Staples and Wal-Mart and Circuit City, Oh My!

Whether or not the people of Harrisonburg thought they needed a new shopping plaza, it's already here.

This brand-new shopping plaza in town is located just off of Route 33 East next to Shoney's Restaurant. Now every EMU student with a car has nearly any store he or she could possibly need within easy driving distance: Barnes and Noble, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Circuit City, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Ross's, Staples, Payless Shoe Store, Petco, and Michael's.

"Parking is horrible," said Becca Drooger from Swansea, Mass.

Tim Shenk of Harrisonburg added, "There are stop signs every 20 feet. It's pretty annoying."

There is also an older Wal-Mart located on Rt. 42 south of EMU. According to first-year Valerie Showalter of Linville, Va., the older Wal-Mart is the better one to choose to avoid the traffic and parking situation.

The new Wal-Mart has a McDonald's inside; one even has the option of ordering meals at the cash register before picking them up at the front of the store. This Wal-Mart also seems very EMU friendly. During the first week back at school, there was a sign displayed in the entrance-way announcing, "Welcome back, EMU!"

But Wal-Mart isn't the only store in this plaza, of course. In Circuit City, one can get computers along with other assorted devices for those who like to purchase new 'toys.'

At Barnes and Noble, one may peruse the enormous selection of books while sipping on a cappucino from the in-store Starbucks.

Bed, Bath and Beyond is an ideal location to find the obvious: items for the bedroom, bathroom, and beyond. These may include anything from rugs, organizers, and blenders to candles and soap. Anyone can find clothing at Ross's, pets at Petco, building supplies at Home Depot, and shoes at Payless.

The opportunities seem endless, although those who would like to carefully guard their cash need to take care, as prices aren't incredibly low. But a variety of stores, this new shopping plaza should fulfill most student needs.