The Marriott School Shop: A Student-Run Business

For those alums out there who have never purchased any Marriott School paraphernalia or for those who are simply looking to replenish their supply, we would like to remind you that the Marriott School Shop is your one-stop shopping destination. A student-run business, the Marriott School Shop specializes in retailing Marriott School branded affinity products both within the Tanner Building and to alums and friends via our web presence.

About four years ago, this retailing function was transferred from the MSM External Relations department to a group of MBA marketing students under the direction of Gary Rhoads. Three years ago, Paul Dishman was asked to serve as the formal sponsor and teacher for a Marriott School Shop class. Dishman remains the shop’s faculty advisor along with Idon Openshaw, of the Marriott School Dean’s office, who serves as a student resource and is of incalculable help to the shop. The class is offered to MBA students beginning the second block of their first year and the experience continues through their second year. The class is open to undergraduate students in the Marriott School as well.

The Marriott School Shop is the only field study class in the Marriott School that is operationally based. In this class, students actually have to make assessments, formulate tactics and strategy, and then execute them. That is a level of satisfaction that generally doesn’t come with other field study experiences. The Marriott School Shop is a complete business operation including supply chain, compliance, human resources, finance, accounting, information systems, merchandising, marketing, and promotion.

MBA students serve as the executives within the store operation and undergraduates serve as directors, so the leadership skills that an MBA has (and develops) count a great deal. Most MBAs will have some consulting experience on their resumes by graduation, but only a few will have operational experience where they can say they helped to increase sales, roll out a new product, or develop a new market. This says a lot to a potential employer.

If you are interested in viewing or purchasing Marriott School Shop items, the easiest way is to go to the BYU bookstore web site and, in the left hand column, choose “BYU Products,” then “BYU Marriott School,” then either “Gifts” or “Apparel.” It’s that easy!

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