THIBODAUX — Nicholls State University students, employees and campus visitors have a new option for quick, convenient access to hot and cold drinks, snacks, grab-and-go meals and other home staples. The Grid, a brand-new convenience store concept and the first of its kind in North America, is now open in the Bollinger Memorial Student Union.
The store will hold a public grand opening celebration at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5 with a ribbon cutting, cake, games, samples and prizes. The Grid is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays.
Located in the middle of the student union and near the university bookstore, The Grid was designed with student convenience in mind. The store sells a wide selection of fresh and packaged foods, drinks, snacks, candy and frozen foods, as well as home goods to keep students comfortable and well supplied in their residence halls without ever leaving campus.
In addition to the store, a large portion of The Grid is devoted to the student community, with a bulletin board for campus announcements and a communal charging station for laptops, cell phones and tablets. With bar-style tables and chairs surrounding 30 electrical outlets — including two stations that are handicapped accessible — students can plug in and charge their devices for as long as they like.
“We’ve added new business to the union, and it’s something students have already embraced,” said Brenda Haskins, executive director of auxiliary services at Nicholls State University. “The store is stocked with things they can pick up to use in their apartments or dorm room. They can grab something to eat, sit and talk, work on their computers, study or play games.”
