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Just like students and alumni, homecomings give Slippery Rock small businesses reason to celebrate.
At the Dinky Dachshund Tattoo Parlor at 130 New Castle Street, homecoming week sales increased by about $2,000 compared to a typical week.
“College students love to spend money and being away from their parents feels like they finally have their freedom,” said Lily Hazlett, a receptionist and piercer. “Getting tattoos and piercings is one of the really big things for students and they love doing it.”
Many of the customers were students, but I also saw some graduates. Hazlett said everyone who came in was very nice and tipped well.
The store sold more piercings than tattoos during Homecoming week. Piercings are easier to schedule last minute or walk in without an appointment. Non-residents also benefit.
Dinky Dachshund has two tattoo artists, but only had one during Homecoming week. Hazlett commented that this made the week “kind of insane”.
Holidays tend to be haphazard, but gift card sales are up, Hazlett said.
Saturday was the second busiest day since opening in August for Rooster’s Coffee Bar at 150 South Main Street. The busiest day was VillageFest.
“We probably had two or three extra people[Saturday]especially since we knew we were going to be slammed before and after the parade,” said general manager Chelynne Curci-Lang.
Rooster’s has doubled its business by selling products both indoors and outdoors. They also walked the Homecoming Parade with their rooster mascot.
They purchased 200 rubber chickens to throw into crowds during parades, 50 of which had coupons attached. I’ve seen it appear in videos.
The owners had been trying to open Rooster’s for 10 years before opening in August. They were due to open in 2020 before COVID-19 stalled plans.
Curci-Lang recalls several alumni who wished the shop was open when they attended SRU.
Rooster’s is so close to SRU that we aim to partner with universities wherever possible to increase sales and community connections.
“We are learning that there are so many different avenues, departments, clubs, and universities that we can partner with that are available,” said Curci-Lang.
Next month, the shop will be hosting the SRU Jazz Band and working on a schedule of poetry readings.
A more niche business, Cloud Neun on the Rock, noticed more traffic outside of its stores, but it wasn’t reflected in sales. Cloud Neun mainly sells electronic cigarettes and smoking products.
The Rocket also reached out to two restaurants in Slippery Rock. One owner, who was dealing with his family’s emergency, was able to comment on an increase in business and alumni numbers during the week of Homecoming.
I couldn’t comment on the other Slippery Rock Restaurant.
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