K-State fashion studies team wins Von Maur case challenge with its innovative pitch.
A group of five inventive K-State fashion students secured a first-place finish in a competition organized by Von Maur, the upscale department store.
Von Maur’s challenge, given to 10 groups of college students including K-State’s team, was to brainstorm a method that answers the question “How can Von Maur adapt and thrive with the next generation of shoppers?”
The pitch
K-State teammates Natalie Peterson, Declan Taylor, Katherine Riner, Caroline Humphrey and Ellie Tharp came up with a pitch to entice coming generations with in-store experiences and improved rental services. The pitch targeted fashion-forward, environmentally conscious and event-driven members of Gen Z.
The K-State team’s research pulled data from Von Maur, outside sources on sustainable retail practices and their own individual experiences with shopping.
Von Maur’s in-store experience — famous for a live pianist playing while you shop — and cooperative rental services set it apart from competing department and online stores. K-State’s pitch emphasized capitalizing on both strengths, catapulting them above the competition and securing job interviews.
“This was such an incredible experience for our students,” said faculty advisor Euri Mead. “Not only did our students finish in first place, but each student submitted a resume for a potential interview with the Von Maur team, and I am thrilled that all five of our students were selected for interviews!”
By Kate Ellwood
Curated from Fashion studies students bring home top prize in new Von Maur Case Challenge