A Village staple since 1970, the Discount Den could close by the end of the month, store manager Heather Seybold said. Its 50 cent sodas, selection of tobacco products and greek life apparel make it a beloved business to Ball State University students.
The exact closing date is unknown at this time, however, because prospective buyers had become interested, Seybold said.
"The best case scenario is that we'll stay open 'til December when our lease is up," she said.
Seybold said the buyers had talked with the Den's corporate office, and the owner has agreed to let them keep the Den name, but they would not be affiliated with Campustown, the current parent company of the Den.
However, Den employees have not heard back from them. If Campustown and the prospective buyers do not reach a deal or a buyer is not found, the Den will most likely close at the end of the month, Seybold said.
A slowing economy contributed to the decision, Den employee Patrick Glowaski said. They couldn't remain open and pay rent at the same time, he said.
"Business is so bad that I don't think we'll ever see (the Den) again," Glowaski said.
T.I.S. store manager Pam Suminski said it was hard to say if or how much they would benefit after the Den closed. She said she imagines if an increase in sales was shown, it would be from greek and sports clothing.
Suminski said T.I.S. would miss the Den employees after becoming friends with them over the years.
"I am sorry to see that there is going to be an empty business," Suminski said. "It's never a positive impression to have in a little shopping area. It gives people the idea that the area isn't a very desirable place to shop."
Seybold agreed that declining business aided in the closing of the Den, but school spirit was also a factor.
"Ball State's not a big sports school ... the students don't support the school as much as they do at IU or Purdue, so really the sales in clothing and merchandise with Ball State on it is just not there," Seybold said.
Furthermore, Seybold said the store does not receive as much support as other Campustown stores.
She said she's thankful for the regulars who come in every day for a soda, greek organization T-shirt or cigarettes. However, the closing is disappointing to her and the other Den employees.
"It's as if Ball State is losing a legacy, almost," Seybold said.
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