In a first of its kind in the country, St. Francis College sets up a retail store to be managed by students of Retail Management & IT course

For better learning experiences and prospects, students won’t settle for anything less than the best. The Department of B.Voc (Retail Management & IT) of St. Francis College for Women, Begumpet is attempting to provide just that, as it takes opportunity into a completely new, uncharted and exciting array.

Bethel Retail Store is a first of its kind in the country — a store for and by the students — aiming to to provide students with a hands-on experience of managing a retail store.

“The idea of the store stemmed from the need to provide students a way to implement classroom learning; industry assignments, projects, live research and internships are limited due to time and resource constraints. The course is a skill-based and focused on practical learning. So, it’s like a lab for the students to explore and be trained in,” shares Subi Verghese, Head of Department of B.Voc (RM & IT).

The store will showcase merchandise from various retailers for products ranging from textile, footwear, jewellery, books, cosmetics, handbags and designer wear. The present focus is on collaborating with small entrepreneurs, but could tie up with bigger brands in future. The format of the store will chang every month.

In running and managing the store, students will handle everything from promoting and marketing it to unpacking the products, setting up the display counters and shelves, selling to a customer, billing and handling cash operations of the store. Department faculty explains that they have set aside an hour in their timetable for skilling and students would handle the store in shifts.

“Industry retail experts will also train the students. The store isn’t expected to be a commercial establishment, but a platform to learn. A lot of initiative has been taken by the students themselves during the initial stages in terms of contacting people and implementing the idea. They’re thrilled about it,” adds Subi.

Mahati, a student shares her excitement: “At first we were sceptical of the idea and how we would go about it. But as it built up we realised it was an amazing opportunity. I’m expecting to learn more about aspects like how to visually market products.”

“This is something beyond what we’ve expected and we’re all eagerly waiting to start working at the store!” adds Usha, another student.

The store will be operational from mid-August, during the college hours. With the tagline “The Threshold of learning”, the store aspires to be that and more.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / by Sadiyah Y. Lasania / July 02nd, 2015