Professional Purple Closet
The “Professionally Purple Closet” in the Interior Design and Merchandising (IDMR) department at East Carolina University (ECU) is a dedicated resource designed to empower students for professional success. Located in the River’s Building, this service offers a comprehensive selection of professional clothing to all ECU students who are preparing for interviews, internships, field placements, or any other career-related engagements.
The closet symbolizes our commitment to nurturing career readiness among its students. It ensures that every student, regardless of their financial situation, has access to appropriate attire that reflects professionalism and confidence.
Students visiting the Professionally Purple Closet can choose from a wide array of attire, including suits, business dresses, blazers, dress shirts, ties, and accessories, all donated by generous alumni, faculty, and community partners. Each item is carefully curated to meet varying industry expectations and trends, ensuring students look and feel their best during critical career moments.
Location: Rivers 143
Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-4:30 p.m.; Wednesdays by appointment.
Student Learning Opportunities
The impact of the Professionally Purple Closet extends beyond immediate wardrobe needs. Upper-level IDMR students have the opportunity to engage more deeply through special topic classes focused on professional development, access to job and internship opportunities, involvement in research initiatives, and participation in community service projects. These experiences not only enhance their resumes but also prepare them holistically for the challenges of their chosen career paths.
Student Job Opportunities
Each semester, the Interior Design and Merchandising department hires students to manage components of the Professionally Purple Closet in collaboration with the Special Topics Course:
- Inventory: Tracks the movement of merchandise from intake to delivery, including receiving, stocking, issuing, inventory management, and client interaction. The overarching goal of this position is to analyze and improve inventory strategies. Requires analytical thinking, attention to detail, and application of merchandising rights. Willingness to work with donated merchandise.
- Marketing: Plans, designs, and conducts public relations programs to create and maintain a favorable public image: general marketing, communications, and branding.
- Styling: Assist clients with assembling outfits, styling tips, and advice on professional etiquette. This personalized assistance helps students present themselves effectively in professional settings, enhancing their chances of success.
Professionally Purple Closet Lab
Special Topics (courses taken simultaneously)
MRCH 3002, Section 001: Professionally Purple – Application (Credit Hours: 2)
MRCH 3001, Section 001: Professionally Purple – Theory (Credit Hours: 1)
The framework uses an experiential approach to entrepreneurship and philanthropy to address business development and management, marketing, showroom establishment and operations, merchandise management, and other small retail business areas.
Student Research Opportunities
Students work in conjunction with faculty on research-related projects specific to human motivations, clothing access, and knowledge and application of professional dress norms.
Community Outreach and Services
The Professionally Purple Closet stands as a testament to the IDMR’s dedication to student success and career preparation. It embodies a community-driven spirit where generosity meets practical support, empowering students to pursue their professional aspirations confidently.
Want to help?
- Provide gently used professional attire, laundered or dry cleaned.
- Cash donations are also accepted to help purchase items not conducive to donations, such as shapewear, socks, and undergarments (also purchases via our Professionally Purple Closet Amazon wishlist).
- Contact the Interior Design and Merchandising department to schedule drop-off of donations by emailing idmr@ecu.edu
- Thank you for considering supporting the closet through merchandise or fund donations. Cash donations may be made directly to the Professionally Purple Closet via the University Advancement online giving link Professionally Purple Fund.
Additional background:
The Professional Purple Closet resulted from Dr. Amanda Muhammad, Department Chair of Interior Design and Merchandising, vision to begin the resource in the College of Health and Human Performance at ECU when she arrived in the Fall of 2022. The goal was to establish a campus-wide professional clothing closet that addresses the needs of ECU students, enhancing opportunities for success. The closet began in the subsequent Fall of 2023. Wanda Montano instructed the inaugural class, and the closet was brought to fruition with the support of the College of Health and Human Performance.