Torch 180 to hold Grand Opening of new retail training center March 12th
Torch 180 Corner Shoppes is holding a Grand Opening of its new retail training center in Downtown Fowlerville this Thursday, March 12, from 5 to 7pm. The store is located at the 102 E. Grand River at the southeast corner of East Grand River and South Grand Avenue.
The new retail training center will serve as both a functioning retail store and a structured training environment where students “can gain real-world experience in customer service, sales, merchandising, inventory management, and workplace professionalism, and earn professional retail certifications.”
The Corner Shoppes will operate in a similar fashion to the Torch 180 Café on Mill Street that trains students in the restaurant-food service field, with the goal of these people being able to obtain employment.
President and Founder of Torch 180 Rhonda Callahan said that “This grand opening is so exciting for us. We will be able to offer employability training for yet another high-interest industry that has many employment opportunities for our students.”
The evening will include the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5pm, followed by an open house and tours of the retail space, light refreshments, and opportunities to meet students and program leaders.
Special thanks was given to Lake Trust and Chem-Trend for their “generous support of the retail training program.”
“Their partnership is instrumental in building out this space and allowing Torch 180 to expand its career pathway opportunities for individuals who have disadvantages,” it was noted.
“We have worked hard to build a small shop which will have general merchandise and Torch 180 student-made merchandise and some of our delicious non-perishable baked goods from the cafe for sale. We also have space for local small business partners to rent and sell their products.”
As stated on its web site, Torch 180 is a locally-based non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth and strengthening communities through workforce training, mentorship, and practical skill development. Through innovative programs in retail and food service, Torch 180 helps participants gain the experience and confidence needed to thrive in today’s workforce.
The building, which has been vacant for a number of years, was acquired in 2024. Work has been going on to renovate both the exterior and interior, with donations being sought to fund this improvement project.
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