The lack of retail stores near Bradley’s campus can be frustrating for students who don’t have a car. But that is soon to change. A new boutique, called Random, will open its doors this summer beneath Main Street Commons.
Random carries vintage-style clothing for reasonable prices. In addition, home ware and supplies for apartment living will also be sold, something Main Street Commons General Manager Greg Colwell said will be beneficial to Bradley students.
“It’s similar to an Urban Outfitters,” he said. “The apartment ware and house goods will fit [student] needs.”
The store opening underneath Main Street Commons will be Random’s second Peoria location, the other being in the Junction City shopping center. There is also a third Random store in South Carolina.
The boutique’s Junction City location provides a relaxed atmosphere, with brightly colored walls and retro paintings. It carries both men and women’s clothing, including brands like Jack by BB Dakota, Buffalo and Alternative Apparel.
Whether you’re an expert in fashion designers or not, Random provides something for everyone with graphic tees, jeans, dresses, skirts, hoodies, jewelry and bags.
Random owner Drew Hillman said the family-owned business will be twice the size of its Junction City location, around 1900 square feet.
“I think it’ll be a problem because I’ll be spending too much money,” said sophomore accounting major Kristina Koravin. “It’s cool that it is close to campus.”
With all the extra room, Hillman said Random has plans to reach out to students in more ways than just the apartment goods. Original Retro Brand, a California-based apparel company, is working with Random to make new, licensed Bradley clothing.
“We’ll be making Bradley clothes with a vintage feel to it,” Hillman said. “There will be t-shirts, hoodies and sweats. They will have a soft, worn feel.”
While the prices at Random may seem a little high to some students, for others it’s more reasonable. A stylish, bright yellow lace dress is $52, and men’s graphic bands tees including Nirvana, AC/DC and Led Zeppelin go for $32-36. Plus, the store offers a hip location for students to purchase clothes and house ware, all within walking distance.
“We were looking for something pedestrian and student friendly and the store suits both needs,” Colwell said. “It will generate foot traffic from St. James, the dorms and [the Main Street] complex. We’re looking forward to it and it will add to our building.”
Hillman said he’s excited to open the store near Bradley’s campus.
“The college age is in our target,” he said. “We hope to be a good fit there.”
Random is expected to open around June 1st. Students interested in working at the Main Street Random can pick up an in-store application at the Junction City location, or wait until the Main Street location opens.
“I’m going to go in and check it out,” said junior nursing major Emily Smith. “It sounds exciting and I think it will be cool.”
