Local businesses in Starkville Prepare for Influx of College Students

Local businesses in Starkville Prepare for Influx of College Students

August 19, 2024

Starkville, Miss – As summer winds down and the reality of back-to-school season looms, many local businesses are gearing up for the return of college students. It is a well-known fact that local businesses in college towns like Starkville feel the impact of fluctuating student populations. Each summer, as students disperse for the holidays, it leaves a significant hole in the market. But with college students due back at Mississippi State University shortly, local businesses are bracing for the influx.

Summer Slowdown

Starkville, home to approximately 20,000 people, sees a significant drop in foot traffic during summer. “For full-time Starkville residents, the summer is usually quieter with less traffic, but local businesses rely heavily on students frequenting their establishments,” says restaurant manager, Sarah Kudijaroff.

Restaurants like Bin 612, managed by Doug Marchinkowska, are especially hit during the summer months, prompting them to scale down their operations. “We anticipate slower business during the summer; therefore, we staff less, order less food and beverages. It’s a necessary adjustment we’ve had to make over the years.”

Preparing for the Influx

Business owners have to navigate multiple challenges when preparing for the return of students. Staff management during the drier summer season is one priority, as Kudijaroff highlights, “Since business is slower, we have to manage which staff members stick around versus who comes home for summer.”

The return of the university’s student body brings a buzz to the city – and for many businesses – a much-needed economic boost. However, this influx also brings its own set of unique challenges, as Marchinkowska mentions, “The increased volume brings potential for more problems to crop up. However, at the end of the day, no matter how busy it gets, people eventually stop ordering and we clean up and go home.”

While a bustling customer base can be overwhelming, local businesses are still thrilled for the students to be back. The anticipation also brings a sense of anxiety, Kudijaroff points out “There is a bit of anxiety associated with students returning just because we don’t know when that initial wave of all of them being here, with their families helping them move in and all, is going to hit. So we prepare ourselves as much as we can.”

Anticipating Economic Boost

Despite the occasional hiccups, the return of the students paints a promising economic picture for Starkville’s local businesses. The city streets, currently quieter, anticipate a palpable energy as students fill the city and local businesses gear up to welcome them back.

The first day back at Mississippi State University, one of the state’s largest universities, is scheduled for August 21st.