About College Town Businesses

I'm pretty interested in entrepreneurship and I've noticed that certain 'college town businesses' seem to thrive more than others. In your opinion, which types are the 'most successful' and why do you think that is?

Certain types of businesses do tend to thrive in college towns due to their target audience. Here are a few examples that seem to have high success rates:

1. Food and Beverage: Restaurants that serve affordable but high-quality food often do well since college students usually look for places that offer good value. Whether it's a pizza shop, a burger joint, or a coffee shop, food venues are generally successful. Furthermore, places that offer late-night food options can be a hit among students who are studying or socializing late into the night.

2. Bookstores: Especially those that offer both new and used textbooks typically experience high amounts of patronage. Besides textbooks, bookstores that have popular novels, study guides, and stationery items also tend to do well.

3. Themed Apparel Stores: Shops that sell college-themed apparel, such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, etc., are usually popular not just among students but also among alumni, faculty, and even town locals.

4. Fitness Centers: Many colleges have their own on-campus gym facilities, but students may prefer off-campus fitness centers that offer specific classes like yoga or pilates, or more advanced equipment.

5. Budget-friendly Retail: Stores offering affordable household items, electronic gadgets, or personal care products often succeed in college towns, where students seek budget-friendly options.

The reason these businesses usually do well is that they cater directly to the needs and budgets of their primary clientele, which is college students in these cases. They often provide special discounts, student packages, or promotional activities to draw in students. They might also extend their hours of operation to suit the unique schedules of college students. The more a business can cater to the demands and preferences of its student population, the likelier it is to thrive.