After the college students left last May, the streets of Lexington have been a ghost town. Some may find it peaceful, but for small businesses such as Sweet Things, Pumpkinseeds, and Violett Consignment, the inevitable return means one thing: sales.
Sheila Glaeser, the owner of the Violett Consignment anticipates the return of the students after an “off” season during June and July.
“I am so ready for [the students] to come back, because Lexington is kind of a sleepy little town. We love it, but June and July can be kind of dead,” said Glaeser.
Since the W&L and VMI campuses are primarily in Lexington it provides convenience for students to invest in the stores downtown. This can also mean that stores need to increase inventory which may lead to new selections for customers. New inventory can require additional staff, increasing job opportunities.
The owner of Pumpkinseed, Siobhan Deeds, also had similar answers concerning what her store is doing to prepare, however it was mentioned about an event downtown for the students.
“…on Tuesday we have a program called get downtown, where the students walk around in the afternoon and we introduce our businesses to [the students and parents],” said Deeds.
For Glaeser her excitement spreads from having more customers to selling different items. She states how she has “sold a lot of art, pillows, like home decor type of things as well.”. Which differs from her usual clothing sales.
Chris Williams, the owner of Sweet Things, explains how his store prepares more ice cream not just for the store, but for dormitories.
“…I guess the influx of you know, students, I prepare ice cream for the restaurants and of other dormitories,” said Willams.
Students returning also tend to have parents with them; these parents also need something to do instead of just following their kids, so they go shopping. There are events such as alumni weekends, which brings in profit. Glaeser discussed the ways people in relationships to the students also help stores in Lexington.
“…then August, from then on fall, because then we started alumni weekends, parents, weekend sports…” said Glaeser.
Even though students returning can crowd the streets and stores there is a benefit to them coming back, from new inventory to job opportunities. College students bring an abundance of sales which overall helps the town of Lexington flourish.
