Campus Corner Boutiques
On any given afternoon, students rushing to and from classes often wander into the boutiques along Campus Corner. For local shop owners, those quick visits mean everything.
Despite the rise of online shopping, small businesses near the University of Oklahoma are thriving by offering something Amazon can’t: connection. Campus Corner boutiques combine convenience, tradition and personalization, creating an experience that keeps students and families returning. For these businesses, the student body isn’t just a customer base, it’s part of their story.
“There’s so much foot traffic and every year there are new students,” said Kelsy Keiser, owner of Mave Boutique. “So it’s fun to meet all the new people, the families and just connect with the customers.”
The Harvard Business Review reports that emotionally connected customers are more than twice as valuable as highly satisfied ones, suggesting that a friendly conversation or familiar face could be more powerful than a discount code.
Sales associates see it happen firsthand. Cate Slabotsky, sales associate at Blush Boutique, said the shop’s casual atmosphere often pulls students in without much planning.
“I think a lot of our traction comes from people being bored, honestly, like college students, at least, like, they just kind of wander and they find us,” Slabotsky said. “And then also our OU stuff is a big thing for people too.”
Students’ tendency to shop impulsively benefits stores, but so does the strategic location. Emery Hammond, a sales associate at Lucca Boutique, said Campus Corner’s foot traffic gives them an edge.
“I think that it’s nice that it’s on the campus corner because a lot of kids, as they’re going to and from class, can stop in,” Hammond said. “So it’s very convenient versus having to go drive somewhere.”
Hammond said game days bring in even bigger crowds, especially since OU’s move to the Southeastern Conference.
According to the National Retail Federation, community events like football games and Parents Weekend often drive higher in-person sales, as shoppers seek experiences, not just products.
Sydney Chapman, an OU student, said there’s something about shopping locally that feels right.
“The campus corner boutiques are very personalized to the type of clothing college students are looking for,” Chapman said. “You can try things on without having to worry about shipping times or even traveling up to Oklahoma City.”
With the growing SEC spotlight and a steady stream of new students each year, Campus Corner boutiques are betting that the blend of community, convenience and tradition will keep them thriving long into the future.
Author: Savannah Schultz
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