The Hidden Gem of Middlesex

Uncovering some “bestsellers”, the philosophy behind the store’s arrangement of price, and delving into deeper aspects of our zebra den.

     Surrounded by the clamorous flurry of chattering students, a plain room, negligible at first sight, sits quietly amidst the hustle. Upon stepping into the room, however, one is immediately pervaded by brimming warmth and school spirit—the Middlesex school store. 

     With the dryness brought upon by the chilly weather, Middlesex’s Burt’s Bees lip balm, formerly neglected, has quickly amassed popularity among students. Some favorite flavors are pomegranate and dragon fruit, bringing not only moisturized and softened lips, but also a tint of sweetness into the bland winter ambiance. Sweatpants have also been an item of popularity in our school store to the extent that most have already sold out. However, our beloved school manager, Mrs. Gleason says there is no need to worry, as new sweatpants of a variety of sizes are soon coming in. She also reveals (spoiler alert!) that blankets of fluffy material suited for the harsh cold of New England winter will soon be in stock–just the thing to curl up with in your bed to read a good book on a snowy night! 

     However, as appealing as many of our school store’s products may seem, are the prices just as enticing? The central principle of a school store is to supply students with the freedom and convenience to acquire what they desire while maintaining school spirit by promoting its merchandise–if the majority of students are unwilling or unable to obtain items of necessity here because of the cost, then the purpose of a school store is defeated. I distinctly recall picking up a woolen hat in our store and almost instantly placing it back on its shelf, alarmed after seeing a price beyond my expected budget. However, one must also note that the cost of items meant for frequent use is quite affordable and relatively inexpensive: Middlesex notebooks, for instance, are only three dollars apiece. By keeping the price of products essential to everyday use at a modest level and slightly increasing the prices of non-daily items whose purpose is primarily for embellishment, our school store is working to find the balance between its needs and students’ needs. Mrs. Gleason further discloses the logic behind this arrangement in an interview, stating, “Our philosophy is not to gouge students. We raise the prices enough so we can cover the expenses, but not to make a profit.” Therefore, I think it's safe to conclude that despite a select few costly objects, one must admit that most items are reasonably priced and are within the limits of what we, as students, can afford. 

     Apart from the price, some students also complain about the small size of our school store. Especially during times like the start of the school year and family weekend, the confined space can be packed to the brim with eager customers, leaving barely any room for people to browse. Many also argue that an enlarged space, in addition to providing a less-crammed shopping experience, can accommodate a more broad variety and quantity of items. While these critics may have a point, these ideas of a more roomy layout may not align with Middlesex's style. Changing our store into a luxuriously spacious shop deviates from its original purpose of providing a sense of comfort–a sense of home. In essence, a small campus store offers more than just merchandise; it offers an opportunity to foster a more intimate experience, providing an atmosphere that resonates with close bonds and familiarity, akin to that of home. Perhaps analogous to the Middlesex society, a small yet tight-knit community that fosters a familial connection between each individual, the Middlesex school store serves the same purpose. 

Jessica Wu