Savannah arts shops see business boom as SCAD students return

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Local arts shops in Savannah are preparing for a boom in business as Savannah College of Art and Design students return to campus, with classes starting Sept. 18.

Arts shops that sell paint and canvas, fabric, and camera and film are counting on increased business when students come back.

Shops plan months in advance

Linda Soto, owner of Bay Camera Co., said her team, including quality control manager Junior, adjusts inventory regularly as the school year progresses.

“When school starts, they come and clean us out,” Soto said.

“We know what they need right away so we make sure they have that and then as the semester goes we know what they are going to need for finals so then we start getting more of that in here as well,” Soto said.

Students favor local businesses

Trent Lesby, a SCAD student, said he sees his classmates favoring local shops as they prepare for the school year.

“I think that’s kind of the attitude at SCAD, it’s got a more mom and pop feel, I mean I think the whole town of Savannah does, I feel like there’s a lot small businesses here,” Lesby said.

With more than 18,000 students making their way back to campus, students say the city takes on a new energy.

“I think it’s good for the city, I think it breathes a literal life into the city,” Lesby said. “You got more social interaction, you got more community, you’ve got businesses thriving.”

A personal connection

Soto said it’s a meaningful connection to see students grow every year, turning into talented photographers.

“We get to know them a little bit better and like, ‘Oh, you want to try this film because you said you might want to try it last time you were in here’, so it’s a little bit more personal I would say,” Soto said.

Back to school shopping also brings back to school deals. SCAD students looking to stock up before the first day of class can look for discounts at local shops.