Pedagogy and Professional Development

Designing for Impact: A Service-Learning Project in Visual Merchandising Class for a Local Consignment Store 

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Abstract

A service-learning project was developed in collaboration with a local consignment store as part of the Visual Merchandising course. The purposes were to 1) provide operational support for a local business and 2) provide a real-world learning opportunity, including two components: visual merchandising and styling suggestions for social media. For the first part, four areas were determined. Students designed signage and suggested new fixtures to improve store merchandising. The plans were executed and adjusted based on the owner’s feedback on site. For the second part, student groups created social media content. An Instagram “like” contest was held to increase traffic and promote the store’s social media account. The winners received prizes of store credits. This project was a great success, creating valuable benefits for both the store owner and students. The student reflections, along with the owner’s feedback, highlight how the service-learning project can be a highly impactful learning opportunity.

Keywords: Service learning, visual merchandising, local business

How to Cite:

Ju, H., (2025) “Designing for Impact: A Service-Learning Project in Visual Merchandising Class for a Local Consignment Store ”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.22023