The DECA store is officially open outside M152 before school and during the first two minutes of passing period, managed by marketing teacher Jamarcus Langston and students in the club.

“The DECA store has been in business [for] as long as there has been a marketing program and marketing classes,” Langston said. “It is an opportunity for DECA members to get real experience on the business side of things.”

The store gives club members a chance to learn inventory control, money management and how to run a business. The money earned helps to finance the club’s activities. 

“[The money] helps to offset the cost of a lot of things like competition and extra fees,” Langston said.

Although the funds help the club with financing, DECA started to face other challenges due to the changed bell schedule. 

“With the loss of flex time we have lost a lot of revenue because that had become our main time of operation,” Langston said. “We have had to adjust and it’s been a very difficult process as far as adapting to these changes.” 

Despite the new bell schedule, DECA students remain positive about the reopening. Some club members even look forward to the store as customers. 

“I’m excited that the DECA store is opening up again for the year because it gives me a chance to grab a snack in the middle of the day while also supporting and giving back to the club and school,” DECA club member Kavya Setty said.