Good Sammy teams up with Curtin University students for some visual merchandising fun

Good Sammy Op Shops have teamed up with Curtin University Fashion Merchandising students and given them an opportunity to design and create their own visual merchandising window displays in a variety of store locations. 

Curtin University is a great supporter of Good Sammy Enterprises, and not only did this partnership provide Supported Employees with an opportunity to learn new visual merchandising skills, but it also gave Curtin students real-world experience, merchandising in a contemporary market while promoting sustainable fashion.

The Good Sammy Op Shop employees were on board to lend a helping hand, providing their expertise with second-hand shopping and finding the perfect thrift store treasures.

James and Bridget designed a cosy 'Wind in the Willows' themed display for the Morley store, complete with comfy chairs and a teddy bears picnic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

"We had Good Sammy employees helping us find items while also taking notes of items to look out for on their donation delivery days. All departments were offering to help us to ensure we had the right clothes, furniture, toys, and books needed for the scenes. Even the manager's mum lent us a fireplace!"

Mia and Daniella created a striking ‘Dark/Romantic Academia’ theme for the Mt Lawley Op Shop, featuring paper walls and hand-cut hearts. 

“Thank you for the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and the opportunity to see our ideas come to fruition. I personally have learnt so much about the fashion industry through this placement.”

Partnerships like these are so important to the Good Sammy purpose, which is to provide meaningful employment opportunities and pathways for Western Australians with disabilities. Not only do they provide development opportunities for Participants, but they also go a long way in educating the community about the value of inclusivity in the workplace.

"We believe creating inclusive workplaces is the foundation for an inclusive society," Good Sammy CEO, Melanie Kiely explains.

And it makes good business sense too! Research conducted by Accenture shows companies that employ people with disabilities outperform companies that don’t. Their revenues were 28% higher, net income two times more, profit margins higher by 30% and there was a 90% increase in employee retention.

Furthermore, according to Inclusive Employment WA, 80% of people want to work in businesses that promote inclusivity and diversity.

 

Good Sammy continues to blaze the trail, recently launching the new Good Sammy Academy. The Academy draws on more than 60 year's experience to provide the latest in learning and development opportunities for people with disability.

Importantly, it will also connect Participants to mainstream employers, for employment and development purposes, and provide support to both parties to foster a win-win relationship.

The Academy programs have been designed to empower and inspire participants as they embark on their journey towards a better future, full of potential and opportunities. These programs teach valuable life skills and build Participants' confidence as they discover the types of work they enjoy.

Good Sammy's vision is a better future for people with disability. Where everyone, regardless of ability, can find the job they love!