As advocates of sustainability, Grand Valley State University has adopted several methods over the years to reduce their environmental footprint. That’s why the GVSU Surplus Store was created.

On June 18, the GVSU Surplus Store will hold open hours for the first time since August 2015. Due to construction outside of the store, Rebecca Ramos, the assistant manager, said only scheduled appointments 30 minutes ahead of time were available throughout the school year.

“Now that the construction is winding down to the point where we can hold open sales again,” she said, “we will most likely, and I am not certain yet, have the Saturday open sales for the summer.”

Operating in downtown Grand Rapids, the store will be open from 9 a.m. until noon to students, staff and the general public. Ramos said the staff is considering holding open hours every Saturday throughout the summer.

“Since we are available for online sales, the business is always looking good for the store,” said Aaron Caccamo, senior strategic sourcing specialist for Procurement Services. “When we have in store sales, the store is always packed with happy customers looking for the next great deal and product.”

The Surplus Store sells products that have reached their shelf life, as well as serving as an avenue for educating students on business practices. Student workers adopts skills, such as inventory management, customer service and sustainability practices, along with reaching goals as a collective team.

Benefiting GVSU’s community members, Caccamo said the store aims to reduce landfill waste and properly dispose of expired items no longer able to use. All revenue is then returned to the university.

“The Surplus Store allows for the general public to buy these items at a reduced cost and all revenue after operating expenses will be put back into the university’s general fund,” Caccamo said. “Due to our revolving inventory, we always have many unique and fun items. We encourage our customers to check in on what’s new in terms of our inventory.”

Disposing of the university’s unused materials, Ramos said Apple products, furniture, appliances, kitchenware and office supplies are generally popular items and will be available at the Saturday sale.

Ever since the Surplus Store started business in 2013, Ramos said 22,904 pounds of e-waste and 167,699 pounds of scrap metal materials have been recycled. Scrap metal, she said, is generally dismantled metal parts on unused items such as desks or computers.

“We’re hoping there is a lot of anticipation for an upcoming sale,” she said. “At the sale, we will have a lot of furniture such as couches and kitchen appliances. People generally buy Apple products quickly. Projectors have been popular this year, as well.”

The GVSU Surplus Store is located at 140 Front St. in downtown Grand Rapids next to GVSU’s Seidman Center, and accepts online orders to be picked up in store year-round.

“Our goal for the summer is to hold more public sales,” Caccamo said, “and to provide our student workers with a great experience that will hopefully shape their lives, their professions and their societies.”

For those interested in shopping at the GVSU Surplus Store, Caccamo said upcoming sale dates for the summer and fall semesters will be released soon.

Students can remain updated on store hours via Facebook (GVSU Surplus Store) or Twitter (@GVSUsurplus), or by visiting www.gvsusurplusstore.com for more details.