CJ’s prices are often seen as far too high and the inventory feels like the most expensive in Laramie when compared to other convenience stores
Assistant Manager of Dining Services Violet Rubin-Hodges said on prices, “Our prices depend upon what we pay to purchase our products through our vendor and what we pay for labor to run the store.”
An important factor to consider in the prices of any UW dining facility are the labor costs for students. When students are paid more competitive wages for their work, costs must be increased to account for it.
This can be seen across not just campus but nationally as wage increases are one of the factors included in the cyclical cost of living crisis. As the cost of living goes up and goods increase in price, wages increase to account for this, which leads to even higher cost increases
As Rubin-Hodges adds, “This year CJ’s did not take much of a price increase even though we have increased the starting wage for our cashiers; Instead we are trying to increase our overall sales [and] use our employees time as efficiently as possible.”
The dining staff is always making efforts to keep their locations staffed and their wages competitive while avoiding drastic price increases and keeping their products financially accessible to students on a budget.
In trying to make sure that inventory sells and is appealing to students, CJ’s, “tries to carry a little of everything but not overcrowd the store.” They, “visit other convenience stores to see what they are stocking and stay updated on trends.”
They also monitor sales and try to remove poorly selling products. Customer needs are also taken into account. CJ’s recently added items like laundry detergent and shampoos for students living on campus to make the items accessible without having to drive somewhere.
Students who work for CJ’s are also encouraged to make suggestions and these are taken into account with respect to the supplier availability.
Students who do not work for CJ’s can also provide suggestions to the managers or cashiers and these are taken under consideration
Ultimately, CJ’s and the team behind it, “believe that we try to make our store prices reasonable compared to convenience stores around town.”
