The wait is over for students who want to buy Southeastern gear in stores off campus. Businesses around Southeastern have begun to carry green and gold gear in support of the university, as well as its athletic teams.

As opposed to previous years, businesses such as Wal-Mart, Academy, Walgreens and Albertson’s have stocked up on Southeastern-themed apparel and merchandise. Some stores have simply started selling basic apparel such as T-shirts, sweaters and sweatpants while some stores, such as Albertson’s, have taken the movement further by bringing in other merchandise, such as wall plaques and flags.

“We have been trying to get partnered with Southeastern in all the time I have been here,” said Kevin Brunell, store director of the Albertson’s on W. Thomas Street. “We have women’s and men’s T’s, sweatshirts, hats, wall plaques, flags, mugs and drinking glasses.”

Brunell explained that his store has expanded their selection of Southeastern gear since the previous year. Additionally, students journeying to these stores around campus will find that the price is more than competitive with the Southeastern bookstore.

While the bookstore carries gear that can only be found on campus, students simply looking for a normal and inexpensive Southeastern shirt or sweater can save a little bit of money while showing their support for the university by shopping at these stores.

When asked about where they choose to buy Southeastern gear, many students answered that price was the most important factor in choosing a place to shop.

“Price is always the main thing,” said Ryan Welsh, a junior psychology major, when asked why he likes to shop off campus.

Alexis Rodrigue, a sophomore majoring in early childhood education, expressed her willingness to buy gear off campus as long as stores are “selling it cheaper than they are in the Union.”

Brunell explained that selling Southeastern gear is a way to support the school and bring students in to shop.

“We have been trying to make this the Southeastern store of choice,” Brunell said. “We have a 10 percent discount on apparel on Saturdays with a Southeastern ID.”

Additionally, Brunell said that he wants to see more students come in and show their support for the university.

“We want to support the college,” Brunell said. “We want the kids who go to Southeastern to come down to Albertson’s and see that we are supporting them because we offer stuff at a better deal.”