Taylor University loves to create a sense of community and support. Shop the Loop provides students with an opportunity to specifically support the creative efforts of their peers.
There are two Shop the Loop events each year: one during Homecoming Weekend, and another on Grandparents Day. These times of community outreach result in greater sales. On the other hand, the event also invites people from off-campus to experience Taylor’s community and to support the vendors.
Shop the Loop is usually held around Vayhinger Loop, but due to construction it will be held outside of the Rupp Communication Arts Center at the Samuel Morris Fountain. The event has also been extended from two hours to three hours to account for the growing student population.
There are approximately 40 vendors at Shop the Loop this year. Applications are not limited to students, though students are prioritized when PRSSA makes their vendor selections.
Shop the Loop is hosted by PRSSA, the Public Relations Student Society of America, and it has become a staple at Taylor since its inception.
“The Taylor community loves Shop the Loop,” said Schaeffer Ott, a sophomore public relations major and member of PRSSA. “Everybody looks forward to it each year.”
Shop the Loop provides an avenue for small business owners to get real hands-on experience for operating a storefront. It allows these vendors to learn about themselves and their artistic abilities and creativity.
PRSSA has been planning this event since the second week of school.
Shop the Loop began as a public relations project to grow students' communication skills and develop connections within the PR industry. It soon grew into the large-scale event that we know today.
“It is less about quantity of vendors and more about logistics,” said Ott. “We don’t want too many vendors selling the same things or to place two vendors selling the same thing next to each other.”
Vendors sell a variety of goods, from coffee and baked goods to jewelry and clothing.
Michael Keefer, a sophomore business management major, owns Revival Outfitters, a clothing resale business. He enjoys Shop the Loop because it allows him to expand his customer base as well as connecting with other business owners.
“I love to see what people create, and enjoy checking out other people’s booths and support them.” Keeefer said.“I love events like these. I can find something that is special and of importance to me”
So much hard work goes into Shop the Loop as a final product Ott says. As a result, a community is built with the vendors, and attendees are able meet incredible people while at the event.
Jordan Happ, a junior pre-art therapy major, is participating in her third Shop the Loop this year. She is continuously motivated by her peers and the support from both other vendors and the Taylor community.
“I don’t do it for the money,” Happ said. “I do it to share the joy that art brings me with other people.”
