11

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ts Street Jits local, or pairs ' e jeans, Bin stores 15 jectively. A center for creativity and individuality, Massachusetts Street always had drawn the diverse student population of the University of Kansas. A collection of independ- ent record stores, trendy used-clothing shops and cozy coffee shops, the unique strip attracted students who sought something a little different maybe a vintage skirt or a rare Descendents CD. But at the north end of the street sat a newer set of build- ings. Chain clothing stores sprang up in the 600 block and received mixed reactions. The Gap and Abercrombie and Fitch welcomed neighbors Eddie Bauer in September and American Eagle in November. Some students said the stores filled a cloth- ing market void in Lawrence, while others bemoaned a corpo- rate intrusion that could take away from the character and atmosphere of downtown. David Mazzarese, Overland Park senior, said Lawrence needed stores such as The Gap and Abercrombie and Fitch because many students donned the stores ' fashions. Driving to Overland Park everytime I want to go to Abercrombie and Fitch would be a hassle, he said. It fits in Lawrence because so many people wear the clothes. Ken Gillaspie, manager of Eddie Bauer, said that the new store ' s location was profitable, and that business in Lawrence was good. He said that 30 percent of Eddie Bauer ' s business came from students, and that they benefitted from being located BORDERS BOOKS ' MUSIC CAFE near The Gap. It ' s going to help all of us, he said of the stores ' grouping. People are coming down to this destination; it tends to bring the entire family down. Commercialization in a town that supported its locals was a concern. Ellen Wise, manager of Arizona Trading Company, a buy- sell-trade establishment, said the new stores would be a positive addition to the community. If anything we ' re going to see more stuff, she said about her store ' s business. The more stores we have in town, the more variety we ' ll have. People have money and they ' ll want that outlet. I don ' t think if it had an adverse affect on Lawrence the community would support it, but this has always been a pro- local business town. Terah Davis, Bucklin junior, said she preferred the old eclectic flavor of Massachusetts Street. The local shops are quaint, and I think that maybe they could have put the trendy chain stores somewhere else in town, she said. The trend of commercialization on Massachusetts Street, however, added to the diverse sampling of stores. The shopping experience in Lawrence became richer with the additions; there truly was something for everyone. Left: Borders bookstore recently landed in Lawrence to the dismay of local lovers of The Raven bookstore. Right: Sylas and Maddy ' s gave national ice cream vendors a run for their money when it came to taste. Story by Amanda Hay Pho tos by Brad Dreier 13