students joined us JUNE 27 - JULY 1, 2022 IN ATLANTA, GA FOR OUR INAUGURAL summer camp for minority high school students
The Future of Retail Summer Camp
During this 5-day immersive summer camp, students got a behind-the-scenes look at the retail industry and explore what the future of it may look like through creating their own store concept! If your child, or a child you love, has ever shown interest in fashion, making their own products, running their own brick and mortar or e-commerce store, or anything related to the retail industry, we would love to help them explore those interests during our next camp!
the event recap!
the works atl
Our camp took place inside the Workshop space at The Works. The Works is the culmination of the energy, the flavors, the colors, and the cultures of the Upper Westside. The Works is an 80-acre adaptive mixed-use development in the heart of Atlanta’s Upper Westside. The Works’ vision includes distinctive retail and dining, imaginative experiences and inspired gathering areas in an interconnected environment preserving the character of Atlanta’s historic industrial buildings. We personally loved the zillions of options in the food hall! (and our campers did too).
the camp location
The Works - Upper Westside Atlanta
1295 Chattahoochee Ave NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
the instructors
“Increasing diversity in the retail industry long-term begins with training the future of it - our youth.”
DeAnna McIntosh is a trend-setting, results-driven Retail Business Consultant with 16+ years of experience helping brands drive sales, conversion, productivity, innovation, and engagement (10 of those years being inside Fortune 500 Retailers) and brings that knowledge to the camp experience.
- deanna, executive director, Diversify Retail
“The solution to the "pipeline" problem so often addressed is to create one by training our young people.”
With 20+ years of experience in the industry, Jade Sykes brings her past experience as VP of Sales and Brand Development, Wholesale Operations Director, Private Label & Licensing Manager, Brand Development Manager, Executive Fashion Editor, Editorial Wardrobe Stylist and Business Consultant into the camp experience.
- jade, CEO, Diversify Retail
the camp agenda
Day 1: Retail 101
Students explored the world of retail, the product lifecycle, and the various career options available to them
Day 2: Customers
Students explored retail from both a store owner's perspective and a customer's perspective
Day 3: Products
Students explored various ways to find or create products for their store, and also learned about wholesale
Day 4: Selling
Students explored the traditional retail model and emerging retail models to cast their vision for the future
Day 5: Presentations
Students presented their store concept the "Store of the Future", showing everything learned during camp
Interested in being a camp sponsor?
More of Presentation Day
camp perks
> Lunch and snacks are provided each day
> A workbook, pen, and notebook is provided for easy notetaking
> Students receive access to our digital community after camp to keep in contact and will become eligible for mentorship opportunities in the future
this camp is a student's first step in exploring their future in retail, a $6.5 trillion dollar industry
