Students from SGS Stroud College have taken to Merrywalks to try their hand at retail to boost their skills and confidence.

Those making their way through the shopping centre this week would have come across a pop up shop operated and stocked by students from the college who need extra help with their studies.

Goods on offer ranged from repaired furniture on the one hand to tie dye shirts on the other.

Val, who helps run SGS Stroud College’s Preparation for Work & Life Skills course, said the pop up was part of the college’s broader aim to help the students overcome their barriers to learning, such as autism and anxiety.

“It really helps with study and getting them ready for the world of work,” she said.

A slight damper on the pop up's professionalism was that, unlike the last two years, Merrywalks did not provide the students with an empty unit to fully simulate the retail experience.

“It’s a real shame,” said Charlotte, who also helps on the course, “as it looks so much more professional in a shop and gives the students a more authentic experience.”

If you missed the shop this week, don’t fret: the students are considering repeatedly setting up shop on Saturdays.