Chelsea Harrison | Contributing Writer
Nu2u Fashion, the go-to convenience store for Hampton University students for more than five years will be closed by the end of March, according to co-owner Leilo Jones.
Students say they are heartbroken to lose their beloved “corner store” at The Harbour Shops with its trendy fashions and quick snacks, right next to The Hampton Harbours Apartments, and an easy walk from the main campus.
“Nu2u is like a Hampton heirloom. No replacement will ever be able to fill its shoes,” said Eric Dockery, a sophomore HU student who visits the store at least once every day.
Jones said the store would close after its lease was not renewed.
The Jones’ created a petition to highlight the large amount of support from HU students and Hampton residents. So far, it has accumulated over 700 signatures.
Store owners are encouraging all supporters to come sign it and help spread the word.
The store is known for the informal warm counseling provided by founder Regina Jones, Leilo’s mother, she said.
“This is a “home away from home for all who comes through its doors,” Regina Jones said. “Everybody knows they can come in and talk to me about everything whether it’s school, work, relationships, anything.”
Jones opened Nu2u in 2011 as a small and affordable boutique.
“But once I began to hear about the things students said they needed, I started taking notes and slowly started to add those things to my store,” she said. “Now, almost everything in here, the students asked for.”
Jones offers everything from formal attire to honeybuns.
“What other place do you know that provides food, drinks, hair supplies, blouses, and a warm atmosphere? Nu2u is truly one of a kind,” said Serena Rudisel, an HU senior and frequent Nu2u customer.
Many students credit the quick shop for helping them get through their freshman year with ease, especially those without a car like sophomore Janae January, who needed her “cram-session” snack..
“There were time when Mrs. Jones would leave the store open a little bit longer just so that I could grab a bite to eat,” January said.
The hashtag #RIPNu2u immediately spread through social media sites like Twitter and Instagram as students expressed deep sadness and disbelief at the store’s closing.
Andrew Williams, a senior pharmacy student tweeted, “I had a feeling Nu2u was [going to] close. Just didn’t think so soon. #RIPNu2u.”
The Hampton Script 