Holiday treat: Apple Store opens in UK Bookstore on Wednesday

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By Laura Karr

The Student Center is making room for one apple that is no longer forbidden to campus.

The UK Bookstore is unveiling Lexington’s first Apple Store Wednesday.  However, only UK students, faculty and staff will be able to purchase computers and software offered at the store.

The store will offer special discounts for items such as laptops, desktops, software, iPods and other Apple accessories.

“Computers will range from $50 to $300 cheaper than the retail stores,” said Kevin McClurg, manager of the bookstore’s trade section and Apple Store.

Between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. demonstrations will be given and a random drawing will be held for an iPod Touch.

The opening will include sales such as an “Apple Holiday Bundle” deal for the UK community, which includes a MacBook, an AppleCare warranty plan, a Hewlett-Packard printer, laptop sleeve and portable laptop lock. The deal saves students, faculty and staff $344, according to a UK Bookstore flier.

Having the store located on campus will make it much more convenient for students with technical issues, said Adam Griggs, a civil engineering senior.

“The great thing about having an Apple Store on campus is that if I have a problem with my Apple computer, I can bring it here instead of sending it away to a different store,” Griggs said.

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In addition to the Apple Store grand opening, the store will be hosting a UK faculty and staff appreciation event, said UK Bookstore manager Sally Wiatrowski. Approximately 9,000 faculty and staff were invited to take part in a 20 percent discount on UK gifts and apparel.

Wiatrowski said while she hopes the Apple Store will attract faculty and staff, there are no special deals for them during the grand opening.

“We know we can sell to students … they utilize us more everyday,” Wiatrowski said. “We want to try to bring in an audience that may not utilize us as much.”