Valentine’s Day is over. You bought the flowers, the gifts and shared the romantic dinner. I can’t help but think about a different kind of love – a love for working in retail. What I love about this industry is that it provides a niche for everyone, whether it’s sales, marketing, buying, supply chain or logistics – anyone can find their passion, or love, working in retail.
Some of the industry’s best CEO’s have shared their stories about why they love the industry – the connection with the customers, the challenge of the industry, the theatrics and excitement it brings. Now, we’d like to hear your story.
Steven Silverstein, CEO of Spencer Gifts, loves how retailing “from Day One got in his veins.” Kip Tindell, CEO of The Container Store, told us he always loved the excitement of retail. “The theater of it. The smile on the customer’s face when you’ve helped her find exactly the right solution for whatever she is working on that particular day.” Glen Senk, CEO of Urban Outfitters, said that retail allows him to be master of his own destiny. “I liked the fact that retailers have control over the products they carry, the selling environment and pricing. I also loved the theatrics of retail. There was a connection to the showmanship I have learned from my days with horses.” Terry Lundgren, CEO of Macy’s, just loves this business. “It’s a privilege to come to work every day and do something I absolutely love to do, even in this very difficult economic environment… I love the challenge because I know our strategy and our organization structure is right and we have the talent to win.”
We’ll be collecting stories throughout the month of February. To share your story, post a comment below!
10 Comments
I love retail because everyone shops (and, as a bonus, most people love doing it!). There’s no industry out there people are more connected to and I think it’s fascinating to watch companies who connect with their shoppers and find new ways to make the shopping experience fun.
Retail appeals to my “hunting and gathering” basic instincts. I get a thrill from tracking down the perfect item, negotiating the deal and then bringing it home to my family.
I love retail because it’s always changing. Even when I worked as a cashier at a regional grocery chain in Tennessee, there was always something new to learn. And retailing still depends on the personal touch, no matter what channel you’re in. The great retailers know that.
The passion, the love of the whole package. Interacting and working w/ vendors, w/ employees/employers, and most importantly the customer. Attending trade shows, being inspired by speakers, designers and my peers. The Variety, all of the different hats we get to wear… all wrapped up together, ideally w/ a bow. Retail
Hello!
I love retail!! why? because it gives me 2 rushes!
1- I’m able to help people that need it. Give advice for the style, color, or money should be spent on the item in question as well as seeing the pleasure and satisfaction of my/the customer/friend receiving something that will make her/him happy for YEARS to come!!
2- I’m able to explore yet, another side of Sj!
I dress by my mood and being a Christian my moods play a part in what I wear from day to day. Even though we’re told to stay the same, I see that even though it’s not at all impossible, but it just gives me the sense of control to be able to express myself through my clothing. If I like “RED” i can wear it in a way that doesn’t degrade me, nor others. (meanin: not wearing something where someone will say.. “I saw this gurl with a red dress and she looked like she was on her way to….
…instead they will say: “I saw this young lady with a nice red dress that complimented the type of person she was.. A very gentle, loving and understanding person.. as well as a person that REPRESENTED Christ!!
well, signing off… these are the reason why I love retail!
sj
I love retail because it allows to be completely fulfilled at the end o the day. I love shopping myself, sometimes I know what I need and other times I don’ but I appreciate good service. So what a customer comes into my store, I want them to have a great shopping experience, sometimes they knows what they want and it’s a great pleasure to help them get exactly what they want. On the other hand when they are undecided or unsure my retail experience kicks in and I can use my knowledge and experience to help them, along with that just be nice, friendly and kind to others goes a long way and helps you to be completely fulfilled at the end of the day.
I love retail because i love to see a look on a statifed or happy customer… I gives me a chance to give an input in society n how others veiw theirselves, example when a young girl say she 16-17 looking for a dress she doesn’t know what to get and is afriad of trying & exploring differet items. Another reason why i love retail because i get to use my skills and knowledge to teach or inform others..
I love retail, because of the customers. I have meet some of the most interesting people over my career. I have meet politicians, rock stars and everyone in between. The customer is why I love my job. It isn’t because I like folding clothes, stocking items, or hiring teenagers. It is because, I love the customer. I have worked in retail for many years, I have seen marriages begin and end. I have seen children grow and move to college. I have many wonderful live events. And I am glad that everyone trusted me to help them find that perfect item for whatever event. I am glad that they came back to show me the photos, I am glad that the customer shared a glimpse into their live with me.
That is why I love retail.
I love retail because it’s always changing. Even when I worked as a cashier at a regional grocery chain in Tennessee, there was always something new to learn. And retailing still depends on the personal touch, no matter what channel you’re in. The great retailers know that.
I love retail because it’s always changing. Even when I worked as a cashier at a regional grocery chain in Tennessee, there was always something new to learn. And retailing still depends on the personal touch, no matter what channel you’re in. The great retailers know that.