While walking around campus, one is visually assaulted by NIU apparel.

From the proud Huskie adorning a T-shirt or the words NIU splayed across someone’s rear end, NIU apparel has a strong market among students.

Walgreens and Wal-Mart both offer NIU apparel.

The gold mine of Huskie gear can be found at two places on campus; The Village Commons Bookstore, 901 Lucinda Ave., and the University Bookstore in the Holmes Student Center.

Each store offers different items at varying prices for the student who needs his NIU fix. Whether it’s to sport at a basketball game or to lounge around the residence halls in, NIU apparel is everywhere.

In general, the University Bookstore prices their items a dollar less than the VCB. However, the VCB has a greater selection of colors, styles and baseball hats.

The VCB has been selling clothing since 1970. It tries to keep up on new trends each season.

“We see salesmen and they tell us what they think is [fashionable]. We have an idea of what we think is popular,” said Jody Boardman, clothing buyer for the VCB.

A feature that the VCB has that University Bookstore does not is a vast selection of NIU underwear. Girls can purchase NIU thongs and guys can get their Huskie boxers.

Hooded sweatshirts, which are the biggest seller for both stores, are both Russell brand, yet are sold for different prices.

The VCB carries Adidas brand NIU apparel, which is the official brand of the athletic department. It also buys from smaller companies which gives it a different flair.

“We are always looking for new things,” Boardman said.

The busiest time of year is the beginning of each semester, though both stores also receive more business during game days.

“The traffic in the store is the heaviest when everyone’s excited to be here. They have to have apparel to wear,”said Denise Frakes, supervisor and clothing buyer for the University Bookstore.

Deciding whether selection or price is a bigger factor in apparel will lead the buyer to their respective stores.