Day 1
This was my first day EVER in New York City. I came with the University of Arizona’s NYC Study Tour and according to my itinerary, this was the only day I had to explore. We had a jam packed week ahead of us filled with super sessions, networking opportunities, and sponsored dinners. Of course, I hadnn’t had any sleep the day before my flight (because I was so excited!), and didn’t sleep on the plane. Let’s just say coffee became my best friend again.
Under my motto of “sleep when you die” I thought it was the best decision to drop my bags at my hotel and explore the city as much as possible. That I did. I saw Times Square (very touristy), slightly overrated, but something I needed to check off my list. Then explored a little of Chelsea, experienced the Subway, caught a taxi (on my own!) and passed out knowing that the week of a lifetime was about to begin once I woke up.
Day 2
The first day of the convention was slightly overwhelming, especially being a measly college student in the world of REAL retailers. I attended the Power of Retail Design session which was very interesting because it is an area of study I want to go into after college. It was interesting to hear about the subjects we learned about at school being discussed as real ideas and projects to be implemented into stores. For instance, they spoke about brand imaging, and how to reach the international market.
I also attended David Wolf’s give his presentation on “A New Fashion Perspective.” Can I just say that he is amazing?! I completely agreed with his ideas about rethinking trends. It was so unbelievably refreshing to hear someone speak out against new trends and fashion shows unlike the teen bloggers today that pretentiously gawk over every new fashion line they see. Finally, someone who has credibility to speak about fashion!! Wolf predicted fashion will have a new emphasis in fabric manipulations, pastel colors, rustic fabrics, and flower prints. It will be interesting to see what happens to fashion in the coming years. So pretty much, I loved his presentation.
Day 3
The U of A Study Tour and I pretty much got to walk to Expo floor and see all the booths. It was a great opportunity to network and get to know retailers and presenting companies. It was interesting, though, because people either thought we were high-schoolers, or other retailers. Obviously, they didn’t read our badges. Some people would approach us and be like “oh the University of Arizona…” and some would mention they didn’t realize that college students attended the convention. Despite some puzzled looks we got, I still thought it was a great experience for us to meet people who could potentially hire us one day. By the way, I loved the Design Studio. If I come again next year, I will spend all my time there instead.
Day 4
LOVED!! the supper session “The New Luxury Paradigm” with designer Tory Burch and CEO of Saks Steve Sadove. They spoke about surviving the recession and adapting to the new environment to remain successful. It was reassuring to hear that retailer’s have a plan B for their company. This then brings potential to us college students to find a job out of college. Likewise, the feeling of satisfaction spreads to the consumers who get to see their favorite stores still open while the economy takes a turn. I found it funny that there are probably so many consumers who don’t even realize the behind-the-scenes of retail companies, and there I was exposed to it all. The luncheon we attended was phenomenal to be a part of. I was surrounded by some of the most powerful people in the retail world! And I got to meet Terry J. Lundgren…the namesake of our retail school! Very many 20 year olds can tell people that they did what we did.
Day 5
The saddest day of the trip…we left for Tucson. Flying home made me realize the life changing opportunity I was a part of. It was totally worth missing the first day of school for, totally worth not sleeping all week for and totally worth all the money I worked hard for to attend. I was so incredibly grateful for the opportunities I was given through this trip and the NRF convention itself. The sessions and networking made me realize that I made a great decision to become a Retail and Consumer Sciences major.
Stephanie is a student at the University of Arizona, one of the Foundation’s college partners.
