In many American college towns, you will notice that beyond the borders of campus exist shops that help promote the school. Such vendors are located downtown, along Main Street and even within malls. These businesses improve relations between the college and the community, promote the image of that school to the public, and create more student jobs.
The University of Southern California maintains several apparel shops, assisting in the promotion of that popular USC brand; and the University of Memphis assists its athletics teams with revenue from the Tiger Store, located just blocks from the campus.
This Saturday, December 1, 49ers will join the Trojans, Tigers, and hundreds of other colleges and universities with the groundbreaking of “The Beach on Second Street.” The new Belmont Shore business will be owned and operated by the 49er Shops, Inc. – the same organization that runs the on campus bookstore, restaurants and residence hall dining services. Merchandise will be dedicated to CSULB apparel, gifts and tickets for performing arts and athletic events.
Most importantly, all apparel sold in the new store will reflect the signature black and gold image of Cal State Long Beach – a big improvement from the on-campus bookstore’s repertoire of red, purple, green and blue items that stick out like sore thumbs on students’ bodies.
This store becomes a reality thanks to a strong push by President F. King Alexander, although its conception came from a group of alumni long ago. Ironically, its location will serve a geography where many alumni reside. The Beach on Second Street takes the place of B.B. Harris, a men’s clothing store located between George’s Greek Restaurant and Belmont Station.
The general goal of the store is to instill greater Beach Pride in the Long Beach community. CSULB is one of the largest universities in California, educating about 36,000 students at any given time. Our Division I athletic teams are formidable, our academic programs are recognized nationally and internationally, and we have one of the highest foreign student populations in the 23 campus California State University (CSU) system.
Thanks to all stakeholders who assisted in making The Beach on Second Street a reality.