After a year of hybrid learning, the Shaker Spirit Shop is set to reopen as students and teachers are back full time for the first time since 2020. After the 2021 fall sports season, spirit is everywhere in the form of sweatshirts, letterman jackets, backpacks and more. Everyone in the SHHS community will be able to pick up new gear soon.

On Dec 7, the Shaker Heights High School Spirit Shop will open its doors to students and staff once again. The store will be open Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 next week, and will be open every Tuesday and Wednesday that follows.

The spirit store, located in the Upper Cafeteria, is filled with Shaker gear ranging from t-shirts and blankets to water bottles and school supplies. The store will be introducing joggers as at least one new product in addition to all of the classic gear, such as hoodies and t-shirts from years past. The Spirit Store may also see a modern makeover this year. Marian Steenbergh, Accounting Specialist in charge of the Spirit Store, plans on adding credit cards as a payment option.

Steenbergh plans on operating the store during lunch periods from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and again from 1:00 p.m to 1:45 p.m. The current plan leaves only a small time frame for students to shop and purchase their spirit wear. The store, which is currently hiring, may be open more if students work in the store like in years past. Steenbergh recognizes this may not accommodate every student. “I am happy to open the store for students if they can’t make it up to the shop during their lunch periods,” Steenbergh said.

The prices of items in the store are set to fit the budgets of high school students. The store’s purpose is not to raise funds for SHHS, but allow students to show school pride. “It’s not a great income,” Steenbergh said about the store’s profits.

Sales activity this year is unclear. In a typical school year, the store sees the most sales during parent teacher conferences. However this year, virtual conferences made it so this wasn’t possible. “This year, I am not so hopeful,” wrote Steenbergh about expected business traffic.

Freshmen and sophomores, who may be still new to the building, know very little about the Spirit Store. “I did not know that there was a spirit store,” said sophomore Cassidy Lownes. Juniors and seniors are excited to see the store return. Said senior Rachel Lowe “I think it’s a good idea to open the store back up. I’ve been wanting to buy something. I know my friends want to support their school.”

Students who are interested in working at the SHHS Spirit Store can email Ms. Steenbergh at steenbergh-m@shaker.org or stop by the main office and ask to talk to her regarding jobs at the spirit store.

Editor-in-Chief Vivian Bowling contributed to reporting.

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