Albertson’s, located in the Seville Shopping Center, held a pep rally with members of the cheerleading squad, Lionettes and Spirit of the South Marching Band along with Roomie.
“It was a project in the works for probably five years and we are just trying to partner up with Southeastern because we know that Southeastern does a lot for the community,” said Kevin Brunelle, manager of Albertson’s.
Winners of the Southeastern Spirit Award, Albertson’s has started filling its store with various Southeastern themed items, from t-shirts and shorts to plates and cups. Their selection is located in front of the store, in the northwest entrance.
“As far as I’m concerned, when you’re hooked up with the college, that’s good for both sides,” said Brunelle. “I just think that when you do something like this, you get it back in return.”
Anyone who wears a shirt that says “Southeastern” can receive 10 percent off of merchandise on Saturdays with the exception of alcohol and tobacco. The idea came from a Dallas location, where people who wore Dallas Cowboys items received a similar deal.
“Now, if you look at our selection, there is no one who has a selection like us, especially at the prices, which are half of the bookstore,” said Brunelle
Brunelle spoke of a band member who was playing at the event that came up to him and asked if they were hiring, which shows the influence that Albertson’s is trying to create.
“We employ 10 to 15 college students a year from Southeastern,” said Brunelle.
A crowd gathered in the front of the store, where cheerleaders and Lionettes cheered on as the band played Southeastern and other songs.
“It was fun with everyone playing, especially ‘Hey Baby,’ it never gets old,” said Liliana Quezada, a freshman business major.
Brunelle stressed that he wants Albertson’s to become a place where college students go for their needs.
“I thought it was awesome,” said Brunelle. “We just want to create a place where this could be called ‘the college store.'”