Local businesses' sales are cold when students leave campus for summer

By Shayne Christie
Arizona Daily Wildcat
June 5, 1996

The summer is one of the slowest times for businesses in Tucson. Students and snowbirds migrate to cooler temperatures, leaving local businesses out in the cold.

Businesses closest to the UA are hit hardest, with sales dropping anywhere from 20 to 50 percent. Phil Gidings, manager of Geronimo'z Restaurant and Bar, 800 E. University Blvd., said an estimated 75 percent of their business comes from UA students.

During the summer, sales drop as much as 40 percent, he said. And sales are not the only thing impacted by student migration.

"We lose more than 50 percent of the staff to vacation or graduation," Gidings said. The drop in sales necessitates staff reduction, from 50 employees during the regular school year to approximately 30 employees in the summer, he said.

Gale Elliot, manager of Arizona Bookstore, 815 N. Park Ave., said despite summer school classes, the slow period during summer allows the staff to prepare for fall. There is enough work that staff cuts are not necessary, he said.

"Our best day in the summer won't do what a normal day would in the school year," said Tom Nixon, area supervisor for Grandma Tony's Pizza, 970 E. University Blvd. He said the restaurant experiences a drop in sales of around 40 percent, forcing a reductio n in staff from 35 employees to 20.

"We're lucky enough that most people go away for the summer," Nixon said about the employees.

Joanne Schneider, co-owner of Bentley's House of Coffee and Tea, 1730 E. Speedway Blvd., said sales drop 25 to 30 percent between May and August. Schneider estimated that half of Bentley's business comes from UA patrons.

"We cut down production of what we serve and we cut our staff also. Fortunately, it works out - people want out for the summer, so we don't really have to lay anyone off," Schneider said. "You just hold your breath and wait for school to begin."

"Obviously, business during summer compared to when students are in session lags somewhat," said Chris Cantu, kitchen manager at O'Malleys on Fourth, 247 N. Fourth Ave.

Cantu said sales drop 15 to 25 percent during the summer. O'Malleys has anywhere from 65 to 80 employees during the school year, cutting back to 45 or so during the slow months.

Mike Hayden, director of operations for Coffee Etc., 2830 N. Campbell Ave., said, "Fortunately, we don't have as big a drop as some places."

"Overall we have a 10 percent drop during the summer," he said.

Hayden said they fight the drop in sales by offering specials and other promotions to encourage people to stop in.

(OPINIONS) (SPORTS) (NEXT_STORY) (SUMMER_WILDCAT) (NEXT_STORY) (POLICEBEAT) (COMICS)