During the spring semester, football-oriented businesses must depend on other services and products to stay in business.
Eric Stamp, owner of Stamp on College Street, said his shop always counts on football season to bring in sales.
"Since we make our own and do our own printing, we are still very busy with other clubs, groups and campus organizations in the spring when it is T-shirt weather again," Stamp said.
Anders bookstore counts on its spring textbook sales, and Toomer's Drugs depends on its food menu and Auburn merchandise.
Although revenue decreases for many businesses after football season, the magnitude of fall profits is able to carry them through spring and summer.
Profits during a national championship season are much higher than profits during a mediocre season, said Laura Smith, store manager for Anders.
"It all depends on if we're winning," Smith said. "People are willing to put in a lot more as their team wins more and more."
Smith said there has been a significant difference in revenue between the 2010 national championship season compared to other seasons in the past.
"With a bad season, people aren't willing to buy that $65 jersey, but if the team is doing well they'll come back and buy more," Smith said.
Anders and a few other businesses in Auburn stayed open until 2 a.m. after the BCS National Championship game.
"I don't want to be closed if there's an opportunity for people to come in," Smith said.
At Toomer's, the staff is constantly squeezing lemons for their famous lemonade, especially during busy football season.
They import 60 boxes with approximately 150 lemons per box to get ready for game day.
Although the game was played weeks ago, the BCS victory continues to help businesses like Anders, Toomer's and Stamp.
"Winning the championship and having an extra weekend of celebration is like another football weekend for the entire town, for hotels and the people making Auburn products," Stamp said.
Football plays a significant part of Auburn's store sales, but many stores are trying to incorporate all of Auburn.
"We're going to try to do more basketball and some baseball--sports-oriented Auburn stuff," Stamp said. "Still, there's not the same interest as there is in the football merchandise."
Marxen said she thinks business will begin to slow down soon.
Until then, Auburn businesses will continue to reap the sales from a successful season and continue to depend on football victories in the fall.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
