When college students return to campus this weekend, they’ll be greeted enthusiastically by the local business community.
Saturday marks the big move-in day for students at Mississippi University for Women and Mississippi State University, and Columbus and Starkville merchants are busy making last-minute preparations for the return of some of their best customers.
In downtown Columbus Tuesday, employees with Columbus Light and Water installed blue welcome banners featuring the MUW logo. The college purchased more than 60 weather-resistant canvas banners and coordinated with Main Street Columbus on the project, which will remain in place until Thanksgiving.
It’s the first time CL&W General Manager Todd Gale’s crew has assisted The W in this way, but he said they were happy to provide the in-kind service, especially for one of their biggest clients.
Over at Party and Paper, owner Susan Mackay was also preparing, though after 23 years in business, she pretty well knows what to expect.
From the beginning, Party and Paper has delivered brightly-colored balloons, candy and gift items to campus, and Mackay keeps her staples — like personalized tumblers — on hand.
While students are quick to send gifts to one another though, their families are another important demographic for the store, especially in the early weeks of the semester, when newcomers may be feeling a little blue and in need of a care package.
“That happens a lot this time of year,” Mackay said. “It’s their first time away from home, and they’re feeling homesick. We have a lot of good things to help brighten their day.”
While neither Columbus nor Starkville is heavily dependent upon student dollars, the beginning of a new school year still adds up to good things for area businesses, said Jennifer Gregory, chief operating officer for the Greater Starkville Development Partnership.
Merchants who sell gas and groceries will see a swift uptick in sales, as will hotels and restaurants, she said. She’s encouraging retailers to keep extra inventory on-hand, and chamber member businesses are encouraged to place welcome messages on their marquees.
GSDP is also doing its part to connect students and merchants. This year they will distribute 4,750 goodie bags to incoming freshmen, with bags containing everything from coupons to promotional frisbees or other small items.
Some Columbus merchants are offering special discounts, Main Street Columbus Executive Director Amber Brislin said, adding that the proximity of The W to downtown provides a definite boost to the local economy.
“We welcome all the students to Columbus,” Brislin said. “They come from all over the state and the country, and it’s definitely a positive thing for Columbus. MUW has a great partnership with Main Street.”
Although enrollment numbers will not be released by the College Board until the second week of class, Fall 2011 enrollment figures stood at 19,830 students for MSU and 2,372 students for MUW.
MUW’s move-in day will begin at noon Saturday, with staff greeting students at the front gate and MUW Police on-hand to keep traffic flowing smoothly.
MSU’s move-in day, dubbed “Movin’ You to MSU” (MVNU2MSU), will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday.
Carmen K. Sisson is the former news editor at The Dispatch.
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