Mary Gifford ’26
Consignment Store Market Research
Mary Gifford ’26, Social Science major
Facult Mentor: Kelly (Ramirez) Stone, Donald Ryan ’69 Incubator
Oral Presentation: Wednesday, April 24, 10:36 a.m.
In the summer of 2023, I worked on a research grant given by the Center for Engaged Learning to develop a viable business model for an on-campus secondhand clothing store at Providence College. I thought of this idea through personal experience of seeing the amount of excess clothing on campus, and wanted to find a way to provide an affordable and sustainable option for students and the neighboring community to shop for clothing. During the summer, I shadowed a local consignment store in my town and gained field knowledge of the industry. I also reached out to a number of existing secondhand stores at college campuses to learn more about their operations and what model would fit best for PC. Since receiving the research stipend, I pitched the business model to faculty at PC and sought other grant funding to further the idea, and eventually received a physical space for the store in Feinstein. Friartown’s Closet held its Grand Opening Ceremony on April 3rd, 2024, and has the support of many students and staff. I plan to continue this business well into the future and ensure its sustainability on campus through creating a student organization.
Read more about Mary Gifford’s Friartown’s Closet:
