Cabin Business

Larry and Liz Rogers own EM Jeans-Express Male, a downtown Conway clothing retailer. With back-to-school time just around the corner, the couple are eyeing one particular market segment — students.

Q:How significant is the educational “industry” to the area’s overall economy?

A: Having so many high schools and colleges in the Faulkner county shopping area causes a tremendous surge in shopping during the back-to-school period.

Q:What student age group is most important to retail clothing businesses?
A: Teenagers and young adults impact retail activity the most, particularly in our industry, because they are always looking to be “trend correct.”

Q:What type of business does the educational system affect most?

A: Retail, restaurant and housing are effected equally by students and the educational “industry” because the consumers, being students, utilize all three industries in their daily lives.

Q:How can businesses that cater to students capitalize on that market?

A: Listening to our customers helps us to provide them with what they want or need, when they want or need it. Trends are made by consumers, not designers. In many instances nationwide, customer service has been neglected in order to achieve a greater bottom line.

Q:Have economic circumstances affected the educational systems here as much as in other parts of the country? Why?

A: Retailers should always focus on quality, not quantity. One high-quality product will outlast 10 low-quality products, and ensure the customer has a positive shopping experience. Student spending has not decreased for us here in Conway because of our unique economic situation, as opposed to some parts of the country. Overall spending on clothing is still significant.