From futons to fridges, bedspreads to bath soap — college freshman started moving to South Bend Thursday and businesses welcomed the hustle and bustle back to the city.
"Very busy for this time of year," said David Purkett from Walmart in Mishawaka.
Students are invading South Bend in the best possible way.
"This is actually the second biggest shopping time of the year," Purkett said.
Next to the holiday season, Walmart said college orientation weekend is a victory for business.
"These weeks when they first come back, big increase in the sales volume," Purkett said.
On the outside, the registers are ringing with sales and the shelves are neatly stocked. But behind the scenes…
“A lot of preparation goes into it to make sure they have the merchandise they're looking for," Purkett said.
Walmart isn't the only place feeling the extra energy around town.
"It's great to see all the new students with their parents coming in," said Linda Veteramo from Rocco’s in South Bend.
As people piled into Rocco’s for their first meal in South Bend, Verteramo said parents bring their pocketbooks, ready for a good meal.
"Always orientation, parents always scout out places and then parents leave and the kids don't have any more money, but it's a good thing, orientation," she said.
And while the students are getting settled in their dorms, mom and dad need place to crash for a few days.
"We are sold out primarily due to orientation weekend," said Brooke Gallagher from the Hilton Garden Inn in South Bend.
The Hilton Garden said parents can't resist, so they make an entire weekend out of orientation.
