In a building a few miles away from campus on Estes Drive, used University computers, furniture, pianos and graduation gowns sit. But these items, once full of UNC energy and memories, are not collecting dust. Instead, they are waiting for their new home in UNC’s Surplus Retail Store.
The store, UNC Surplus, sells all of these University materials for $500 or less to the public or other campus departments. The initiative aims to prevent an abundance of unused property from being dumped in a junkyard.
“We don't have to take it to the landfill,” said Al Jeter, surplus property officer. “Someone's getting some use out of it and at a reasonable price.”
The store began operation 14 years ago when there was no way to dispose of excess property, Jeter said. Now UNC Surplus aims to provide the community, including students, with these items while bringing in revenue.
“For people who cannot afford the brand new price, our price is very affordable,” said Jessica Strickland, capital asset manager. “Even if you go to a thrifty store, you probably cannot find nice stuff like ours. A lot of campus staff and students benefit with refrigerators, tables and chairs. It benefits the students the most.”
Jeter and surplus cashier Rose Luley named a couple of the most intriguing items ever brought into the store, including mannequins and false teeth from a dental office.
“Those were really a big hit for us,” Jeter said of the mannequins.
The mannequins and false teeth, along with all the other items and furniture available, serve those in the community looking for a cheaper price and some UNC history.
No matter what campus departments are looking to part with, there is a place for it at UNC Surplus.
