Big changes are underway at the heart of campus. The Stony Brook University Campus Store has been completely reimagined, bringing fresh energy, bold design and a renewed commitment to serving the Seawolf community. Spearheaded by the Auxiliary Services Association (ASA), the transformation includes a vibrant new look, an enhanced shopping experience and a name that says it all: SBU Campus Store.
Formerly known as Shop Red, the newly rebranded SBU Campus Store reflects its role as the official destination for licensed apparel, school supplies, custom merchandise and spirited gifts. With a refreshed layout, brighter interiors and student-focused features, including soft seating and an open lounge area near Starbucks, the store blends style and function to create a welcoming social hub. Designed to highlight how products fit into everyday campus life, the revitalized space delivers school pride, convenience and value.
Karla Gibbs, an integral member of the SBU Campus Store team, now serves as the director of retail operations. With more than 20 years of retail experience and a strong track record of service excellence, Gibbs brings a dynamic, entrepreneurial spirit to the role. Her Stony Brook journey includes launching the café at the Southampton campus, managing the former East Campus store and now leading the SBU Campus Store in the Melville Library. Passionate about innovation and engaging with guests, she is dedicated to enhancing the campus retail experience and building meaningful connections throughout the university.
“We want the store to be an inclusive gathering space that offers a welcoming environment with brighter lighting, refreshed interiors, improved traffic flow, efficient checkout, and an intuitive, guest focused layout. Our exceptional team is committed to creating a memorable shopping experience where every member of the Seawolf community feels valued and supported,” stated Diana Kubik, executive director, Auxiliary Services Association.
One of the standout features of the reimagined SBU Campus Store is the all-new inspirational gifts section, featuring feel-good items such as stylish stationery, coasters, artistic mugs and eco-friendly totes. The store also carries handcrafted creations by Stony Brook students discovered through ASA artisan markets, such as lip gloss, jewelry, custom stickers, crocheted animals and plush keychains, making it easy to find a unique and meaningful gift.
As part of the store’s transformation, the traditional cash register station has been replaced with mobile point-of-sale technology, allowing staff to assist guests from anywhere within the store. This modern, flexible approach streamlines the checkout experience, reduces wait times and makes it easier than ever to ring up purchases, meeting guests where they are and enhancing overall service.
Since assuming self-operation of the store in July 2024, the Auxiliary Services Association has played a key role in accelerating the growth of Stony Brook University’s licensing program, particularly through the development of innovative, on-trend branded merchandise. At the forefront of this creative evolution is the ASA’s in-house designer, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications Denise Salzman, who has introduced exclusive T-shirt collections that reflect both current fashion trends and campus spirit. These designs have helped establish a distinct store identity and quickly become top sellers among students, alums and fans.
Building on this incredible momentum, Salzman expanded the fall product lineup to feature custom SBU photo mugs, magnets, coasters, and varsity jackets, and an eye-catching new T-shirt wall that proudly displays her latest creations.
Salzman also partnered with ASA Staff Accountant Hannah Van Middelem to develop new athletic apparel. “I felt it was important to deepen the store’s connection to student-athletes and the broader fanbase,” stated Van Middelem. “As former collegiate athletes, Denise and I brought our firsthand experience of the athletic mindset into the design process. We know how vital it is for athletes to wear apparel that not only looks great but also reflects their dedication and team pride. Our goal was to create pieces that perform well and also resonate with all Seawolves, capturing the energy and spirit that unite our community.”
The SBU Campus Store proudly supports the talented artists of Stony Brook University by featuring student-designed apparel both in-store and online. This unique program offers more than just a creative outlet, it provides students with real-world experience, portfolio-building opportunities and valuable exposure across campus and beyond. As an added benefit, student designers earn $5 for every shirt sold, turning their creativity into both recognition and reward.
“By hosting T-shirt design contests each semester, we have empowered students to tell their story about what Stony Brook means to them. This exclusive merchandise creates products that students want, and we are proud to showcase their work through retail signage, displays, and marketing materials,” stated Salzman.
The SBU Campus Store proudly offers a custom ordering program. This service delivers high-quality, affordable and officially licensed Stony Brook and Seawolves apparel designed specifically for campus departments, student clubs and organizations. With a wide range of styles, colors and customization options, each order is produced with personalized attention, expert design guidance and dependable service from start to finish.
Guided by Director of Engagement and Guest Experience Dawn Villacci, the SBU Campus Store is committed to making every interaction extraordinary. By hosting dynamic events and engaging student focus groups, the store listens closely to the campus community to tailor services and experiences that meet their needs. Through a variety of programs, workshops and activities, the team creates a welcoming environment where students feel connected and involved, ensuring the SBU Campus Store is more than just a place to shop, it’s a place to belong.