“The Wood”: Kenwood’s Retail Store

1

The Student Experience

This retail venture will provide students with the opportunity to start a legitimate retail business from ground-up. The business will provide a host of hands-on experiences.

Students will have the freedom to:• create business plan• lead the vision• market products and store• procure products• develop merchandise• maintain financial records

What are we trying to do?

• Create a fully operational retail store within Kenwood focusing of the selling of Kenwood apparel, student-designed school apparel, school supplies, and snacks.

• Expand sales to Kenwood alumni and community members via an online store.

When are we trying establish this business?

• Hire the entire staff by June 15th. The Chief Executive Officer and the Director of Human Resources will be hired first to assist in talent acquisition.

• Prepare for a soft opening in time for Freshmen Welcome Week and orientation, summer 2015.

• Grand opening for the first day of school for the 2015-2016 school year.

Where will this business be located?

• Kenwood Academy: AC wing computer lab

• Hours of operation are lunch periods and after school

• Purchases available in-store, online and delivery

• Kenwood mobile application for purchasing

Who will be involved?

Candidate pool of 2015-2016 rising Juniors and Seniors who have Bridge/Dual Enrollment courses Board of Directors made up of Kenwood staff and the local business community. The following year will include former student staff of the store.

Positions: Chief Executive OfficerChief Information OfficerChief Financial Officer Chief Marketing OfficerChief Procurement OfficerLead Fashion DesignerDirector of Human Resources Store ManagerSales Associates

Sample Profile of Strong Applicant

95% Attendance or higherGPA 2.8 or higher

Characteristics/Skills:Strong work ethicDedicatedTrustworthyMatureResponsibleCollaborativeResults-drivenInterpersonal communicationWritten and verbal AnalyticalDetailedInnovative

Incentives

Sponsored scholarships

Service Learning Hours

Unparalled business experience and acumen

Student autonomy

Chicago Innovation Exchange business support and use of space

Professional development and coaching from Chicago Innovation Exchange and school sponsor

Discounted Merchandise

Next Steps

Collect Name and Email of interested students

Formal informational session at the Chicago Innovation Exchange

Announcement of official job descriptions and application process

Interviews

Establish business plan and summer work plan

Questions

1. Will I get paid? No, this is similar to an unpaid internship. However, we are researching sponsorship dollars from community and business partners.

2. What is the time commitment? Similar to any sports or extra-curricular activity, daily and some weekend time will be expected.

3. Is this a class? No, you will be working during Bridge Class hours, but not on Bridge days.

4. What are some incentives for doing this? Discounted merchandise, experience, sponsorship dollars, service learning hours.

5. How will we be notified of next steps? Consistently monitor your email.

6. What is the application process? All candidates will need a cover letter, resume, character reference and letter of recommendation and interview. There may be additional requests dependent on the position for which you are applying.