UCOSA Expands Student Benefits with Shop Central

The University of Central Oklahoma has paired up with businesses in Edmond to create Shop Central, a service which allows students with a valid school ID to receive discounts on select food, retail and other services.

Shop Central was originally launched in 2016 by former UCOSA president Austin Sheehy and has since been brought back into awareness.

UCOSA President Remington Dean said he feels this program is important to bring back into awareness because not only does it help college students save money, but shows the community the importance of UCO and its impact in the metro area.

Sheehy said the inspiration behind Shop Central came from Keep it Local, which connects locals with businesses around Oklahoma City. He wanted to get students connected with local businesses in Edmond in the same way.

Currently, 35 businesses in Edmond are a part of Shop Central and Sheehy said it is a great opportunity for them to prosper.

“Participation is free for companies as long as they offer some sort of discount to our students,” Sheehy said. “It’s practically free advertising to 17,000 students, so it’s a no-brainer for most companies to join.”

Through Shop Central there is a 10 percent discount for students at Pops, All American Pizza and Café Evoke. Flatire Burger also gives discounts to students by offering an $8 student special that includes a burger, fries and a drink.

“I think students will use the discount for food the most and I can’t blame them, everyone has to eat,” Dean said.

Services round out the longest list with 18 businesses that give discounts through Shop Central. One of the services includes auto services at Kennedy Tire and Auto Service, where UCO student can get $5 off filter and oil changes, as well as $5 off each new tire purchased.

American Self Storage charges students $22.95 for their first month of storage and gives 12 percent off every other month, while Mid America Self Storage gives 10 percent off each month’s rent.

Discounts in health services are given at Beyond Esteem Therapeutic Massage, CrossFit OKC, Edmond Crossfit, Live Well Massage Therapy and Wellness Center, One Focus Medical and Profile by Sanford.

Trinity Lawns gives students 10 percent off any lawn services with a valid student ID.

Discounts are given for retail around Edmond as well, supporting local boutiques like The Pink Petal, Retropolitan, Kickoff Couture and Head Over Heels Boutique.

Sam’s Club in Edmond also gives you a $15 dollar gift-card when signing up with a UCO ID. Backpacks With A Purpose gives students free shipping when ordering online and Sherry’s Drug gives 10 percent off all over-the-counter products.

Dean said he hopes to concentrate on this program during his time as president and persuade more business to join Shop Central.

The businesses apart of Shop Central and their discounts are given on the UCO website under the UCO Student Association tab.