COLUMBIA, S.C. — Some local businesses say they are booming in Richland County as the University of South Carolina welcomes students back to campus.
The Vista, downtown Columbia and Five Points are among the most popular places for people to hang out and shop. Store employees there said they've seen a significant sales increase since students returned.
"We are still expecting more, especially when football season starts, definitely a bunch more foot traffic as well," Urban Outfitters employee Jacob Wilson said.
"We are always trying to find really cute items that we can piece together for everyone to bring them here, and we saw a lot of people come, especially for move-in weekend and new girls looking to join sororities."
Wilson said the company wants to hire more workers to accommodate more foot traffic.
“So, we did hire a few more people. I do know we have a couple positions open right now, hoping to expand as we have more people coming in for the school year that we have the workforce behind it.”
Over in Five Points, store manager Audrey Scarlett at Revente Luxury Resort said she saw more business, but sales remain steady.
“This year was very odd. We stayed consistent throughout the whole summer, which is rare. We usually have like a drop in sales but we sustained our sales,” Scarlett said.
She is still hoping to welcome more customers as they anticipate more events that will allow them to increase sales from students and parents.
“When everyone gets to their routine, they will definitely venture back into Five Points, and we're excited. Parents weekend is coming up, I think next month, so we are looking forward to that.”
The economic impact is expected to continue as the Gamecocks' football season begins in just eight days.