Even with the second summer semester’s start last week, fewer students are coming into his store, he said.

“Sales aren’t what we’d like them to be, of course,” Ballein said. “I think that probably in our case, being so driven by student sales, a lot of offerings are taking place off campus that are taught in online sections, which means there are a lot fewer kids in town.”

Ballein said construction also has hurt his business because it’s difficult to park in the area.

Supply chain management junior Thressa Nichols said although she is taking two courses this summer, she hasn’t had to buy textbooks for her classes.

Yet Collegeville Textbook Company, 321 E. Grand River Ave., owner Adam Seyburn, said his store’s sales have increased compared to last year.

Seyburn said he suspects the sale increase is related to increased popularity and a greater reputation among students, adding construction has not affected his business.

But marketing sophomore Cody Thelen said he needed to purchase materials from the Student Book Store for his summer class.

“I’m taking microeconomics, and the class just started,” Thelen said. “I had to go to the Student Book Store to buy a course packet.”

Both Seyburn and Ballein agreed they have spent time this summer promoting their stores at the MSU Academic Orientation Program for incoming freshmen, and they expect business to pick up again in the fall.

“It’s a lot of work being a freshman, and it’s really helpful by the time they’re sophomores (if) they know where we’re located,” Ballein said.

Ballein said it is important to reach students when they first come to MSU and might not know how to buy books.

He added that the drastic population change in the summer affects his bookstore more than other local businesses that also cater to city residents.

“It may have a more dramatic effect on me than it does on the restaurant down the street.”