Staff Credits Managing Editor Andrea Larson News Editor Colleen O’Grady Culture Editor Kathleen DeVere Sports Editor Vacant Photo Editor Teryn De Smet Production Coordinator Travis Alexander Ad Manager Dave Mahoney Copy Ape Mark Rose Contributors Diane Hypolite Heather Simms Rory Conroy Destrudo Shawn Jackson Matt Williams Stephanie Wilson Rory Conroy Lorenzo Sia Other Information Over The Edge is the offi- cial publishing media of stu- dents at the University of Northern British Columbia. As such we are required to report on issues of interest to students in the Northern Region. We can be reached by several methods as outlined below and encourage all students, both those on the main campus and regional campuses, to take part in Over The Edge. Phone: (250) 960-5633 Fax: (250) 960-5407 E-mail: over-the-edge @ unbc.ca Address: Over The Edge 3333 University Way__ Out of the Spotlight (continued) (continued from page 7) sons who were students away from home, she feels concern, especially for First Years. She says first year is “so hard” emotionally, and at this time of year she always finds someone crying in the washroom. She tries to be the “friendly face” that she hopes someone else was for her sons, although she does- n't want to baby students, who are after all adults. Ms. Berg does a great deal of research on the gen- eral merchandise to keep up with the trends. She is always on the lookout for “new, interesting and afford- able” goods, such as novelty candles. Candles have been really hot the last two years, but now that they are avail- able everywhere, the book- store will be stocking fewer plain candles and more nov- elty, such as the “electric can- dle’, as well as interesting candle holders. The trends vary from year to year, so she always watches sales for such decisions as Far Side greeting cards versus the sentimental ones, or sports wear versus more fashion- Three Lines Free able clothes. The bookstore’s pricing system is a simple three-level price point system. For those of us not in Business, that means that they stock three levels of merchandise, which the bookstore refers to as Good, Better, Best. A basic sweatshirt would be Good, one in a nice colour with a logo would be Better, and a Gap or Eddie Bauer would be Best and would also be in the store window. Most stock is in the Better category. Bargains come in two styles: items that are “off-price’, i.e. on sale, and items that are “good price point’, or always relatively low-cost. The bookstore does not sell sec- onds, but it does have clear- ance sales. Right now all clothing is either on a sales special or on a clearance, and that’s as good a bargain as the store offers. As well as watching the long-term trends, Ms. Berg watches the seasons. The store has a marketing plan to follow. Right now, hooded sweatshirts are big, but that’s a fall item. Come winter, high-end sweatshirts will be more _ popular. Little Thanksgiving presents, such as pens with the UNBC logo, are selling well this week. As students gear up _ for midterms, demand for candy, pop .and juice skyrockets. After midterms, study aids and reference books, as well as presentation aids, will be in demand. The bookstore is also. shifting from a Dictionaries display this week to a focus on Essay Writing. The cornerstore always stocks a wide variety of snacks, such as soup cups, mashed potatoes, and pop- corn, and all your favorite junk food, whether it’s mini Reese’s pieces, Cheezies, or Pringles. The store also car- ries individual tea bags. One group of merchandise they hope to sell less of is cold remedies. Last year was a bad year for colds and flu at UNBC, but Ms. Berg hopes students will get flu shots this year. The quiet season is sum- mer. Although the Cornerstore is closed, there are no layoffs. The regular employees work on various projects and take holidays. The bookstore currently has ten regular employees, including Ms. Berg, and four student aides during the school year, as well as a list of four casuals. | Ms. Berg tries to keep the bookstore a relaxing place, which is why the music centre is there. Since the bookstore was built with no PA system, it would have been expensive to put in, but music creates a nice ambiance for people to sit and browse. Some does sell, and like so much of the merchandise, it sells in spurts. The peak period for music is once people are set- tled in to the year, and this is one item where the main market isn’t students. Much of the music is bought by University staff. Mardeana Berg loves working here. She says 99.9% percent of the customers are pleasant, and the rare instance of abuse to staff is shocking because it is so rare that it is as unexpected as it is inap- propriate. The environment is noticeably nicer than regu- lar retail. Ms. Berg finds it positive, exciting, and high- energy, as well as a beautiful physical setting—her dream job. The views expressed in this section are not those of Over The Edge. A simple message for all the world: Peace | think it is inappropriate for facilities to be putting up an american flag by security 3 weeks after Sept 11. | feel for the tragedy but we are not them. Cody, you suck! -kathleen Vote in the NUGSS election Why am | always so tired? Help me! | like metal. Why don’t the bars ever play any darned metal? If | wanted to hear crap, | could turn on the radio! Ignorance is bliss, especially for those who manipulate the ignorant. | want a snack. - High mucky muck Sorry, | ate all of mine. - The other guy There’s something about drunk professors that just makes me laugh. _ Have something to say? Cae Rai Over The Edge welcomes all a to the Editor and attempts Subetscione may be wil h ta ae date due to special restrictions. Over The Edge 1eld printed at reserves the right to edit fe spelling, grammar, or content and withhold, in whole or in part any Letter to the Editor. Anonymous letters will not be printed in any way shape or form. Send submissions to: Over The Edge, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9 or E-mail: over-the-edge @unbc.ca or - Drop by our office across from the Wintergarden.