2008 Woodie Awards
Rt. 27 stores look to develop further
Oxford businesses near Wal-Mart claim location determines success
Erin Bowen
Issue date: 11/2/07 Section: Community
Along the winding road of College Corner Pike lies four establishments adjacent to Wal-Mart-but since their openings, they've seen varying levels of incoming business.
Maurice's, Great Clips, Hibbett Sports and Cellular Connection all sit next to the Wal-Mart Super Center, however the distance from uptown has impact business in the small shopping center.
Alan Kyger, Oxford city councilor and president of the Oxford Community Improvement Corporation, said the College Corner development is a good step for Oxford.
"Any time we are able to add new businesses, it's good for the community," Kyger said.
Open since February 2007, Maurice's has had average business,
according to Brittany Kolb, first assistant to the manager.
"Our business is best when students are in town," Kolb said. "We also see a better turnout during Parents' Weekend."
A chain of 600 stores throughout 42 states, Maurice's is described on its Web site as a "leading small-town specialty store and authority for the savvy, fashion conscious customer with a 20-something attitude."
Kolb said the store's largest business demographic is high school students.
"We target mostly local high school students but would like to reach more college women," Kolb said. "We would definitely get more business if we were located closer to campus."
Next door to Maurice's is Hibbett Sports, also a chain with more than 600 stores in 23 states primarily in the southeast region of the country. Hibbett is a sporting goods company that sells primarily footwear, fitness apparel and equipment.
Manager Harlan Perry said the store started out with strong business when it opened at the end of August 2007.
"Since then, business has been OK," Perry said.
However, Miami University sophomore Katie Sopko said transportation is an issue when it comes to shopping at College Corner, another possible reason for slow business.
"I don't have my car on campus this year," Sopko said. "I don't have a convenient way to get there."
Maurice's, Great Clips, Hibbett Sports and Cellular Connection all sit next to the Wal-Mart Super Center, however the distance from uptown has impact business in the small shopping center.
Alan Kyger, Oxford city councilor and president of the Oxford Community Improvement Corporation, said the College Corner development is a good step for Oxford.
"Any time we are able to add new businesses, it's good for the community," Kyger said.
Open since February 2007, Maurice's has had average business,
according to Brittany Kolb, first assistant to the manager.
"Our business is best when students are in town," Kolb said. "We also see a better turnout during Parents' Weekend."
A chain of 600 stores throughout 42 states, Maurice's is described on its Web site as a "leading small-town specialty store and authority for the savvy, fashion conscious customer with a 20-something attitude."
Kolb said the store's largest business demographic is high school students.
"We target mostly local high school students but would like to reach more college women," Kolb said. "We would definitely get more business if we were located closer to campus."
Next door to Maurice's is Hibbett Sports, also a chain with more than 600 stores in 23 states primarily in the southeast region of the country. Hibbett is a sporting goods company that sells primarily footwear, fitness apparel and equipment.
Manager Harlan Perry said the store started out with strong business when it opened at the end of August 2007.
"Since then, business has been OK," Perry said.
However, Miami University sophomore Katie Sopko said transportation is an issue when it comes to shopping at College Corner, another possible reason for slow business.
"I don't have my car on campus this year," Sopko said. "I don't have a convenient way to get there."
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