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Health & Fitness

Carroll students Step Up for local bookstore

Independent retailer Martha Merrell’s Books and Cuddles is one of Waukesha’s hidden treasures. Under one roof, patrons can purchase books, gifts and collectibles, and receive free gift wrapping services. Additionally, weekly events for book clubs and visiting authors are hosted at the store. A group of Carroll University students has recognized that this charming shop could achieve more with a new business strategy.

These students are members of Carroll’s Enactus team, and they received a $1,500 grant for a Sam’s Club Step Up for Small Business project. This winter, they will work with owner Norm Bruce to implement a strategic marketing approach that will increase the store’s visibility and encourage new customers.

Huong “Jenni” Vu, a junior business administration major from Hanoi, Vietnam, is the project leader. She said, “Our assessment of needs reveals that the store’s current marketing strategy has left out a potential segment of customers – young readers.” The Enactus team will rebuild the store’s website and help increase traffic from a younger demographic market.

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This Sam’s Club award marks the second successful grant proposal written by Vu. Two years ago, she was the project lead for a $1,500 Walmart Foundation grant that supported a Women in Entrepreneurship workshop held at Carroll University.

Enactus is an organization of student, academic and business leaders committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a more sustainable world. About 1,600 university chapters are active in 36 countries. Last April, Carroll’s team won the regional competition in Chicago, based on projects that had the greatest impact on the local community, and advanced to nationals. This year, the team is also working with local community organizations to effectively market fair trade products and collect food for the Waukesha food pantry. To learn more about Enactus, visit www.enactus.org.

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