<p>I’ve heard from my son that Stepan Mall–the collection of vendors selling futons and dorm furnishings in Stepan Center Frosh O weeked–is marked up and the vendors considerably more expensive than Meier’s or Wal-Mart. (His freshman year, we did our shopping at Meier’s, which, considering how much stuff kids buy for their rooms these days, wasn’t too bad). </p>
<p>My daughter’s roommate wants to go halves on a futon from Stepan Mall. Is there much of a price difference, or are we better off talking them into going off campus to Meier’s or Wally World?</p>
<p>I’d appreciate any feedback about Stepan Mall’s selection, prices and vendors…</p>
<p>We did not use Stepan Mall–Meier’s , Target and Wal-Mart were a better bet for us. Of course, we had the transportation to get to those places easily as well. However, I do remember that many items went fast at those stores, as well. I would be willing to bet that the prices at Meiers, etc are much cheaper, but then again, Stepan Mall is convenient!</p>
<p>I have used Stepan a couple times in the past. The items are marked up, but then again, vendors sell a lot of higher end merchandise there. I am not sure if there is really such thing as high end plastic shelving, but vendors find a way to sell it at Stepan. You would be better off going to Wal-Mart or Meier for something that should be as simple and inexpensive as plastic shelving, clothes hangers, and desk lamps.</p>
<p>However, there is one bargain that students should take advantage of. Carpeting is fairly inexpensive and vendors have a decent variety in stock. And the fact that Stepan is located on campus makes moving the heavy cylinders fairly easy. </p>
<p>Stepan is also where you need to go if you want to set up a cable TV package in your dorm or lease a DVR. Computer vendors are also there as are poster and picture salesmen.</p>
<p>I would not recommend “going halves” on the futon. If your daughter and her roommate decide not to room together next year, they have a problem as to who gets it.</p>
<p>I’m not a fan of the going halves deal, either. They each agreed to who would buy and wholly own the rest of the stuff–my daughter is bringing the frig (actually buying up there), her roomie is bringing a TV. Thing is, though, at the end of a year, a frig or TV is as functional as it was to start. Futons, meanwhile, tend to depreciate…</p>
<p>Haha, speaking of carpet, anyone know how much carpet goes for at stepan? I just got a deal for carpet for two of our rooms (we have a 3 room quint) for 185 dollars and i dunno if thats a good deal or not.</p>