It's like window-shopping with one difference: the items are notfor sale -- they're just on display.
Student work is being showcased on the fourth floor of ManningHall until the end of the semester. The displays are the productsof students enrolled in Visual Merchandising, a class for studentsin the Department of Consumer Science and Education, who arestudying fashion and home furnishings merchandising.
"We are trying to sell our skills and show what we have learnedin class," said junior fashion merchandising major Mary KatherinePhelps.
During the semester, displays are completed by 1 p.m. everyTuesday and are available for students to evaluate and enjoy.
"These windows look like they could be from famous designers,"Phelps said. "The displays are exciting and fun and lots of effortwent into making the windows."
By making the windows, students are able to develop theirmerchandising concepts and implement their plans.
"Working effectively in a group setting is an important aspectof producing these student projects," said Carolyn Worms, aprofessor in the Consumer Science and Education Department."Teamwork is an element of productive performance and merchandisingstudents have an opportunity to work with members of business andindustry as they create effective display windows."
Students are able to visit upscale stores around town likeTalbot's and Sachi and borrow merchandise including clothing andjewelry for their displays.
Phelps said she hopes students will become interested inconsumer science and education and understand what fashionmerchandising and home furnishings is all about.
"We try to relate to the age group we are in," Phelps said. "Thedisplays are fun, fresh and engaging."
In addition to making display windows, Visual Merchandisingstudents complete a business image project that allows students todo research regarding a particular organization's merchandisingpractices. This project is presented in both oral and writtenformats. As a result, students have a chance to develop and improvetheir communication skills. Students use technology and media tomake effective presentations.
"At The University of Memphis, fashion is a passion for manyConsumer Science and Education students," Worms said. "Theirinterest in fashion, as well as their skills will provide thestudents with opportunities to be part of the ever-changing,constantly challenging industry."
