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For several days, the University of Delaware Barnes and
Noble selling floor transitioned to a classroom for students in Professor Kelly
Cobb’s Fashion and Apparel Studies Research and Discovery: LIFECYCLE APPROACH
TO DESIGN course. Students worked in groups
planning all aspects of a Pop-Up Retail store experience with a foundation in
sustainable fashion products. Retail is
changing and shifting at an extraordinary pace, and it is important for
retailers to recognize impacts on society while still focusing on consumer
demands. The Collective pop-up shop is a temporary experiment highlighting
sustainable clothing developed by UD Alumni and friends. The Collective is an
online site of sharing, learning and educating consumers on issues related to
sustainability in the fashion industry. Sustainability comprises ‘the triple
bottom line’, which is people, planet, and profit. The evolution of sustainable
practices in the apparel business starts with the proper education of young
designers, merchandisers and consumers. By educating the community on the
negative effects the fashion industry has on these three key factors and
offering better options and new scenarios, it is the goal of the Collective to
inspire a change in the way people consume and shop. The initiative began with a presentation in
early October by the Sales Manager and Head Designer of “League” – a
sustainable brand that produces and sells licensed products to Barnes and
Noble. Visual merchandising,
experiential demonstrations and other aspects of the retail pop-up were planned
and executed by the students. This
“learning lab” was a unique experience for both students and customers.
Article by Brenda Shaffer, Professor in the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies
