Revolution RETOLD: Using place-based learning in an experiential retail project between fashion design and merchandising students

Revolution RETOLD is an educational research project that utilized a local fashion retail store operated by the university as a place-based learning opportunity for connection between fashion design and merchandising students and their community. The project aimed to situate students within their local community to address real-world challenges within an actual retail setting. More specifically, this store learning lab course was developed for students to address the need for more sustainable practices, experiential marketing and explore a new era of retail and manufacturing at an existing store within their local community. Students in the course worked together to develop a concept that included key items, retail experiences, visual displays and marketing. Key items were created with thoughtfulness to more sustainable manufacturing processes such as zero-waste pattern-making, upcycling and use of local labour. Retail experiences engaged the local community through repair and upcycling workshops, while visual displays focused on second-hand use. Students were tasked with creating weekly working reports from store visits that identified store traffic and sales reports while also completing peer evaluations and self-reflections of their experience. Student responses suggest this place-based learning experience had a positive impact on learning in the following ways: (1) reflections on strengthening weaknesses, (2) learning to negotiate and compromise and (3) improving communication skills.