Faculty, students, and staff of Loma Linda University Health are benefiting from an Apple retail store located within the Barnes & Noble Campus Store. According to Vincent Garcia, manager, computer sales, anyone who is employed by Loma Linda University or LLU Medical Center may now purchase Apple computers at the company’s educational discount.
“Just eight years ago,” says Mr. Garcia, “Arthur Walls, who had overseen sales of Apple computers at the Campus Store, transferred to another department. After he left, no Apple products were sold here for about two-and-a-half years.”
Then six years ago Mr. Garcia, who had worked in computer sales at University of California, Riverside, was recruited by the Loma Linda University Foundation to bring the Apple authorized store back to the campus.
Mr. Garcia is employed by the Loma Linda University Foundation, which was established to conduct nonacademic activities for the university, including managing endowment funds and other investments, real estate, and retail and service departments.
“When computers and software used in departments on our campus are purchased from our own Apple store,” he says, “it helps the foundation as it keeps profits that would otherwise have been spent off campus within our organization. These funds help support activities and work that takes place throughout our campus.”
The Apple authorized store has been designed to replicate the modern look and feel of Apple retail stores. The space features clean lines and high-tech tables displaying the latest Apple products such as Macs, iPods, and iPads (including the iPad Mini). Software is also available for purchase. “Though the LLU student body is about 80 percent smaller than University of California, Riverside,” he says, “our sales are about the same.
“I welcome all staff of Loma Linda University Health to stop by and browse,” he says. “We can order any Apple product that’s not available in the store.” In addition, if there is sufficient interest, computer classes may be offered in the future. The store is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Anyone needing repairs to his or her Apple products may bring them to the store. Repairs are made off campus, and computers are usually returned within three or four days. The Apple authorized store partnered with the Barnes & Noble Campus Store in December 2012, and it participated in the Campus Store’s ribbon-cutting ceremony and re-opening celebration on Friday, February 15.
