By Staff
Marketing class turns into business
Becky Miller
Guest Writer
Madison shoppers who take pride in showing their high school spirit by sporting either the school's colors or other symbols have a new one-stop shop in town where they can spend their money for a good cause.
A new store has been opened inside Bob Jones High School, thanks to an idea by the schools principal, Sam Rombocus, and the enthusiasm of its marketing teacher, Brandy Widner.
"Having a store inside the school just made sense," Widner said.
Widner teaches Marketing Dynamics and Co-Op Education and Business and Marketing Essentials at Bob Jones.
It is her introductory business and marketing essentials class in room C-212, which is also Widners' classroom, that houses the business.
Although she hopes to see it eventually located in an enclosed area, Widner said she believes the new store will be a success.
"We hope to sell our items at football games in the fall as well," Widner said.
The store features 17 shirt and jacket designs all designed by Haddock, who teaches Computer Electronics and Drafting. Senior Brian Hock also designed two of the T-shirts. After shopping around for the best prices for what they needed, Mid South Specialty in Decatur got the job to produce the goods. Georgette Terry of Mid South works with the students to get the needed products.
Widner is pleased with the quality of goods being sold in the store. It carries shirts, jackets, sweatshirts, caps, visors, lanyards, license plates, and pom-poms, but plans are to add more little souvenir type items in the future.
"There is not really a profit for the store. It is primarily a learning tool for the students," Widner said. "Students learn to run a store, manage a store, do inventory, take care of customers, handle the finances and all else that is involved in this operation. It is not only a great teaching tool but also creates school spirit."
A look up into the stands during the recent basketball tournament showed true school spirit among the students attending the event.
"It was neat to see our shirts on the students," Widner said. "Parents have been very good customers as well."
Should there be any proceeds from the store, they go right back into purchasing more items to sell.
"We are tied in with DECA also which is a business-type club," Widner said. "The store has only been open since the beginning of this semester and has made approximately $2,000."
Each of her students is assigned a week to work.
"The store is open Monday through Friday from 7:40 to 8 a.m., then again on Monday through Wednesday after school until 3:45 p.m.," Widner said. "The public is welcome to shop at the store as well."
Visitors must come to the front entrance of the school and receive a visitor's pass. Widner can be reached by calling 772-2547, ext. 629, or by e-mail her at bwidner@madisoncity.k12.al.us.