Think the school store is just a place to grab gum or a pencil you forgot for math class? Think again. That little corner of campus is basically a mini startup — and if you pay attention, it teaches you more about business than some adults ever learn. From managing money to keeping customers happy, the hallway hustle is real.

First, let’s talk inventory. Someone has to decide what to sell — snacks, supplies, spirit wear — and they’ve got to make sure it doesn’t run out too fast or sit on the shelf collecting dust. That’s supply and demand 101, and knowing what people want (and when they want it) is a key skill in every business.

Then there’s marketing. Ever see posters around school or hear announcements hyping up hoodie sales or limited-time snacks? That’s advertising. Good marketing creates hype, brings people in, and makes your product feel like a must-have — even if it’s just a bag of Hot Cheetos.

Let’s not forget about pricing. Too high, and no one buys. Too low, and the store doesn’t make a profit. The person running the store has to find that sweet spot where the price makes sense for customers and keeps the store in business. That’s basic profit margin strategy in action.

The school store also teaches customer service. Dealing with people who want exact change, ask too many questions, or show up right when the bell rings? Welcome to the world of retail. Learning to stay patient, be polite, and solve problems fast builds business muscles you’ll use forever.

Behind the scenes, there’s usually a team. Someone orders the products, someone handles the money, and someone sets up displays or keeps track of sales. That’s real-world teamwork and operations, just on a smaller scale — like a startup before it hits the big leagues.

And if the store is student-run? Even better. It means teens are already learning leadership, time management, and entrepreneurship without even leaving school grounds. Whether they realize it or not, they’re getting a crash course in running a business — no MBA required.

So next time you’re in line to buy a pencil or a granola bar, take a second to look around. That little setup might not look like much, but it’s packed with lessons. Because the school store? Yeah, it’s more startup than a snack shack.