Warrior Warehouse: The New Additions

The Warrior Warehouse at Walnut Grove High School unveils a thrilling array of new snacks and drinks added to the collection.
​by Talia Banks and Rylee Watson

Students at The WG are looking forward to the introduction of the new selection of products. Ms. Milligan has spent time perfecting and creating fun ways to mix students, while growing their marketing skills. Ms. Milligan enjoys “[when she gets] to watch my kids gain customer service skills and learn the ins and outs of a business, and then we also get to see everybody in the school building when they come as customers. Cons, it's a good problem to have, but we run out of things very quickly, so it's a constant cycle of having to restock.”

She continues explaining their new methods of organizing, of restocking products, and of customer service skills, “We have tried new stuff in the warehouse like baskets and things like that, and then having more organized procedures like the line and letting people in to make it a little bit smoother, and then I let the kids completely handle customer service challenges, so if there is an angry customer. I've trained them so they can handle that without me most of the time.”

Ms. Milligan’s main goal this year is to build and grow the marketing department and strengthen the skills of the students in the class. “Last semester we made $1,000 in one day. I want to do that 3 more times. I told them if they did it 3 more times, I would get them a class goldfish and then I just want the kids to feel like they got something out of the experience, and that's my main goal for them.”

Many students work within the warehouse, whether it's restocking shelves, organizing products, cashiers, or bagging items. Ms. Milligan shared how this process goes, in order to have her “employees” working above and beyond, “They did a job interview with me to apply, so not everybody in my class got hired. I am in the process of letting them try different positions in the warehouse, such as cashier, bagger, stocker, and then we just see what they're good at and then we’ll change it up so if someone is not doing great at cashier. Well, let somebody else try it this week. So we’re still in the training trial and error.”

---

​Some students share the inside scoop of the Warrior Warehouse, like Jordan McCollum a sophomore at WG and who chose to be a part of the marketing program because, “...it's very easy and fun. I've heard lots of good things about it, and it benefits me by helping me create a better workspace and being an overall person... My goals, I would say: just to grow as a worker or employee and just get skills from that job and carry it into other jobs. Some Pros are that it helps you get prepared for future jobs. Cons, I would say it is kind of stressful when a ton of people just come in and surround you.”

---

Another student, Henry King, has had quite the time working in the warehouse. “I really enjoy working with the warehouse staff, and I would say it gets easier as you go, but the first day is the hardest.” He adds, “I chose marketing because it's a very fun class, and I think I'll be able to use these skills for the rest of my life. It's also fun working with the people there, and I get to see a lot of people every day.”

Both Jordan and Henry agree when working in the warehouse, it can be hard or stressful, but the class is very beneficial and grows skills that can be used for life. Jordan highlights the values he used while going through the process, “Be open, don't treat it like it's just a boring old class, treat it like it's fun because it gives you work opportunities like future employees, and new skills. So just treat it like it's a good, fun thing to do.” Henry appreciates the efficiency of the class and being able to talk to people while gaining experience.




Ms. Milligan shares some details on her future plans for other items coming soon, “We are working on new clothes that will be coming soon, and we are fixing our website, so that parents can have access to buying the clothes online. Then foodwise, we now have cotton candy because I had kids begging for cotton candy, and some healthier options like some nature valley bars, some string cheese sticks just some other options…” 

Ultimately, the guidance from Ms. Milligan and the positive attitudes from the students are growing the warehouse to create a new sense of community, while building on their experiences.

---