News and Media

Published: Feb 8, 2012

SAVANNAH, Georgia - Students in SCAD's fashion marketing and management program partnered with Old Savannah City Mission Bargain Center to make over the mission's retail space at 5501 Abercorn St., Savannah. The new, revitalized bargain store will reopen Feb. 16, 2-5 p.m.

The students' challenge was to turn a large, uninviting space into a pleasurable shopping destination.

"The students were so enthusiastic about this project," said Patti Taylor, professor of visual merchandising. "They spent a lot of time researching, speaking to shoppers and brainstorming ideas with the ultimate goal of creating a fun shopping experience, which would in turn help the Bargain Center increase sales."

The Old Savannah City Mission Bargain Center is a donation drop-off center that accepts and sells clothing, furniture, household items and more. Its services include feeding the hungry, providing shelter for the homeless, rehabilitating the addicted and restoring the ex-offender.

In order to redesign and reorganize the sales space, students reached out to local retailers, including Bed, Bath & Beyond, Macy's and Target for donations of display fixtures.

"We are thrilled to be working with the students at SCAD," says Connell Stiles, director of development and retail sales for the mission. "The money we raise at the Bargain Centers helps provide food, shelter and a fresh start for Savannah's homeless. By making the space a more enjoyable, positive shopping experience, we can sell more merchandise, raise more money and help more people."