Summary

This article is a case study in how the pandemic has accelerated a business model that was just beginning to take shape.

Getting Started

Introduction to the article (perhaps by having everyone read it)

Survey the class to see if their families store any personal items away from home. Where do they store them? Why?

Subject Area(s) covered

Entrepreneurship, logistics

New Terms to explain

Logistics

Study and Discussion Activity

Key things students can learn from this lesson

Students will learn about logistics and how it helps businesses be successful.

Action (here’s how we’ll do it)

  • Using Think-Pair-Share, have students discuss what is meant by logistics.
  • Using the Internet, students can confirm and add to their understanding of logistics. Have each pair draw a diagram.
  • Distribute the article for reading.
  • In small groups, either in meeting rooms online, or in class, have students discuss how Second Closet changed their business model.
  • Why did they want to do this?
  • What would be the impact on current customers?

Consolidation of learning

  • In the article it states: “Second Closet is where retail would have been in 10 years, but the pandemic teleported us there.”  Have students explain what this means. 
Success and Additional Learning

Success Criteria

  • Students understand logistics and can discuss the flow.

Confirming Activities

  • Benji Sleep and Branch Furniture are examples of two companies that have benefited from the logistic services of Second Closet.  Ask students to explain how.

Activities to do together

  • The article mentions that the pandemic has teleported retail 10 years.  Discuss what other sectors have been teleported as a result of the pandemic.  Ask students: how has your education been teleported as a result of the pandemic?