
Knowing they had a captive customer base — students — they recognized an opportunity to create a business centered around school supplies. Challenged by space and funding constraints, their idea of a mobile school store developed. With guidance from both Mary Cantwell in the Center for Design Thinking and Mrs. Lisa King as financial and human resource advisor, the MV School Mart on Wheels was created.
- The Amazon Primes are in charge of the product flow and inventory, which is purchased through Amazon Prime, with free two-day shipping.
- The Shift Managers are responsible for the work schedule and supervising the employees.
- The CFO balances both Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable, with sole responsibility for apportioning 75% of sales toward a charity fund and the remaining 25% to replenish inventory.
After just two weeks in business, the MV School Mart has repaid Mount Vernon Presbyterian School its initial capital investment of $100.00, which was offered to cover inventory expense.
Customer feedback has been extremely positive. Ms. Clifford and teachers are very pleased with the students’ progress.
On Thursday, September 18 the MV School Mart will send its first donation of $100.00 to the Atlanta Mission in honor of Ms. Alix Rhett.
Normally, one would be hard-pressed to find a successful, profitable, student-managed business in the black after only just two weeks – but not at MVPS!