USD to Host Open House for Downtown Charlie's Store on July 19
The ribbon cutting and open house event will celebrate recent renovations to the downtown Charlie's location, which is housed in McVicker Plaza on 2 E. Main Street. Previously, Charlie's shared the first floor of McVicker Plaza with the Vermillion Area Chamber and Development Company (VCDC), but with the new renovations, Charlie's will occupy the entire first floor and have more space for merchandise.
"We are excited to celebrate the expansion of our downtown Charlie's store," said Scott Pohlson, vice president of enrollment, marketing/university relations and student services. "Charlie's has evolved so much over the years, and it wouldn't be what it is today without the unwavering support of the VCDC and the local Vermillion community.
“Having our local community wearing Coyote gear is such a fun and important measurement for growing the USD brand,” Pohlson continued. “The relationship between USD and Vermillion is in a great spot, and moments like these are a reminder of how important our relationship is for the continued success of Vermillion. Thank you Vermillion and Go Yotes.”
"The Vermillion Area Chamber and Development Company is excited to celebrate Charlie's with a ribbon cutting ceremony," said Jim Peterson, VCDC president & CEO. "It's a pleasure to have our offices in the same building, and their proximity is a continuous reminder of the strong connection between the University of South Dakota and the Vermillion business community."
Before it had a storefront on Vermillion’s Main Street, Charlie’s made a home in Sioux Falls. The USD apparel store entered the retail market in 2013 with a cart in the Sioux Falls Empire Mall. From there, Charlie’s continued sales in Sioux Falls, selling USD gear and apparel from several different locations in the Sioux Falls Empire Mall over the span of five years.
In 2016, Charlie’s opened its doors in downtown Vermillion at 2 E. Main Street. This location housed the store for just one year until the 1884 building went through significant renovations. During this time, the store occupied several different locations downtown until McVicker Plaza was completed. In 2018, Charlie's moved back in and has been at McVicker Plaza ever since.
In 2019, Charlie's opened a store on USD's campus in the Muenster University Center. The campus location added a bookstore, taking over for Barnes & Noble, which was the previous supplier for student textbooks on campus.
Since its beginning, Charlie’s has served as the official fan gear destination for USD Athletics and offers the largest and best selection of USD gifts and Coyote apparel. The store also helps support USD students, with a percentage of every purchase going back into USD student scholarships.
The public is invited to attend the ribbon cutting and grand opening event and can enjoy light refreshments and exclusive deals.
