Scott Bunner, a junior Kent State University student majoring
in merchandising and manager of the university’s new
Fashion School Store, is pictured with Nancy Stanforth, Ph.D.,
Kent State associate professor and faculty advisor of the store.

The Kent State University Shannon Rodgers and Jerry Silverman School of Fashion Design and Merchandising has opened a new retail space The Fashion School Store. The store is located in the newly revitalized retail area known as Acorn Alley II in downtown Kent.

A grand opening that is open and free to the public will take place on Wednesday, April 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to view the new space, purchase merchandise and enjoy light refreshments. To make a reservation, call the College of the Arts office at 330-672-2760 by April 13.

The Fashion School Store provides an opportunity for fashion merchandising students to practice classroom concepts through a real business. All aspects of running a store will be managed by students, with junior merchandising major Scott Bunner serving as the store manager and Nancy Stanforth, Ph.D., associate professor of fashion merchandising, overseeing as the faculty advisor of the store.

“The store is about the merchandising students and putting their class work into action,” says Stanforth. “They will be involved in the buying and merchandising of the store, plus the general operation. We hope that they learn how to run a business and make it profitable.”

The Fashion School Store provides a unique outlet for Kent State fashion students, faculty and alumni to sell their designs. Items for sale include clothing, casual wear, outerwear, accessories, as well as computer bags, T-shirts, pillows and tote bags with The Fashion School logo. Prices range from $10 to $300.

While students gain experience running a business, the school’s faculty members provide their designs to financially benefit The Fashion School, while also experimenting with business strategies through academia.

“Faculty members hope at some point to be able to conduct research for publication, which might include pricing strategies, customer service and merchandise selections, and store ambiance,” says Stanforth. “However, that is a bit in the future.”

Regular store hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The store can be reached by calling 330-677-2419.