Students seeking jobs this summer have opportunities in Charleston despite this past year’s sluggish economy.

Local restaurants and stores are currently accepting applications for summer employees, and some jobs may be extended into the upcoming fall semester.

“We’re always hiring pretty much; we can always use the help here,” Amanda Berry, assistant manager at Family Video, said Wednesday. “We try to keep employees here who can work over the summer.”

Stix and Wal-Mart are also accepting applications for summer workers. Wal-Mart does not limit the students they hire over the summer to only staying until the end of August, said Randy Rock, a manager at Wal-Mart.

“A lot of times if they’re Eastern students they will stay on in the fall,” he said.

Although many other local businesses are hiring for the summer, managers were not sure how many were going to be hired. Students currently work at many of those businesses and managers are awaiting decisions on summer school or graduation.

“We don’t know right now,” Nate Haynes, a manager at Roc’s Blackfront, said Wednesday. “It depends on how many leave and how many stay. It’s a little too early to tell.”

Similarly, Shebly Hamilton, a manager at Cody’s Roadhouse, said Wednesday that “We’re always accepting applications of Eastern students.”

“I hire as I need them,” she said.

None of the businesses reported poor business in the past year; actually, some felt business had picked up.

“We stay busy all year round; we’re constantly busy,” Berry said. “There’s been a lot of people who have been laid off who come in and rent a dozen movies for the week.”

Dave Heidemann, a manager at Stix, said Wednesday that the slow economy has not been a factor in business.

Rock was also in agreement with Heidemann and Berry, saying, “Our business has been pretty strong in Charleston, some have not [had good business].”