Tammie TamaraSection Editor

Just before classes started, local eateries and shops predicted an increase in business. They were right.

The end of September means that SDSU students have been in Brookings for about a month now. And 9,000 more people obviously translates to more business.

“Our lunch hour is going longer,” said Todd Willman, owner of Mad Jack’s Food Court on Sixth Street. “College students get out of class at different times of the day, so we see people eating later.”

The downtown scene has also seen business pick up since school started. Skinner’s Pub owner Greg Thornes estimates that he has had about a 25 percent increase in business.

The social aspect is the bar’s biggest draw, he said. “Mostly socializing and getting together, seeing old friends, maybe playing some pool or some darts, and of course, having a beer.”

But it’s not like they’ve been suffering without the college kids. “We’ve had a pretty busy summer,” Thornes said.

While almost every business in Brookings gets at least a little pick-me-up when the college kids hit town again, the university impact on Second Edition Thrift Store-Easter Seals is nothing short of “awesome,” says store manager Yvonne Bowe.

Since “retro” items are back in style, Second Edition has been a big draw for the college crowd, Bowe said.

“They love our vintage stuff. To see people grab our funky old polyesther stuff makes me happy,” she said.

In fact, Second Edition will be making some changes, such as painting and redecorating, to make it a “younger, flashier kind of funky store,” Bowe said.

“I’m hoping the changes will have a postive business increase. We want to make this a cool place to shop.”

K-Mart is another business that has enjoyed the impact of SDSU customers. Store manager Leonard Witte said he has noticed a busier atmoshphere in the store this past month.

“I’ve seen an increase in business,” he said. “I always enjoy having the college kids back in town. It gives the town life.”