We are fortunate to have places in Connecticut where universities drive the economy. While Storrs was a farming community, New Haven and Hartford had industry. As that industry leaves or automates, we can be glad that students followed. College towns have a vibe all their own, and we should enhance it, not fight it.
Students look for a different type of retail, as well as later hours and trendier choices. They also seek alternative housing in many cases, and have income from parents, in many cases, which extends their buying power. We have learned in New Haven that high-end housing is affordable to many graduate students, in particular, and that those units are snapped up far more quickly than we all expected.
The same dynamics should apply to retail. Disposable income is spent differently by demographic profile,and younger people tend to use more discretionary services. They learned from us that time is money, but they act accordingly, while we don't always do that. Places that specialize helping others live more graciously, healthfully, or pleasantly are key to this movement, and should inform our investing and developing choices. And the rest of us can benefit from those offerings, so we all win!
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