UGS isn't just ugly boots!

photo courtesy thebeveragecompany.com

UGS is the commonplace acronym for the University General Store, located here in Greensboro at 547 S. Mendenhall Street.  This small, freestanding convenience store could be classified as a mixed retail building, as I believe there is an above store apartment that houses the store owner.  UGS is a no frills quick stop shop with various advantages and disadvantages.

The plus sides of the University general store is its location.  Located on S. Mendenhall across the street from College Hill bar, UGS gets massive foot traffic from the multitude of student housing in the area as well as patrons of the popular hipster bar on the corner.  University General Store also sells kegs, which makes it the convenient choice for keg rentals along the various student housing areas on Tate St, Mendenhall and Spring Garden.  Alcohol and college students? No way...

photo courtesy ncgraffiti.com

University General Store has one major disadvantage- parking.  Like most of the parking around UNCG campus, parking is limited by both area and time limit.  The UGS has only two alotted on-street parking spots, which are always filled it seems.  Other parking is in random driveways, or further down the street.  Business relies on foot traffic, which although heavy, suffers from lack of adequate parking spots.

Despite the parking issues, the location is perfect.  The store is exactly what students and bar patrons in the area need- a convenience store to pick up basic items, from beer for a party to the ibuprofen for the next day.