The well-known clothing company Brandy Melville has opened a branch near the University of Arizona campus in Main Gate Square. The store is a fast-fashion brand widely recognized for its reasonably priced and trendy women’s clothing.
The opening came as a surprise to many, as the company announced its arrival on the Brandy Melville United States Instagram page just a day before the store opened to the public. The caption read, “Hey Tucson! Opening tomorrow at 12 pm”
Located at 845 E. University Blvd., the Tucson store is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from noon to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Its convenient hours and central location make it especially accessible to students, offering a quick shopping option between or after classes.
The store is within walking distance of several dormitories, apartments, clothing boutiques and restaurants along University Boulevard.
Opening day saw hundreds of students lining up to check out the new location. The Tucson Brandy Melville is one of only two stores in the state, with the other located in Scottsdale.
The new store brings a fresh assortment of clothing styles to campus.
“UA students are known for their full out style when it comes to nightlife, however, athleisure is the go-to for classes and during the day,” Sydney Sutton, UA TREND marketing field director, said. “I believe Brandy Melville will provide easy access to affordable, comfy clothing many UA students will be wearing.”
Sutton serves on the Fashion Events Board of TREND, a fashion club on campus. Like many other UA students, she had heard rumors about a Brandy Melville opening but didn’t expect it to be so close to campus. While new clothing stores can influence general fashion trends at the university, Sutton doesn’t believe the opening will impact TREND, especially as the club is currently in the midst of its annual fashion week.
“I don’t believe the new opening will impact our club in any way as we solely put on fashion related events but I do think it could provide us with a possible partnership or collaboration in the future,” Sutton said.
With several popular boutiques just around the corner, the new store will be competing with a variety of clothing styles and brands on University Boulevard. UA students now have the opportunity to shop at Brandy Melville alongside these local boutiques, giving them a wider selection of apparel and accessories.
“Although they are somewhat of a competition to the small business boutiques on University Boulevard, they offer a more laid back kind of style as opposed to going-out attire,” Sutton said.
Stay up to date with the latest trends by following the Brandy Melville Instagram page, or visit the store in person, conveniently located next to CVS Pharmacy and across the street from Starbucks on University Boulevard.
