Girl Scouts of Washington Rock C

Shop Smart Council Patch Program Requirements

A Council Patch Program for Older Girls created by Troop 74 of Union

To earn this IP, you must complete at least seven activities as follows:

Skill Builders

Visit 3 different types of stores and notice the first things that you see as you enter each store. How are sale items displayed differently from regularly priced items? What items get the best location? (eye-level, end of aisle, etc.)?
Are you a Bargain Hunter? Put together an outfit. Try to use as many sale items as you can find. Calculate how much money the outfit would have cost if you purchased the items as full price. Take a picture for the Troop Scrapbook.
How much information can you gather from all the tags/labels attached to you purchases? Choose an item that you really like. Look at the tag on the inside of the item. What information can you discern from the tag?
Visit a store you’ve never been in. Why did you choose to go into that particular store? What did they sell? Could you see yourself shopping in that store again and why or why not?
Smart shopper – Go to different stores. See if you can find the same item in at least two stores. Is it exactly the same? Is there a price difference? Why to you think stores would charge different prices for the same item?
Extend the life of your clothes – yes, clothes can last for more than one year if you are smart and accessorize. Pick an outfit you already own and purchase some new accessories to give it a smart, updated look for this season.

Technology

Pick up a store’s credit card application. What information is asked for on the application? What is the value line of credit offered and what is the interest rate charged? Figure out how much a $100 purchase will actually end up costing if you pay the minimum charge plus interest until it is paid off.
You have the opportunity to purchase items without leaving your home! Name a few ways you can shop from the comfort of your own home. Which do you prefer and why?
Learn how to care for your clothes. Select several items from your closet. What is the proper way to clean and care for them? Why is it so important to follow the care directions given by the manufacturer?
Design an advertisement for a clothing store. Contact your local newspaper and find out how much they should charge to print the ad. Size, color and duration of the ad will all contribute to the cost.

Career Exploration

Visit a store in the mall. List how many types of jobs you see people doing at the store. Which one of those positions would you want to try? Find out about the education needed and the beginning pay for the job.
Interview a buyer and learn how they determine what will be the styles for upcoming seasons. How far in advanced do they purchase for a particular season? Who determines what styles and colors will be in or out?
Are you the perfect employee? Speak to the Human Resources Department or Hiring Manager of a store. What do they look for in an employee? How may you make yourself a desirable candidate? Also, ask about employee benefits and employee discounts.
Do think shopping should be a job? Well, it is! Research the position of personal shopper or buyer. What type of education is required? What do they enjoy most about their job? Least?

Service Project

Go through your closet and donate an item of gently used clothing to a women’s shelter.
Sponsor a warm feet/warm hands drive (collect gloves and socks) for a homeless shelter.
Organize and sponsor a fashion show that exhibits affordable outfits that are still trendy. In lieu of an entrance fee, ask that everyone bring an item (mittens, scarves and/or hats to donate to a homeless shelter.