What’s old is new at Huntington’s Community Thrift Shop as Long Island University students reimagine the store to accelerate sales. Students from Long Island University’s Fashion Merchandising & Management program are engaged in a creative venture that reflects LIU’s tradition of service to the community as well as a current focus on sustainability in fashion.
Students enrolled in LIU’s fashion program volunteer to design attractive thematic/seasonal displays to maximize sales in The Community Thrift Shop (located at 345 Main Street, Huntington). They also work on signage, messaging, photography and social media to broaden the customer base and stimulate purchases. Net sales from the thrift shop directly benefit the Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk (VNSHS).
In a unique cross-collaboration, LIU students with a keen eye for desirable vintage fashion price, display and sell clothing and accessories in The Student Body Boutique (LIU Post, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville). LIU’s share of proceeds from these sales will go towards scholarships for Fashion Merchandising students, while The Community Thrift Shop’s will help VNSHS serve local families who are facing health care crises.
“This collaboration exemplifies the experiential learning for which our university is renowned,” said Long Island University President Kimberly R. Cline. “It also illustrates the creative ways that our students give back to the community while gaining experience that will drive success in their future careers.”
Cherie Serota, director of LIU’s Fashion Merchandising & Management program, explained, “Another highly advantageous aspect of this partnership is that it promotes circularity and sustainability in fashion, which is of pressing concern to our students and the industry worldwide. Thrifting reduces impact on the environment by upcycling and reusing clothing. At the same time, it enables a larger population to access luxury brands. Our students not only use their merchandising and visual display skills, but also their buying expertise to identify merchandise that they can then offer at the “Vintage Corner” in our very own Student Body Boutique at affordable prices. It’s a win-win.”
The Student Body is an on-campus boutique that features trends and styles curated by LIU’s fashion students. The students select all the merchandise as well as manage and staff the boutique, giving them valuable experience to launch their careers in fashion. By showcasing The Community Thrift Shop items, they have an opportunity to promote sustainability while adding vintage flair to the boutique’s selection.
The Community Thrift Shop was founded in 1965 as a cooperative effort by local non-profit organizations who serve those in need. Linda Taylor, CEO of VNSHS, commented, “It’s inspiring to have the fashion-forward input of the students who bring a fresh, Gen Z look to the merchandise in the shop. This helps to increase sales which extends Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk’s ability to provide crucial services to patients and their families throughout our county.”
As part of the Long Island University College of Management, the B.S. in Fashion Merchandising & Management teaches students business fundamentals and entrepreneurship while fostering creativity in marketing and branding. LIU’s proximity to NYC allows students to meet, network and intern with fashion leaders as well as attend New York Fashion Week events. The study abroad program further expands their style horizons to Paris, Florence and Milan. Students complete a Capstone Project where they create a fashion start-up from conception to completion and, in some cases, have used this as a springboard to launch their own business upon graduating from the program.
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