By Kristen Oliveri

For most diehard shoppers, the mall is seen as a sanctuary. Some enjoy the routine of their shopping experience. For the most part, shoppers seek comfort in buying various items in some of their favorite stores. What does one do, however when their favorite store suddenly isn’t what it use to be?

Many men have had to get used to the name change of Structure to the new Express for Men. Some are outraged by this metamorphosis. They said the store has taken a new form, leaving them yearning for the old, familiar clothes from the past.

“I used to shop at Structure and I still shop in Express from time to time, but the clothes seem to be a little ‘trendier’ now, almost feminine,” said David Quartuccio, a middler behavioral neuroscience major. “It is different, but, whatever, they’re still selling clothes … in a less conservative fashion, I guess.”

In actuality, the Express Company has always owned Structure, but just recently the management decided to revamp the store to give it a new name, appearance and feel.

According to the Express for Men Web site.

“We are excited about the potential of the Express for Men collection and the growth oppurtunity of the combined men and women’s buisness.”

Frequent Express shoppers have voiced their concern for the fashion road the store has decided to go down. Some are displeased but others welcome the change with open arms.

“I feel that their actual clothing line has changed for the better. Now, the clothes have a dressier look,” said Kevin Meyers, a freshman biology major. “The unique flavor the store possesses sets it apart from their competition. The name change doesn’t affect me. If I see something I like, I’ll buy it.”

Even women are concerned with the Structure/Express reconstruction.

“I always shopped for my ex-boyfriend in Structure. I miss the good old days of manly T-shirts and rugged khaki shorts. Structure seemed to be the ‘All American guy look’ and Express for Men is too European for my taste,” said Elisabeth Cornacchia, a freshman communication studies major.

Other students don’t see why the store felt it needed a change.

“Seeing as though they are the same store, I like them both. I really don’t understand why the name changed. I think it was either a change to influence the genre of their clientele or appeal to a new crowd,” said Kene Piasta, a sophomore biology major.

Although the name change has created some controversy, it hasn’t affected Express’ profits in the slightest. According to the Express for Men Web site, the store is flourishing in the competitive fashion industry.

“Clothes are clothes. I don’t care what name it says on the tag,” Meyers said.