Ole’s Outlet, located in Augustana’s Morrison Commons, has officially reopened after the university began managing both of its on-campus merchandise stores in June. The stores were being managed by the local retailer — MRG Sports & Promotion — the last three years.
“They have been excellent partners, but as our contract with MRG was coming to an end, it was our hope, our vision, for the stores to be managed by our own team — allowing us to provide a wider variety of options,” said Whitney Jibben, director of housing, dining & facility services at Augustana. “We will still get a lot of our apparel from MRG and work closely with them, but the new structure will allow us to provide spirit items beyond apparel.”
Since taking over, Augustana has been working with AU alumna Kelly (Everett) Yungbluth ‘00 of Innovative Promotions to assist in sourcing out and branding new products, which includes workwear, casual apparel for infants and students to parents and grandparents, as well as new hats, bandanas, lanyards, mugs, tumblers and stickers. The university’s summer line is in Ole’s Outlet now, its fall line will be available for customers prior to the start of the 2025-26 Academic Year and outerwear will follow.
“Kelly has a history with Augustana and understands some of those things that alumni really enjoy and would want to see in the shop, along with students. It’s really helpful to get their input on what colors and brands appeal to them,” Jibben said.
The university hired several students as brand ambassadors — Gabrielle Erickson ‘27, Jermaine Hampton ‘27, Dante “Tay” Brown ‘29 and DeMaris Williamson ‘26 — to work in the stores over the summer to get them ready for the opening and other events, such as New Student Registration (NSR). Augustana also recently hired a store manager, Monica Eckes, who will start in August. She brings to Augustana a wealth of retail and customer service experience from J&L Harley-Davidson.
“It definitely takes a village to get everything started so they’ve been integral — doing a lot of moving and placement of products,” said Jibben.
“It’s really exciting to see the new gear we’re getting,” said Erickson, an exercise science major and member of the Augustana Choir from Harrisburg, South Dakota. “A lot of us have been wishing for more merch, so I think once the students get here in the fall, it will be exciting for them.”
In July, Jibben and the brand ambassadors will begin preparing to open the SKOL Shop, located in Midco Arena, as well. While most visit the SKOL Shop during Viking Hockey games, the store will feature more than just athletics-related items. Augustana is exploring opening an online merchandise store with details to come at a later date.
“The hope is that wherever you go to shop you can find something that appeals to the type of spirit you want to show, whether it’s more AU or Vikings focused,” Jibben said. “The great thing about the stores being managed by Augustana is that we can pivot really easily.”
This summer, Ole’s Outlet will be open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., with additional hours for special events. During the academic year, the store will be open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., with kiosks at football games and other events on Saturdays.
For more information and updates, visit augie.edu/OlesOutlet.