On 29 August 2012, The SMU Shop celebrated its grand opening with a symbolic ribbon-cutting by a beaming SMU President Professor Arnoud De Meyer, Senior VP for Finance Mr Sim Teow Hong and VP for Corporate Communications & Marketing Mr Alan Goh, amidst a fanfare of lively music, balloons, confetti, food and drink, and performances by SMU’s very own cheerleaders, Flare.
Conceived and designed as a concept shop to provide more than a refreshing, innovative and trendy store, it hopes to provide a unique shopping experience that would foster a greater sense of identity, spirit and pride within the university community through a common bond – our love for the SMU Brand.
Appealing to students, alumni, faculty and staff as well as local and overseas guests, opinion leaders and visitors to the city campus, The SMU Shop stocks a wide range of university merchandise, memorabilia and “must-have” limited edition items. These items were also popular amongst our freshmen at SMU Convocation as well as Night Festival goers who flocked to The SMU Shop till it closed at midnight.
Ms Shirley Goh, Manager at the Office of Undergraduate Admissions echoed the views of many when she said, "The SMU Shop is something we have been waiting for. I'm delighted that it is finally here!"
Said SMU President Prof Arnoud De Meyer, ”The SMU Shop is an example of the SMU Team Spirit – the collaborative effort of the Offices of Corporate Communications and Marketing, Campus Development, and Finance.
We gave our undergraduates the opportunity to participate in the setting up of this enterprise. They were involved in the design of the ‘look and feel’ of the shop, negotiations with vendors and in designing, sourcing and pricing of the merchandise. Some of them are now helping to run the shop.
I am happy to note that just four weeks into its opening, the shop has attracted some 5,500 visitors and sold close to 5,000 items. Many SMU colleagues have given the shop their enthusiastic endorsement by purchasing items, either for themselves and to support activities for their schools or offices. This is a very good start for The SMU Shop. Congratulations to all!
Agreeing with the President’s comments, Alan revealed, “I detect a feeling of wonderment and joy when our customers buy something that is associated with the SMU Brand. We hope they will make this feeling permanent by buying not only for themselves but as gifts and souvenirs for others – friends, families, and associates. Share the SMU Brand and the joy it brings: ‘Pass It On’’, which is also the motto of our shop.”
President Arnoud affirmed, “The SMU Shop is an excellent way to building our brand and fostering relationship. I am confident that it will, over time, become an important icon on our campus.”
SMU President Professor Arnoud De Meyer (centre), Senior VP for Finance Mr Sim Teow Hong (on the right) and VP for Corporate Communications & Marketing Mr Alan Goh (on the left) officially open The SMU Shop.
Well-wishers and customers browsing for their favourite items with the SMU brand name.
The tireless efforts of Mr Alan Goh (back row, right), Mr Benny Toh, Head of Corporate Marketing (front row, third from right), Corporate Marketing team members and our students in setting up shop.
The SMU Shop at SMU Convocation 2012, giving Freshmen the chance to get their favourite SMU merchandise early.
The SMU Shop was opened during Night Festival 2012 (24, 25, 31 August & 1 Sep), allowing festival goers to experience the SMU brand.