By Hannah Harris

The University of Maryland’s surplus store, Terrapin Trader, supported sustainability at its multi-day homecoming week event from Oct. 28-30 through the sale of university apparel and equipment.  

The university’s facilities management department manages the Terrapin Trader, where desks, chairs, computer equipment, lab equipment and clothes can be purchased at a discounted rate. 

The event welcomed UMD students, staff and faculty from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Members of the general public were not permitted entry to this event. The warehouse is located at the Severn Building on Greenbelt Road, which is an approximate 10-minute drive from the University of Maryland campus.  

Director of Logistical Services for Facilities Management Sean Wynn said in a statement on Friday that the event celebrated homecoming week and encouraged the campus to “come by and find amazing deals, give items a second life, and see why Terrapin Trader is a treasure waiting to be discovered.” 

Along with increasing student awareness, Efren Flores, a storekeeper at the Terrapin Trader warehouse, described how the sustainability of the warehouse was important to him as a shopkeeper.

“It’s nice because we try to recycle stuff,” Flores said. “Somebody can come and buy something that can be reused instead of thrown away at the University.”

Danielle Walker, assistant director of the University of Maryland Office of Family Engagement, went to the warehouse to look for UMD merchandise priced lower than the bookstore. She hadn’t visited Terrapin Trader before, but it exceeded her expectations. 

“It was—as far as what they had available—more than what I expected. And the clothing selection was good,” Walker said. “A lot of people in line seem to have their arms full with things. So that’s exciting.”

Walker added that it was fun to see the turnout and see people from different departments.

Flores said the event drew in the typical crowd of College Park residents, but not UMD students.

“I’m sure if they knew about this place more often, more of them would come,” Flores said.

Wynn expressed similar sentiments about student turnout in a statement and wanted both students and community members to take advantage of the warehouse sales. 

“Our hope is that more of the campus community are aware of the store and stop by more often to see the various items we may have for sale,” he said. “We want people to know we are here.”

Featured Image: A colorful sign at the Terrapin Trader warehouse at the UMD Severn Building on Oct. 30. Photo by Hannah Harris.