College students drive booming business in Troy

As students return to Troy University, businesses across town are once again buzzing with activity.  

The new semester brings new and familiar faces, and with them, business. Many local owners and managers say these faces make the difference to them.  

For many shops, restaurants and boutiques in Troy, the student population serves as both the heartbeat and foundation of their customer base. When students leave for the summer or holiday breaks, some businesses experience noticeable declines.  

“Yes, we actually have [seen declines;] we actually hear that from a lot of business owners,” said Bethany Allen, president of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce. “We are grateful for the students.”  

Allen worked at Glow Boutique about 10 years ago as a Troy student and remembers the importance of the back-to-school shopping rush firsthand. 

“I would stock up over the summer because college girls would come and pick out all of their outfits before rush or the first week of college,” Allen said.  

While students influence sales, business leaders note that the support of locals helps create balance. Allen said the customer base varies depending on the business.  

“It’s a mix of the two; [it] depends on the retailer,” Allen said. “Fuse Coffee and The Confetti Crate definitely receive a lot of business from the students, and I would say that Whaley Pecan Company receives a lot of sales from the locals.”  

Emily Robbins, manager of Fuse Coffee, said the shop feels the impact each summer when enrollment numbers drop and students head home, although recent numbers have not been as detrimental.  

“[Business] has been increasing each summer, which is encouraging,” Robbins said.  

Robbins agreed both students and locals play a role in sustaining Troy businesses throughout the year.  

“I would say it’s about 50-50,” Robbins said. “We have a strong community of local residents who do an amazing job at supporting us, along with many regulars from the university.” 

Looking ahead, the Chamber of Commerce hopes to expand student-business connections even further. Allen said one goal is to partner with Troy University’s Career Services department to help create new opportunities for both sides.  

“We’d love to host a part-time job fair with local businesses offering positions to students,” Allen said. “It would strengthen the relationship between our community and the university, while also providing businesses with needed workers.”  

For now, as another academic year kicks off, local shops and restaurants are preparing for the steady flow of foot traffic and sales that go with the nearly 10,000 students who call Troy home during the semester.  

“This community thrives because of the support we see from both students and locals,” Allen said. “Together, they make Troy’s business community stronger.”