The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
JVS marketing students operate Corner Shoppe
The Corner Shoppe Store, located inside the Lorain County JVS and run by Marketing & Management students, is a huge success, for a number of reasons.
The store is operated by the senior class, while the juniors take care of the inventory and open the store to get it ready for customers.
Katie Street, Marketing & Management Instructor said, “This is an actual business for the students to run. It gives them the real life experience of working in a retail environment and gives them the opportunity to meet and talk with so many different students from different programs and associate schools.”
The operation of this store goes along with the students Strategic Entrepreneurship College Credit Course, where they learn about cash management, how to write a business plan, as well as learn about different types of businesses.
So far this year, the store has reached the $10,000 mark in sales. This money goes into the students’ trade account, which funds the operations of the store. The money in this account allows the store to have more and different items available for purchase throughout the year and also goes towards giveaways for special event gifts.
The Shoppe has so many things to offer the student population. Some items that can be purchased are lanyards, phone and iPad cases, phone chargers, school supplies, headphones and JVS clothing. Healthy snack options are also available as well as coffee, tea, juices, and ice cream.
Michael Toy, senior from Elyria, said “my favorite part of running the store is customer service. I like to greet the customers when they come in, because everyone always has a smile on their face.”
The Shoppe also provides the students with a more intimate setting to gather and socialize with friends, or the chance to meet some new ones. A ‘social corner’ is set up with bean bag chairs, a TV that has Netflix streaming or ESPN on to catch up on the latest sports news. Wii is also available for students to play their favorite games.
The students run special events throughout the year, with the most recent event revolving around March Madness. Before the holiday break, they had seasonal day specials and sold an award winning hot cocoa.
Ryan Edmundson, senior from Amherst, likes the special events the best. “I really enjoy the themes and events we put on throughout the year. It is fun to create, plan and run these events for the students.”
Students can eat their lunch in the store, where cafe tables are set up for eating and socializing. The store is typically open on Tuesdays and Thursdays during lunch periods.