The city of Lakeland provides a unique business environment that focuses on both catering to full time residents as well as the college crowd.
Three schools comprise the college student audience in Lakeland, Florida Southern College, Southeastern University, and Polk State College. These three schools account for about 35% of commerce and business done in Lakeland according to a study done by the better business bureau.
According to local business owners the college students do make a difference.
“Every day at least 20 or 30 college kids walk through our door for breakfast or lunch. That makes up a big part of our everyday sales, its great being in a place where we can serve a younger crowd,” Sam Debellis co-owner of Uncle Nicks bagels said.
The younger crowd in Lakeland has seemed to spark the development of other venues and options for food and drink within the area. What happens though during the summer when a lot of the regular students in town leave until the next semester?
“Summer can be tough, but for the most part Lakeland is a big enough market for us to survive with just our local clientele,” Jennifer Vindigni District Supervisor for Mannys Chophouse said.
Other businesses though do find summer a much harder season. Masons live a popular nighttime hangout is one of these places.
They said that while there is a large local crowd that does show up their “bread and butter” patrons are college students primarily from Florida Southern and Southeastern.
It seems to mostly be food, drink, and nightlife establishments that are most affected by the flux of the Lakeland student population. Other business don’t seem as affected.
“While we do get a lot of students coming in here while they’re walking around Dixieland we really don’t see a lot of business from them or a change in business when they leave town, “said Linda Kelly Vinesett owner of Petals Flower shop in Dixieland.
This makes sense because most of the money students spend involves social activities such as eating or drinking out. In addition considering Florida Southern policy on alcohol students have even more of a reason to drink and socialize off campus and spend money in local businesses.
Overall Lakeland is good mix between a smaller college town with a steady base of local residents that support the economy. Lakeland continues to grow and many students end up staying after their four years are up.
With events like First Friday, Dixieland Nights, and Food Truck Thursday’s the incentive to stay in town and support the local business environment is growing as well for college students. Even business like Hillcrest coffee, and 5th and Hall clothing have started up with the hope of not only catering to Lakelands college crowd, but hopeful be a part of a bigger picture that attracts a younger demographic to live, work, and play in Lakeland.
Overall Lakeland and it businesses continue to be an attraction to many people that come here and call it home. While some businesses do rely on the college crowd and may find certain seasons tougher they know that come fall business will be back in full swing!
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