Local store features variety of products, employees

by Jess Ferrari
FOR THE POST

Campus Sundry, 14 W. Union St., is one of the stores in Athens that offers a large selection of items to its patrons. But one thing that makes it stand out is its list of famous former employees.

Owner Paul Abraham hired Richard Dean Anderson, also known as MacGyver, and Rob Garrison, the blonde-haired villain in the first Karate Kid movie, to work at the register when they were students. Abraham said both have stopped by to visit.

The store offers a variety of items, including cigarettes, a large selection of magazines, T-shirts and sweatshirts. Abraham said they try to get any magazine that his customers request.

"We try our hardest to keep people pleased with every sale," Abraham said.

Abraham has six student employees, but at one time that number was 24. Over the years, he said he has employed more than a thousand students.

"They are friendly and well-mannered, and that is part of the reason for my continuing business," Abraham said.

Some students said they appreciate the owner's rapport with customers.

"I like how laid back (Abraham) is. He always says thank you and asks how your day is," OU sophomore Melanie Silverman said.

Abraham's parents immigrated to the United States from Lebanon, and he was born in Athens. He came from a family of seven, four of who, including himself, are Ohio University graduates.

For the last 12 years when business has been slow at times like winter and summer breaks, Abraham has worked on a self-help book about the pros and cons of small businesses.

"It's a great relief to have finished the book," Abraham said.

Abraham's dog, Star, is the mascot of the store. Three and a half years ago, some students came to Abraham and told him that if he did not take Star, she would have to be put to sleep. He agreed to take her.

"Star, along with the owner, is one of the reason's I keep coming back," OU sophomore Katie Jarvis said.

Abraham, who has spent his life in Athens, said he enjoys interacting with people.

"A college town is a good atmosphere because of the international variety of people," he said. "There's always something to be learned."