Albert Lea Activities Office is excited to announce the grand reopening of the Tiger’s Lair, our beloved school store dedicated to showcasing Tiger Pride across the Albert Lea community. The Tiger’s Lair will once again be a vibrant hub where students, staff, and supporters can purchase spirit wear and school merchandise.The Tiger’s Lair is set to open immediately after the MEA break, with operating hours from 7:30-8:15 A.M., during 5th and 8th periods, and from 3:00-3:30 P.M.
The purpose behind this new store is to create a place to not only buy good quality school merchandise and clothing, but also create a space for clubs, sports and programs to utilize for fundraising and designing their own merchandise with the help of designers. Additionally, one of the staff members who made this possible, EL teacher Lori Langerud, brings a new aspect of having students practice their speaking and working skills through this new channel.

The store is hoping to potentially extend their merchandise to home game events.
Langerud explains, “We hope eventually to be able to open at the home football games.” This brings a whole new avenue for school sales, she continues to say, “That also means that the community then also gets the opportunity to purchase something that benefits our school, that benefits our students,” With all of these positives she adds, “Our thought is why not make that available?”
Langerud explains how this idea came into being.
“Dave (Langerud) and I worked at high schools up north and the school store was a huge deal because everybody likes gear, but if you’re not in a sport or an activity that is selling gear for your sport or activity it is really hard to find good quality stuff”.
This addition to the school brings a new avenue of places people can go to get school gear, as opposed to looking through a catalogue where you can’t physically feel what you’re buying until it arrives.
Clubs and activities will be able to order designs through the Tiger’s Lair and have help from designers. This could make everything from Powder Puff shirt to tennis gear orders easier.
The shop is hoping to create a new sense of school pride and convenience to the students, providing school gear and often forgettable basics for students such as BUBBL’R, gum and possible school supplies.
This store is located next to the concession stand but will be revamped over the fall.