Ole Miss Spring Break Brings Changes to Oxford
As the University of Mississippi’s spring break beckons, students are deserting the city of Oxford, noticeably changing its atmosphere and business dynamics. While many locals might be enjoying a break from the usually bustling restaurants, congested parking lots, and traffic snarls, some Oxford businesses are bracing for possible drops in sales.
Impact on Business
Local businesses rely prominently on the student population as their primary revenue source and, thus, feel the impact of their absence during school break periods. According to Jack Everett, store manager at the Starbucks on Jackson Avenue, breaks in the Ole Miss academic calendar frequently contribute to a significant decrease in profit. “We lose around 20% of our sales during that time frame. The biggest difference is usually there are less mobile orders, but more customers come in and enjoy their coffee in-store,” stated Everett.
Everett also noticed a shift in the shop’s environment. “I think a lot more people are more interested in actually sitting in the café when there’s fewer people,” he said. Although the profit dip is not favorable, the decrease in constant traffic effectively reduces the usual stress that employees face during the school year.
Oxford Encounters Change in Demographics
In addition to businesses, local shops have observed variations during campus breaks. Katherine Beck, a boutique located at the heart of the city, affirms this change. The shop sells specialized merchandise for many sororities on campus, amongst other things. Annadale Franks, a store clerk, said that the absence of students is often a relief for the local populace. “I feel like when the students clear out, that’s when you see the local and more families are out. We usually see a lot more older people during that time, whether it’s Spring Break, Christmas or just during the summer,” she shared.
Effects on Popular Spring Break Destinations
While Oxford may experience reduced sales, popular Spring Break destinations see a rise in their revenues. According to a study on globalEDGE, a business research site, the average college student spends approximately $1,080 on Spring Break. That translates into a considerable outflow of money from Oxford during this period.
In conclusion, while the citizens of Oxford enjoy less crowded streets, and businesses have a brief respite from constant traffic, the city’s economic dynamics change significantly during the Ole Miss spring break. It underscores the profound effect universities and their student populations have on their host cities, shaping not just the social structure but also greatly influencing the local economy and its trends.
