Undergoing a huge change with new management, the Cat Corner upgrades their business. These changes have a positive impact, as the store has lines going out the door every day. It’s not uncommon to see students going to the Cat Corner, not just during lunch, but also during passing periods. In less than a month of school and only ten days of being open, the Cat Corner has made a net profit of $8000.
While managing a business, students gain the hands-on experience of running a store. This CTE class is all about managing a business and gaining hands on experience in running a store. Students learn how to calculate profit and loss, ordering stock, and they learn the proper way to price products.
“It’s a fun, easy class,” Senior and Cat Corner employee Zoe Matthews said. “It helps you learn how to work with other people and oversee money. We have to learn to be on pace and keep up with the customers, be polite, keep records of the stock, and make new orders.”
The Cat Corner used to be run by Dashwanda Mosley the cheer coach, but this year the new supervisor is Travis Golden, the girls’ basketball coach. Some changes he’s made to the program are that he takes in the students interests when introducing new foods and snacks and emphasizes that the students are in charge of every aspect of the store.
“We have ice cream this year, more energy drinks like Celsius, Red Bull, Alani, a larger assortment of candy, and a variety of chips,” Matthews said. “Coach wants the students to run the store. Some of the jobs are working the cashier, restocking, and watching out for thieves.”
There is a noticeable increase in customers this year. More and more students are visiting and purchasing from the store due to the new products and reasonable prices.
“It’s definitely busier this year than last year.” Senior Renee Daughenbaugh said. “There are lines out the door all the time. They have to close the door on people when the bell rings because the line is so long.”
Students are there to buy snacks to eat for lunch or during classes. The Cat Corner is there to provide various snacks, water, and they additionally have school shirts and jackets for purchase.
“I think it’s a great place to go for a quick snack or even a meal,” Senior Bryan Stevens said. “They have a good selection of inventory, and prices aren’t that bad. It’s a fun place to go. I give it five stars.”
Students have noticed a big difference in the way the Cat Corner is run from last year, and it makes students more interested in going to the store and making a purchase.
“This year, I go to the Cat Corner around two to three times a week,” Junior Jay Spencer said. “I think it runs more smoothly this year, it seems more organized, the food selection is better, and the prices are more reasonable compared to last year.”