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Low prices led to long lines outside the USC Bookstore’s “Blowout Sale,” leaving students frustrated but undeterred.
“People are trying to get merch, get their school spirit on,” said Chelsea Peña, a freshman majoring in Law, History and Culture.
With apparel on sale for as low as $2, the “Blowout Sale” caused line waits lasting longer than two hours and has the surplus sale in need of a restock.
“Yesterday we actually ran out of a whole bunch of stuff. Like small, mediums, larges,” bookstore employee Kelvin Blanks said. “But we told people that we will get more sizes in the next day.”
Despite the hassle, several students said they were determined to get the chance to rummage through cardboard boxes filled with discounted merchandise.
“I’m really excited to get to be here,” said Manuel Solis, a junior majoring in theater with an emphasis in acting, despite being just halfway through the line after waiting almost two hours.
Blanks recommended students arrive at 6:30 a.m. for the 8 a.m. opening of the final day of the sale.
“If you want to get the size you’re looking for or the product that you’re looking for: hats, sweaters, shoes, sweatpants, all that, get here early,” he said.
For many, including occupational therapy doctorate student Aubrey Langer, that advice came too late. “I’ve been waiting for two and a half hours,” said Langer as she finally reached the entrance.
The growing line wrapped around the field in front of Marks Hall, heading towards the Widney Alumni House.
Langer said she woke up at 6 a.m., caught the shuttle at 7 a.m. and arrived at 7:30 a.m. to find what was already a long line.
“And it just kept getting longer,” she said.
Behind her, Solis was not sure he would make it in. “I just got tons of classes. I don’t know how long I’ll be able to wait here,” Solis said. As a transfer student, this is his first year at USC and he was particularly excited to purchase merchandise as a new student.
“There’s tons of spirit, especially compared to my other school. A lot of people are really passionate about school,” Solis said.
Blanks explained that the employees allowed groups of 10-12 people in at a time, depending on how busy the room got. There is also no limit on the number of items students can purchase.
The sale ends Thursday, Sept. 8 and runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.