Students can now show their Wildcat pride by purchasing ACU merchandise from Wal-mart.

Wal-mart began selling Wildcat merchandise at the beginning of last semester after acquiring approval from their vender and ACU. The retail store on U.S. Highway 351 sells a variety of products sporting the ACU logo including athletic shirts, sweatshirts, umbrellas, and ponchos.
The store manager, Kelly Greene, said she recognized the demand for ACU products, and she was glad Wal-mart finally decided to stock the merchandise.
“This store sells a lot of it, now. We worked hard to even just get [products with] ACU colors, ” Greene said. “We’re mostly a college store and try to cater to the college students.”
ACU shirts are typically $12 a piece and can be found at the front of the clothing section. Other products, such as umbrellas or travel pillows, are stocked in their respective sections throughout the store.
This merchandise is produced and sold independent from ACU.  However, Wal-mart does not seem to be stealing customers away from The Campus Store, said Scott Harsh, director of The Campus Store.
“I think it’s good for the ACU image to be out in the public, and I honestly don’t think it’s affecting the sales in the campus store,” Harsh said. “Wal-mart offers different products at a lower price, which usually means a lower quality.”
Students recognize the advantages and disadvantages of both retailers.
Mara Fleet, freshman graphic design major from Abilene said, “The Campus Store sells nicer designs and has a lot of variety, but Walmart fits a college student’s budget a little better.”
Walmart was required to receive a license from Strategic Marketing Affiliates before selling products carrying the ACU logo. SMA helps ACU monitor the use of the school logo in retail environments and protect the school’s image. In return, ACU receives payment for the use of their logo.
Wal-mart will continue to sell ACU merchandise and also attempt to manufacture a wider variety of products.
“We’re trying to get the vender to stock more ACU related things,” Greene said, “It’s possible to even get ACU fridges.”

By Marissa Jones