Ready for Retail through Work-Based Learning at the Country Store

November 11, 2026

High school students Jedidiah and Maximillian arrive at the Green Chimneys Country Store ready for their regular Wednesday afternoon shifts. Career Program Supervisor Melanie Dennis has accompanied them from campus, and together they meet with Store Manager Debra Casalta, who gives them a warm welcome and starts with a review of needs for the day.

Retail Tasks

Today’s focus is apparel: pricing for new merchandise that has come in, and signage for hanging items on display. Jed and Max decide who will work on which task, and Debbie suggests to each how they might get started and points them to any items they will need for their tasks.

“I see my role with the students as one of guidance and support,” says Debbie. “I’m teaching them how to become a good store employee by working with others; properly using equipment, such as the register, scanner and inventory system; and helping to pick out appealing products to bring into the store. Each day we select a task and figure out the best way to complete it.”

Jed starts on pricing a new supply of Green Chimneys t-shirts with store staff member Angie, who shows him how to look up styles in the inventory catalog and print product labels. Max dives into the signage task by reviewing the hoodies and jackets in stock, and creating colorful hand-drawn price lists to hang by the clothing rack.     

Purpose of the Store

The Country Store is a charming and vibrant shop at Green Chimneys’ Boni-Bel Farm, just down the road from the Brewster campus. It offers fresh produce, honey and maple products, decorative items from local artisans, and jewelry and crafts made by Green Chimneys students. The store is one of many work-based learning opportunities available to the students, and here they learn about operations and customer service in a real retail environment. The program meets New York State career development requirements for high school students, and is an increasingly popular option among the range of employment opportunities presented by our career program staff. 

“I love working with the students on-site at the store,” says Melanie. “There’s also a lot of preparation before they start, and follow up once their work is done. As job coaches, my team and I are getting to know these students by having them apply for the job, interviewing them, and finding out their interests. On the job, we are coaching, supporting, cheering, and motivating them to remain consistent with their work schedule.” Afterwards, job coaches discuss with students how they felt about the experience. Then, they provide necessary feedback so they can continue successfully and reinforce their new skills.

Positive Impact

Melanie points out that the store is a safe place to make mistakes. “It’s a very calm and supportive setting, and teaches students about the ups and downs of retail work, which many of them may go into once they graduate. They learn a big lesson about how to keep busy during down time, which has been a struggle for some of our students,” she shares. “The store also brings exposure to the local community. That social interaction has been wonderful for the student workers.”

Jed likes the quiet, cozy environment of the Country Store and feels that he’s getting true retail experience that will transfer to an outside job. “It’s friendly here,” he says. “I enjoy meeting and chatting with people, and I feel ready to work in a real store.”

The Country Store is now gearing up for the holiday season. Students will gain valuable experience in the busier customer environment. Every visit to the store or special purchase made is a great way to support our students.

Holidays on the Farm starts Thanksgiving weekend on Saturday, November 28 with extended holiday hours. Join us for our annual holiday and tree market and experience the magic of the season with handmade decorations, prepared gift baskets, sustainably grown holiday greens and warm customer service provided by our students.