Gators now have a new place for their Swamp-decor needs.
Kirkland’s, a chain home-decor store, opened Sept. 1 in Butler Plaza. The new location replaced half of the building that belonged to Barnes and Noble until it closed nearly two years ago.
“Kirkland’s is a unique store because we pride ourselves on making the customer feeling welcome,” said David Malta, a store manager.
The store opened Sept. 1 for a family-and-friends event, announced through word of mouth, but it will host a grand opening on Saturday.The event, which will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., will feature a raffle for gift cards, snacks and refreshments, and coupons valid only for that day.
“So far, from the time between the soft opening and the grand opening, we’ve had a wide range of customers from college students to senior citizens,” Malta said. During this period, management trained new employees and improved the store’s layout for the grand opening.
The store will soon add more orange-and-blue items to accommodate the Gator spirit in apartments and dorms.
“Specifically for Gainesville, we have Lake Wauburg artwork (for sale),” Malta said. “I expect we are going to get more University of Florida theme-type merchandise.”
For some students, the grand opening will be a chance to add to their new college rooms.
“I am so excited to make my dorm room look incredible, and I’m looking forward to getting new decorations at the grand opening,” said Merin Thomas, 18, a UF biology freshman.
The store also offers employment opportunities for students. Aurora Lillard, a Kirkland’s sales associate and UF English junior, said she felt the management at Kirkland’s appreciates her academic workload.
“I like working here,” Lillard, 21, said. “Because it’s a new store, it is more tight-knit. We all built up the store together.”
The new Kirkland’s home decor store opened in Butler Plaza on Sept. 1. Its grand opening will take place on Saturday.
