Two words synonymous with NIU’s annual homecoming festivities are drinks and motels, at least according to many DeKalb businesses.

“With all the alumni back in town hitting the local bars, we usually see an increase in sales of around 25 to 30 percent,” said Bottle Store Manager Sean Thrower.

He said although not many intoxicated people frequent the store, beer sales do significantly skyrocket during the homecoming weekend.

Other local liquor stores echo much of the same sentiment.

“Our business seems to pick up a lot around Friday afternoon, especially with the increase in beer sales,” said Rich Carter, DeKalb Liquor Mart manager.

Carter said much of the increase at his store depends on which NIU organizations come in to purchase liquor.

“Depending on which (group) comes in is pretty much what influences the type of sale,” he said.

While liquor stores enjoy boosts in alcohol sales, other businesses are cashing in on the influx of people as well.

“We are always very busy around homecoming weekend and see a significant increase in the sales of rooms,” said Laura Triebes, Days Inn front desk manager.

She said the majority of people staying in the hotel this weekend are either friends of students or students’ parents visiting from out of town.

While the police in DeKalb plan on neutralizing potential hooliganism, people in the hotel and motel businesses said they are not worried.

“We really do not have any trouble during the homecoming weekend,” Triebes said. “We plan and prepare for any problems.”

As liquor and motel rooms enjoy a marked increase in sales, some other products also benefit from the larger homecoming crowds—contraceptive devices.

“We do see a slight increase in the sales of condoms during homecoming week, though not as much as we used to since NIU installed condom machines in the main residence halls,” said Tom Lehan, owner of Lehan’s Kampus Korner.

He said condom sales also have been influenced by placement within the store. They are now kept behind the sales counter.

While the sales of condoms might not increase greatly over homecoming weekend, related-product sales have.

“What we do see increasing in sales are pregnancy tests, usually the week after homecoming,” he said.