Students often complain about lackluster shopping options in South Bend, but the recent opening of Urban Outfitters at Eddy Street Commons marks a new retail choice for even the savviest shoppers.
The store, which opened Thursday, is a welcome addition to the other Eddy Street Commons shops, junior Shannon Hughes said after browsing clothing racks between classes.
"It's really exciting to have a more trendy store around here," she said. "University Park Mall has some good options, but the location of Urban Outfitters is so much more convenient."
Eddy Street Commons, located within walking distance of Notre Dame campus, has made shopping easier, Hughes said.
"This is great for the underclassmen, and especially the freshmen, who can't have cars on campus," Hughes said. "They don't have to worry about taking a bus or finding a ride."
Store Manager Erik Zimmerman said business has been steady since the retailer's opening.
"I hope to see a surge of activity from the visitors on campus this upcoming football weekend," he said.
Eddy Street Commons' newest outlet not only provides an exciting new shopping location for students, but also signifies the expansion of the Commons, Lori Wick, Eddy Street Commons marketing director said.
"We've seen a lot of development in the last few years," Wick said. "Hopefully it will continue to grow in years to come."
Wick also named a few new businesses that will open in the coming months.
"McAlister's Deli is set to open in September, and Brothers Bar & Grill will be opening at the end of October," she said.
Another business, whose name has yet to be announced, will likely open its doors at Eddy Street Commons this fall as well.
"With all the new shops, Eddy Street is starting to become another hangout for students," Wick said.
In the past, students have expressed a need for such a "hangout," an off-campus place of their own where they do not have to worry about disturbing the residents of South Bend, junior Kathryn Andersen said.
"Notre Dame doesn't really have its own college town around it, like so many other schools do," she said. "There are plenty of little stores spread throughout South Bend, but the people who live here probably don't appreciate us taking over their town."
Many people see Eddy Street Commons as a simple solution, she said.
"Hopefully it will continue to develop so we can have more of our own place, with bars, shops and restaurants," Andersen said.
