Tyler Stauffer photo: The Mercyhurst College community purchased goods made by students at the first Mercyhurst Marketplace.

The first Mercyhurst Marketplace gave students the opportunity to experience responsibilities retailers have on a daily basis.

These experiences include coordinating vendors, setting displays, pricing and promoting while operating at a profit.

The Marketplace took place Tuesday, April 27, in the Mercy Heritage Room from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Retail Management Class taught by assistant professor of marketing Jill Slomski hosted the event.

The Marketplace was a place where students, faculty and staff could showcase their talents and sell their wares.

An estimated 18 vendors were at the Marketplace. The vendors sold items including paintings, photography, jewelry, plants, international desserts, corn hole and gourmet dog treats.

Mercyhurst sophomore Courtney Clair purchased a “Stop the War in MyRaq” shirt from the Fashion Club’s table.

Fashion Merchandising majors senior Amber Valdiserri and sophomore Michele Colangelo explained that all of the jewelry they were selling was student-made. Fashion students designed the shirts that were sold at their table as well.

Another vendor at the Marketplace was Jordan Potratz, representing his family’s business, Potratz Floral Shop and Greenhouse.

“(The Marketplace) is a great opportunity for young artists to get their name out there,” Potratz said.

He said the Marketplace is a good way to put the word out for his family’s business.

Senior Andrea Moncada, a student in the Retail Management Class, ran an international desserts table with the help of her friends and roommates.

They said they decided to sell desserts because of their love of and “mad skills” for baking.

Slomski came up with the idea of the Marketplace because she wanted the students in her class to have a retail lab experience. The Marketplace turned out better than Slomski expected.

She said she hopes vendors are able to sell all their products and that the event will take place again next year.

Ten percent of each vendor’s profits will be donated to the Mercy Center for Women.