Tired of shelling out $16 for a measly CD at the mall? Not too excited about breaking in that new pair of jeans? Your problems may be solved in a single trip to a Campustown store.

Denim & Discs, located at 2512 Lincoln Way, carries used Levi’s, T-shirts and a slew of other essentials for the average college student on a budget.

The shop has been through a few changes since its opening last fall. In December, it moved from a basement location to its current street-level locale. It has also been under new management since June, so both old and new customers should check out the new store.

Larry Brown, owner, manager, janitor, bookkeeper and all-around busy bee, is focusing on expanding the current stock of merchandise. He plans to add more incense, stickers, patches and T-shirts, and he’ll start dabbling in posters, used books and sports equipment in the near future.

“I’m always looking for new ideas,” he said.

“I’ve noticed a real demand for certain items. There are no stores that I know of in Story County that have skateboarding supplies and clothes for men and women.

“There’s a need for it; people have to order it now.” He hopes to have his own ordering system for both skateboards and snowboards set up by Sept. 1 and his own merchandise by the end of that month.

His faithful standbys, Levi’s and CDs, are the main draw as of now. Used jeans run anywhere from $5.88 (for a “real grunge pair”) to $22.50 (for a brand-new 501); the average pair is $12 to $14.

Compact discs go for $7.95 (some for a buck more), and he offers a two-for-one trade on customers’ offerings. His secret to great fabulous finds: stop in on the 3rd, 4th or 5th day of the month because “on the first, everyone’s rent is due, so they bring their CDs down to sell,” he explained.

Brown has a philosophy about business that will keep customers coming back for more. “If I can provide service to students at a price they can afford — you can’t rip people off — they’ll keep coming back, and they’ll tell their friends.”

Open hours for Denim & Discs are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., and noon to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. For more info, please call 292-7788.