Apparel Studies Students Win Scholarships in National Merchandising Contest

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From left, assistant professor Eunjoo Cho, Jenna Watson and Alejandra Gonzalez at the Fashion Group International of Dallas Career Day.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Two senior apparel studies students in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas recently won national awards in the merchandising poster board competition at the Fashion Group International of Dallas Career Day.

Alejandra Gonzalez and Jenna Watson, under the direction of assistant professor Eunjoo Cho, each placed in the top three. Gonzalez, from Rogers, earned a $500 scholarship for finishing first, and Watson, from Arlington, Texas, earned a $200 scholarship for placing third in the DAVACO Retail Services competition. DAVACO, based in Dallas, is a leading provider of retail, restaurant and hospitality services, including brand presence and profitability.

A total of 883 students from 37 universities and colleges, including 38 students from the University of Arkansas, competed in a variety of categories.

For U of A students, the competition held at the Dallas World Trade Center, was a component of the apparel merchandising capstone class in the School of Human Environmental Sciences.

Students in the capstone class developed a business plan for a new small Havaianas footwear retail store in Northwest Arkansas. The merchandising poster board and written report included research of the company and visual recommendations for the store layout, fixtures and in-store displays for increasing brand recognition, sales and consumer experience.

Career Day, hosted by Fashion Group International of Dallas, provides a philanthropic, educational outreach program for students seeking careers in the fashion and lifestyle industries. In addition to student competitions, it provides networking opportunities, speakers and exhibits by leading professionals and fashion companies.