Get Your Merch at The Perch

Starting Fall 2025, students will hear the phrase “Get your merch at The Perch!” echoing through the hallways as Bloomfield Hills High School launches its new marketing course dedicated to running the school spirit store. Students in this class will work in the store, learning about running a business and retail management.

The Perch was born out of a combination of efforts. Principal Dan Hartley envisioned a school store to promote Black Hawk pride. Business teacher Dan Whitmire brought years of previous experience from helping to run the store at Andover High School. Whitmire wrote a proposal for the course which was ultimately approved by the school board. Additionally, Mayas Smith (grade 11) investigated the creation and operation of the store through an independent study project, and Austin Toma (grade 11) won a contest to design the store’s mascot. 

According to the BHHS course catalog, in “Marketing: School Store Operations,” students will conduct market research, apply concepts of retailing and merchandising, and create/revise store policies and procedures. Students will gain authentic retail experience by operating The Perch during the school day. Students helping to operate the store, and who are also in DECA (a co-curricular competitive business club) will benefit by gaining this hands-on experience. Students interested in enrolling in this course  must have taken the Principles of Marketing class, or they can seek teacher approval.

This year, peer-to-peer student mentors, along with their special education student partners, successfully stocked and staffed the store every other day during lunch. Next year, ideally, the store will be open during lunches, both A and B days, and during school events; however the hours and details are still being finalized. Whitmire hopes to not only expand the hours, but also the merchandise offered. Students were surveyed to ask what items they would want in their school store. Based on this feedback, the store may include items such as school supplies, weekly themed spirit items, and snacks, in addition to BHHS branded apparel. 

Whether a student, staff member, or parent is looking for a new BHHS hat, a Black Hawk hoodie, or another item to showcase their Black Hawk pride, they can find all their merch at The Perch!