MPorium Debuts Spring Theme
MPorium's New Theme, "free to FLOURISH" Credit: Ava Battinelli ‘26
On Feb. 14, the Marist MPorium launched its new theme of "free to FLOURISH" for spring 2024. Each semester for the past nine years, fashion students have carried out the theme of their choice for others to enjoy.
The “free to FLOURISH'' theme was an ode to the graduating seniors, the flowers symbolizing how they have blossomed through the fashion program.
The store exhibits a bright, welcoming and colorful atmosphere. Being right by the entrance of the Steel Plant, students are tempted to escape the routine of classes and enter the MPorium.
Inspiration was drawn from Pinterest, the Macy’s Flower Show and the Prada window display. With a mix of DIY creations and Amazon purchases, they created the new theme seamlessly.
“Throughout our four years, we've blossomed into unique individuals that we wouldn't have if we hadn't gone to Marist. That ties into the big blooming flowers and how we as individuals have reflected that,” said visual merchandising team member Ava Copeland ‘24.
From the last week of winter break until Feb. 14, MPorium teams, including finance, visual merchandise, buying, e-commerce, marketing, store operators and events were on a rigorous schedule to complete everything in time. During weekly activity hours, the visual merchandising team discussed everything from PVC pipes to the color story.
Credit: Ava Battinelli ‘26
“Having experience from the MPorium on your resume really stands out. It shows that you can not only take these courses and get the grades, but also apply that knowledge to a real-life business situation,” said Copeland.
Although the theme changes each semester, most of the products stay consistent. Customers can count on earrings, stickers and Marist merchandise that correlate with the theme. Funding is allocated per semester through a set budget.
“It's divided by what percentage of sales contributes to our store. For example, so much of our sales come from ready-to-wear clothing items in the store, so a lot of our budget is allocated towards that,” said buying team member Elizabeth Allan ‘24.
“Buyers and merchandisers will work together. I'm dedicated to wellness, so if I see that certain products aren't selling well, I'll try to re-merchandise those and make those more shoppable for the customer,” said Copeland.
Students involved have seen the store change throughout their time and find it to be an outlet for creativity. The senior directors of the MPorium not only have Excel sheets and decorations to pass on but also words of wisdom.
“Take advantage of the opportunities that the fashion program offers to you. A lot of other schools don’t provide these different opportunities,” said Allan. “It makes us stand out compared to others, and it's a very competitive industry.”