CAMPUS AND AREA
University Daily Kansan, May 7, 1985
Page 10
Graduation gift sales grow
By BETH REITER Staff Reporter
Staff Reporter
Everything from cars to KU souvenirs are popular items for graduation gifts this year, local merchants said recently.
Car sales for graduation gifts have increased significantly from three years ago, John Smith, sales manager for Jack Ellena Buck-Oldsmobile GMC Inc., 2112 W. 29th Terrace, said recently.
"The dollars are there, while they weren't several years ago," Smith said.
Better job prospects and an improved economy might have an effect on whether parents give cars to graduates, Smith said.
SMITH SAID MANY parents
bought cars in Lawrence instead of their hometowns because the selection was good and it was more convenient to shop with their son or
Another big seller at graduation time is KU souvenirs, said Steve Ballew, floor clerk in the gift department at the Kansas Union
"Generally, that's when some of the more expensive stock goes." Ballew said. "This probably is one of our higher sales periods."
The most popular gifts are diploma frames, brass desk sets, watches and graduation rings. Ballew said. Many graduates buy souvenirs for themselves as reminders of their years here.
SUSAN YOUNGER supply
department manager for the Jayhawk
Bookstore, 1420 Crescent Rd. said sweaters, glassware calculators, pen sets and books about Kansas were the most popular graduation gifts.
Gift sales go up because of graduation, Younger said. Her customers spend an average of $20 on a graduation gift.
B. J. Pattee, director of membership development and professional societies for the University of Kansas Alumni Association, said many parents gave Alumni Association memberships to graduates.
And Pattée said more than 300 seniors had joined on their own this year. Seniors may buy annual memberships for $14 before they graduate, Pattée said. Some parents buy life memberships, which cost $500, for graduates.
The
Jayhawker Yearbook is in!!!
Distribution will be in front of the Kansas Union and on Wescoe Beach
on Wescoe Beach
Tuesday, May 7-Thursday, May 16 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost is $22
Arensberg's Salutes KU Students!
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the KU students for their patronage this year. We also would like to congratulate the seniors for all their hard work. Graduation is just around the corner, so why not reward yourself with a new pair of shoes from Arensberg's!
ARENSBERG'S SHOES
Quality Footwear for the whole family since 1958.
We're on the move.
819 Massachusetts Downtown Lawrence 843-3470
Come and Join Us Fantastic Deli Food
Full line of Deli Sandwiches.
Full line of Deli Sandwiches. Premium bottled beer, domestic & imported Homemade cheesecakes and Frozen dessert yogurt.
Full Service for your
Graduation
Beat the heat. Work out in cool comfort!
Summer Student Membership Special only $45
includes the following:
Universal & Free Weights
Whirlpools & Saunas
towel & locker service
lifecycles
professional instruction & more!
2500 West Sixth Street Lawrence, Kansas
(913) 841-7230
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Sunglasses by:
Leather Jacket by:
The Etc. Shop
843-0611
732 Mass.