The latest cross-promotional effort between the Holiday Inn Express on Route 347 in Stony Brook and the University is what hotel guests see now when they enter the lobby—an improved Smart Mart, a convenience shop that features fresh food, and the new Spirit Shop within.
The Spirit Shop is stocked with a wide variety of Stony Brook merchandise. Since its opening several weeks ago the hotel has been briskly selling such items as caps, sweatshirts and alumni bumper stickers.
“I’m expecting this all to be gone by next week—we’re going to sell out,” said Holiday Inn Express Director of Sales Lenore Paprocky, who added that the hotel is approaching sold-out status through May due to a number of athletic events and commencement ceremonies at the University, and a holiday weekend.
Sweatshirts, plush Wolfie mascots, and surprisingly, flip-flops, are among the hottest sellers so far. “Guests who want to use the pool often forget to bring flip-flops,” she said.
The University and the Holiday Inn Express have worked together for years. The hotel is promoted throughout Staller Center playbills and also in The Statesman.
“It’s just a great connection and perfect fit,” said Paprocky of Stony Brook’s relationship with the hotel. We’ve been a major sponsor for athletics for more than a decade.”
The Stony Brook Spirit Shop at the Holiday Inn Express is open daily. For more information visit www.stonybrookny.hiexpress.com or call (631) 471-8000.
—Glenn Jochum
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