November 28, 2012

What started as the d&mKiosk four years ago has now evolved into d&mShop, a hands-on, multi-disciplinary business venture of the Design & Merchandising program. With the creation of d&mShop comes the new e-Commerce site http://www.dmshopatdrexel.com/, which allows shoppers from Drexel and beyond to purchase all of the great products offered at our pop-up shops anytime, anywhere. The e-Commerce site, under the leadership of Anne Cecil, Design & Merchandising Program Director, and Kristen Ainscoe, Design & Merchandising Professor, launches Monday, December 3rd, just in time for the Holiday shopping season. The site offers what's sure to be a highly coveted item, the first installment of our Audubon Series, a collection of 100% silk scarves created by Professors Sandy Stewart and Roberta H Gruber. These beautiful scarves are based on historical Audubon prints from the collection of The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.

The scarves, the first of what will be limited seasonal editions, feature gorgeous colored birds in hues of orange, purple, red, blue, and more, surrounded by vibrant greenery. Support the college by being the first to own this wearable, luxury art. Also available are exclusive Drexel campus cuffs, totes, and a curated collection of vintage Christmas ornaments.

“The College places great stock in creating entrepreneurial opportunities for students -- like MAD Dragon Records, DUTV, and the Graphics Group - the e- commerce shop is a natural extension. I'm already partial to online shopping and this is sure to be my new favorite shopping site,” says Dean Allen Sabinson. Visit the d&mShop online at http://www.dmshopatdrexel.com/ and stop by the pop-up Kiosk Dec. 3^rd through Dec. 7^th in the URBN Center Main lobby.

The d&mShop was created as the Design & Merchandising Program’s retail learning laboratory and facilitates hands-on learning in all aspects of retail. This endeavor affords students the opportunity to create and sell product, develop marketing and brand identity, and execute merchandising strategies in an entrepreneurial endeavor. Operating as a kiosk pop-up shop for the past four years, sales increased annually. Growth to an online retail store was the natural next step to reach a broader audience and ultimately increase sales revenue.