Cymoedd’s ‘Pop Up’ Shop is open for Business

From the start of the new academic year, visitors to Cymoedd’s Nantgarw campus will see a new enterprise set up in ‘The Street’. The ‘Green Zone Pop-Up Shop’ is a new venture set up by the learners studying on the Independent Living Skills Programme.

The retail outlet will provide the learners with an exciting opportunity to learn more about running the business and will provide vital work experience to improve communication skills and confidence.

The shop will stock a range of stationery, including Pens, Pencils, Rulers, Erasers and Paper as well as small gifts, birthday cards and a range of handmade craft items made by the learners. Throughout the year, the learners will identify key dates e.g. Christmas, Easter etc. adjusting their stock to suit the occasion.

The learners are also looking to offer a clothing range, including the option of personalised orders such as Cymoedd Hoodies, T-shirts, Beanie Hats and much more.

Course Tutor, Sally Begley said ‘The staff and learners are so excited to see the opening of the Pop Up shop; it is a fantastic opportunity for the learners to gain experience of working in a shop. The learners will gain the skills required to access employment in the retail sector when they leave the college. Staff will be present to support the learners but it will be their responsibility for the running of the shop. The learners have been involved in the discussions and decisions of what items to sell and the costs. The finishing touches have been made and they are keen to welcome their first customers”.

Liam Tomlins, 19, from Caerphilly is a studying on the Gateway to Employment course and will be involved with the running of the shop. Liam has studied at the college since 2017 and is eager to develop his skills whilst working in the shop. Liam said “I think it’s quite a good idea because I think it’s a good start to work experience. Start off small and then work your way up to the big leagues.”

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