By Ali Siemens (The Cascade) – Email
Print Edition: May 23, 2012
People learn in all different ways, and we also work best in certain environments. Some of us prefer to lock ourselves in our own homes, some head to libraries, and others support local coffee shops. One thing Abbotsford is lacking is a study environment made especially for students. If I had any advice for business owners, it would be to jump on this market, because the students want it and need it.
In Vancouver, there are coffee shops surrounding the UBC area providing spaces for students to go and work on their studies.
If any business owner is looking to expand their investments, talking to a student about what is needed for this university town would be a good way to ensure business 24 hours a day.
If you are looking for a business venture that will pay for itself, and to invest in the future business professionals of Abbotsford, give them another space to learn: start a coffee shop that isn’t like the others, aim at a new demographic.
Buy a building that allows you to have electrical outlets for each person sitting at a table. There is nothing worse than going to the local Starbucks and seeing the only plug being used. We are living in a world where laptops, smart phones and other electronics need to be charged, and without this thought into your business plan, you’ve lost business.
Provide big tables. Students have to spread out papers, textbooks and laptops. If we are only presented with a two person table, it’s uncomfortable, and we are less likely to stick around.
With free WiFi being a common courtesy from most businesses, owners must monopolize on students who will be spending long hours there. Have student pricing, make it so students want to stay and spend their money there. In downtown Kitsilano, students are told they must make a purchase every two hours. With this, they are also provided with a stamp card for food and beverages that gives them incentive for the free meal or coffee. Students understand you are running a business, and will comply with the rules in place.
“For students, by students” is a great community driven idea. Starbucks has always been known as the coffee shop that hires university students. If running your own store, keep it this way by creating a friendly atmosphere and give students a chance to get hired for a part-time job. Seeing fellow friends behind the counter creates that sense of community, bringing in more customers and more students.
Choose your location somewhere in the middle of town, on the bus route and where students can meet in the middle for study groups.
Do not spend huge dollars on decorating professionally. Thrift shops would be the perfect place for you to find cheap materials to furnish your establishment. Recreating an eclectic and comfy space allows students to feel at home and relaxed – the kind of atmosphere that evokes a good learning environment.
Most importantly, stay open 24 hours. This will be hard in the beginning, especially when staffing through out the night. But once students catch on, and recognize they actually have a place to cram for exams and write their final papers, you won’t be disappointed in your sales.
Abbotsford has only been a university city for the last few years, and it is time for business owners to start catering to the student demographic. By starting with this idea, who is to say your hypothetical business won’t expand all over town. If I had the money, I would do it myself, but unfortunately, I’m just a student.
