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Student teams were assigned an Avenue retailer or restaurant, and are working side-by-side for five months with a mentor from the store to develop and execute an integrated marketing campaign. The students are required to research their assigned store, including target audiences and competitors, and incorporate the results into a marketing initiative designed to drive awareness, traffic and sales.

 

“Partnering with The Avenue is a great way to give our students hands-on experience,” said Debra Moore – marketing instructor, South Forsyth High School. “We’re working with students this year to really focus on solutions that are realistic within today’s retail marketing budgets – grassroots, no-cost and social media initiatives that will meet our retailer’s goals without requiring a significant budget investment.”

 

After the students execute their plans this holiday season, they will present the results to a panel of industry professionals, The Avenue staff and participating retailers. The winning teams will receive a shopping spree at The Avenue and scholarship funds.

 

Participating retailers and restaurants include American Threads, Bravura, e.k. taylor, Häagan-Dazs, Natural Body, Omega Diamond Jewelers, RW Design & Exchange, Sage, Straw Dog, Ten Thousand Villages and Which Wich? Superior Sandwiches.

 

“As a local business, working with these talented DECA students has provided us a cutting-edge boost to our ongoing marketing efforts,” said Shelley Caine – owner, e.k. taylor. “The grassroots programs they are implementing take advantage of their social media expertise – helping us reach our target audiences just in time for our grand opening this holiday season.”

 

The Avenue, introduced by Cousins Properties Incorporated in 1998, is an outdoor lifestyle center concept with eight locations throughout the Southeast. The Avenue offers a dynamic mix of premier national retailers, select local merchants and specialty restaurants reflective of local demand and fashion trends. The shopping destination features an open-air, pedestrian friendly setting convenient to major metropolitan areas. Shoppers can visit The Avenue at one of its five metro Atlanta locations, or in suburban Nashville, Tenn., suburban Memphis, Tenn. or Viera, Fla. For more information about The Avenue, please visit www.shoptheavenue.com.