About Us
Georgian Stores is an important part of the Georgian College community. Our primary goal is to ensure students are able to obtain course materials when they need them and at reasonable prices. We also provide many other items to support your academic career and school spirit. Georgian Stores encompasses Bear Essentials. All financial surplus generated by the Stores are reinvested in the College for the benefit of students.
We are committed to inclusivity and strive to ensure that our product offerings reflect the diverse needs of our community. This includes providing a range of sizes in apparel and other items to ensure everyone feels represented and supported.
Please connect with us if you have any questions or comments, we appreciate hearing from you.
Experiential Learning - Georgian Stores
At Georgian Stores, we are more than a campus retail operation; we are a living, hands-on learning environment where education meets real-world experience. Every day, our space on the Barrie campus becomes a dynamic classroom, giving students the opportunity to build meaningful skills, gain confidence, and prepare for life beyond Georgian College.
Experiential learning is at the heart of everything we do. Through our paid co-op positions at the Barrie campus, students step directly into the fast-paced world of retail and logistics. In shipping and receiving, co-op students develop a strong foundation in inventory control, supply chain processes, and operational efficiency. On the retail floor, they gain valuable experience in customer service, merchandising, point-of-sale systems, and team collaboration.
We are equally proud to support inclusive learning pathways through our partnership with the CICE (Community Integration through Co-operative Education) program in Barrie. CICE volunteers play an essential role in our day-to-day operations, building workplace readiness skills in a supportive, encouraging environment. From assisting customers to organizing merchandise and supporting store functions, these placements foster confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging.
What makes Georgian Stores unique is the integration of learning with purpose. Students are not just observers, they are active participants in a professional environment that values initiative, accountability, and growth. Whether through co-op or CICE placements opportunities, every individual who joins our team leaves with more than experience; they leave with skills, stories, and a stronger sense of what they can achieve.
By blending retail excellence with experiential education, Georgian Stores proudly contributes to student success, helping shape future professionals, one shift at a time.