Students pursuing a retailing degree at the University of South Carolina can now work with the world’s largest and most valuable consumer brand as part of their coursework. The Department of Retailing faculty and students are proud to manage the University of South Carolina’s new Apple® Authorized Campus Store — Gamecock iHub.
Under the management leadership of retailing faculty and staff, the Gamecock iHub is operated by students — providing a valuable opportunity to earn real-world experience working with a global retail leader. Students will gain pragmatic knowledge in sales, inventory management and operations, and will also gain niche training in areas of marketing, brand management and asset protection. The store is the first of its kind in the region and only the second in the nation to incorporate student experiential learning into its business model.
Students who are selected for an internship (RETL 495) or complete their practicum (RETL 295) with the Gamecock iHub Apple authorized campus store can also benefit from the collaboration with the Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning (CIEL) and their offerings: experiential learning opportunities (ELO); graduation with leadership distinction (GLD); and reflection resources and Carolina Engage grants to support involvement in beyond-the-classroom engagements. Learn more about this meaningful opportunity to enliven and enrich your experiences in integrative, experiential learning.
The store employs a new cohort of interns each fall semester. Students who are interested in future positions can fill out an interest form and will be notified when positions open up.
Gamecock iHub is located on the first floor of the Byrnes building on the corner of Sumter and College streets and is scheduled to open in summer 2021. It will feature a wide range of Apple products, from tablets and laptops to accessories like AirPods. Products will be available for purchase (at a special price, thanks to an education discount) by anyone affiliated with the university — students, employees and alumni. Gamecock iHub will also offer in-house product repair and services by Apple authorized service technicians.
Jeffrey M. Campbell serves as department chair and associate professor of retailing at the University of South Carolina. Campbell serves on the Higher Education Advisory Board for the Category Management Association.
Saundra Koesters attended The Ohio State University where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising and textiles. Koesters has more than 30 years of retail management experience with iconic brands such as Banana Republic, The Gap, J.Crew, and Land’s End.
Michael Watson has more than 20 years of experience in higher education in various roles including instructional designer for graduate-level online leadership courses and departmental lead for leadership, communication, fashion marketing and management courses.
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