Staff Editorial: Screaming for ice cream

It's finally coming. After years of rumors and countless prayers from students, Ben and Jerry's is set to open on the 40th Street corridor this spring. The ice cream shop fills a gaping hole left on campus by the departure of Baskin Robbins last year and provides a much-needed late night alternative to grabbing pints from the Freshgrocer freezer. It's an obvious move that will surely bring increased traffic to 40th Street. And the University should be commended for filling a major retail vacancy with such a viable business. Administrators have answered students' calls by bringing in an affordable, recognizable and college-friendly vendor. The franchise should have no trouble finding a niche on the first day it opens its doors. However, there are still a great number of vacancies scattered around campus, and while the economy is not helping the market, there are vendors out there who would jump through hoops for retail space on a college campus in the middle of a major city. Administrators have expressed valid concerns about bringing in more fast food restaurants, and we understand that some of the more typical student-friendly vendors do not fit into Penn's retail scheme. But if the University is seeking to appease its student population, administrators should be looking to find another Ben and Jerry's, not another Pod. There is a place for upscale shops and eateries on this campus, but the demise of Ma Jolie and Steve Madden should be signs that when it comes to retail, Penn needs to become less selective. Ben and Jerry's is a tremendous step in the right direction. Here's hoping that it's the beginning of a new trend in West Philadelphia retail and not a flash in the pan.