Hastings Entertainment Inc., 620 Lincoln Way, recently announced plans to remodel its franchise in Ames.

The remodeling began Jan. 14 and is projected to be finished the week of Feb. 6.

“The company has been planning to remodel this store for the past few years,” says Tim Seyer, Ames Hastings music department manager.

“But the addition of a Best Buy franchise in Ames prompted the decision to begin the process,” he says.

While the upcoming opening of a new Best Buy store on South Duff Avenue was a major factor in the remodeling decision, Hastings officials don’t believe the new business will have a negative effect on Hastings’ sales.

“We are not worried about Best Buy,” says Jaime Senft, Ames Hastings store manager. “I don’t think they will affect our business that much.”

Senft says Best Buy will not cause Hastings to change the way they operate.

“Hastings customers will still come here for their entertainment needs,” Senft says.

“Best Buy merely presents another option for them to choose from.”

Despite a few changes, Senft says the store’s layout will remain the same. Some of the smaller changes include the addition of taller bookshelves, the combining of the software and video game sections, and a slight decrease in prices in some areas.

“We will be changing the way we merchandise a few of our products, such as T-shirts and video games,” Seyer says. “We feel like these changes will make those sections more appealing and increase sales as a result.”

Hastings features an expansive collection of CDs, DVDs and VHS tapes for rent and sale, computer software, more than 20,000 book titles, more than 100 magazine titles and even musical instruments. Hastings also buys and sells previously owned CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes and video games. Greeting cards, candy and soft drinks are also available for sale.

“Hastings has something for everyone, no matter what budget or tastes they may have,” Seyer says.

“We offer pretty much anything you could possibly want as far as entertainment goes.”

Hastings also features user-available databases to help customers find a video, DVD, music selection or book — even if they don’t remember the title or author.

If a customer can’t find a certain title or selection, staff members are available to special order it.

Senft says the remodeling will have little to no effect on Hastings’ current prices, and that there will probably be a promotional sale once the store is finished remodeling.

“We have no plans to raise prices,” Senft says.

“In fact, we will be lowering prices in some areas. For example, hardcover bestsellers will now be 40 percent off instead off the usual 30 percent off.”

In addition to several small changes in the way products are merchandised, the new coffee shop will feature gourmet coffee, frozen drinks, tea and full-service espresso, as well as a large seating area for those who need a break from shopping.

“The coffee shop is the only major change,” Seyer says.

“Hopefully it will draw more people, particularly college students who want to get away from the already over-crowded coffee shops of Ames.”