WMU launches Western Outfitters to help Broncos dress for success
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Located inside North Kohrman Hall at Western Michigan University, Western Outfitters is transforming the way students prepare for success. More than a closet of clothes, Western Outfitters is a cost-free boutique that is a sustainable resource for students seeking attire for the professional world.
Established in fall 2025 and run by the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences in the College of Education and Human Development, Western Outfitters provides current students with access to business attire as they prepare for job interviews, internships and career opportunities. Items include blazers, dress pants, dress shirts, skirts, jewelry, shoes and accessories.
“Western Outfitters reflects WMU’s commitment to removing barriers to student success and to supporting students as they prepare for life beyond the classroom,” says Dr. Laura Dinehart, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “It’s exciting to see initiatives like this taking shape on campus.”
Students can select two free items per academic year from Western Outfitters with proof of a professional opportunity, such as a job interview invitation or event flyer. If they return the items, students can select more items for their next professional event. Students can also donate additional items to replenish their two-item limit.
Clothing in Western Outfitters primarily comes from donations from individuals connected to WMU and from partnerships with Edwards Garment, Plato’s Closet and Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan, but anyone can donate their gently used professional attire. All donated garments are cleaned and ready to be worn.
Campuswide effort
Though housed in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, Western Outfitters is the result of a collaborative campus effort. Maintenance and facilities teams helped transform the space with fresh paint and installation work. Career and Student Employment Services and the College of Education and Human Development supported funding and logistics. A group of business information systems students is also developing a custom inventory tracking system, giving them valuable hands-on experience in tech and project management. In addition, the boutique currently employs three College of Education and Human Development students, providing them with real-world retail internship work experience. Western Outfitters was recently supported by the Haworth College of Business, which held a two-day clothing donation drive that netted more than 500 new professional items for the boutique.
“It’s been heartwarming to see everyone, from students to administration, working together to get this initiative up and running,” says Dr. Adam Manley, chair of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.
“It is clear to me that we all understand the importance of making a great first impression and that students should be able to make one without breaking the bank.”
As the boutique continues to grow, new collaborations are forming with the fashion merchandising and design programs at WMU. For example, students in the program will soon be offering alterations for items selected through Western Outfitters, helping their peers ensure a professional fit.
“I’m really excited to see Western Outfitters grow, and I’m happy to offer alterations to students who need a little extra help getting the perfect fit,” says Dagny Gulledge, a student in the fashion merchandising and design program. “It’s a great way to use what I’m learning in class while supporting other students.”
To learn more about the boutique and watch a video tour, visit Western Outfitters’ webpage.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.