YUSU today announced it will not be renewing its Market Square lease when it comes up for renewal in the final quarter of 2018, and will be closing YUSU Shop after the end of the current academic year.
YUSU President, Alex Urquhart, said “retail on campus for YUSU has been challenging for a number of years now and we believe we have reached the point where it is no longer financially viable to continue YUSU Shop in its current form.
“Rising costs, changing market trends and the emergence of online and local competition have been the main factors that have led to this decision being made.”
YUSU Shop currently sits next door to NISA in Market Square and offers a range of stationary and food options, allowing students to pick up vital YOYO points on their exam essentials.
Retail staff currently working in the venue will be offered redeployment opportunities, and student staff will be offered roles elsewhere in YUSU Commercial Services – which runs YUSU Bars such as Lounge, Courtyard, and Glasshouse, and The Kitchen@Alcuin.
Urquhart said “this decision, whilst difficult, is the right one for the organisation and its members. Look forward, we have every intention to continue some form of retail including an expansion of our online services. We are aware that student demands are changing and any future retail offer will be designed with this in mind.”
YUSU is working to identify how the current postal, bus ticket, and bike safety services offered by YUSU Shop can continue.
YUSU Shop is currently the only outlet on Heslington West where students can buy nationally circulated newspapers.
Urquhart concluded “we would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your custom over the years and we hope you continue to show your support for YUSU Shop throughout the rest of this academic year. If you have any questions or suggestions please do not hesitate to contact Alex Urquhart, [email protected] or YUSU Commercial Services, [email protected]”