NRF Foundation Retail Careers Blog » Toys “R” Us http://blog.nrffoundation.com A Virtual Community of Retailers, Educators, Students, and Business Partners Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:12:16 +0000 en hourly 1 Retail Recruiting: Speed Networking Style http://blog.nrffoundation.com/2011/01/10/retail-recruiting-speed-networking-style/ http://blog.nrffoundation.com/2011/01/10/retail-recruiting-speed-networking-style/#comments Mon, 10 Jan 2011 19:07:53 +0000 Maria Roberts, Student Blogger, Fashion Institute of Technology http://blog.nrffoundation.com/?p=1425 ]]> The networking luncheon for students and retailers was a fast-paced and high energy event that took place at NRF’s BIG Show on Sunday. The event kicked-off with a welcome message from Mr. Kip Tindell, CEO of The Container Store. In his speech, there were two great messages that he shared — the first being: “Retail is Detail”. He gave a few examples of how every detail, now matter how small, makes a difference in the whole spectrum of retailing. The second point he made is that the things that we DO and what we DON’T do will leave a “wake” on the world of retail. Mr. Tindell’s message was short, but very impactful.

Kip Tindell, CEO of The Container Store Kicks Off the First Annual Retail Talent Networking Luncheon

After the welcome message, the students were assigned a specific table with approximately seven to eight other college students. No time was wasted once everyone finished eating. The speed networking began right on time with the retailers starting at a designated table. Eight-minute intervals were given for each retailer to speak about their company and background before opening up the discussion for specific questions from the students.

Some companies that were present include: J. Crew, Macy’s, L’Oreal, The Container Store, Five Below, Sears Holdings Group, H&M, Toys “R” Us and Sleepy’s. By the end of the session, each table of students was able to hear from six different companies. Resumes were exchanged for business cards and everyone walked out of the conference room with more knowledge than when they came in. This speed-networking event was incredibly beneficial for both the students and the retailers.

Retailers Speed Network with Students from NRF Foundation’s Partner Colleges

]]> http://blog.nrffoundation.com/2011/01/10/retail-recruiting-speed-networking-style/feed/ 0 Student team wins challenge and heads to NYC http://blog.nrffoundation.com/2009/12/29/student-team-wins-challenge-and-heads-to-nyc/ http://blog.nrffoundation.com/2009/12/29/student-team-wins-challenge-and-heads-to-nyc/#comments Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:11:15 +0000 Corinne Hirsch, NRF Foundation http://blog.nrffoundation.com/?p=565 ]]> aspire logo1

Congratulations to Global Furnishings, winners of the third annual Intercollegiate Retail Challenge hosted by NRF Foundation and American Express.  During this year’s challenge, students evaluated the risks and rewards of expanding operations of a well established, modestly-priced furniture store into China in order to test how the company’s brand and product line would be received.

As part of their prize, the winners will head to NYC next weekend to deliver their presentation to attendees at NRF’s Big Show! The team was led by Melinda Burke of the Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing at the University of Arizona and is made up of students representing six universities as follows:

  • Gentry Adams, Senior, University of Florida
  • Kira Martin, Senior, Florida State University
  • Anna Rhodes, Georgia Southern University
  • Elena Brick, Senior, University of Wisconsin
  • Aysha Majeed, University of Michigan
  • Natalie Bendroff, University of Arizona

All of the student teams were able to demonstrate leadership and teamwork by working across multiple time zones and under tight deadlines to develop their presentations.  Many thanks to the judges and mentors for their support during this valuable activity as the students were able to expand their knowledge about retail careers through your participation.

In an exciting new addition to the program, American Express and NRF Foundation welcomed Sponsoring Retail Partners to this year’s challenge. JCPenney, Macy’s, Sears Holding Corporation, Toys “R” Us and NRF division, Shop.org, provided a combination of judges, mentors and generous scholarships to the six winning students. The companies’ enthusiasm for this project is very rewarding and greatly appreciated.

The aspire2retail Intercollegiate Retail Challenge helps build awareness of diverse career paths in retail by engaging university students in a competitive, collaborative role play with support from executive retail mentors to implement a multi-tiered business strategy.

For more information on this year’s challenge scenario, participating universities, and the retail mentors and judges, visit our Student Challenge webpage.

Congratulations to all!

]]> http://blog.nrffoundation.com/2009/12/29/student-team-wins-challenge-and-heads-to-nyc/feed/ 3 The Spotlight is on Univ. of Florida’s Retail Management Internships (part one) http://blog.nrffoundation.com/2009/10/15/the-spotlight-is-on-univ-of-floridas-retail-management-internships-part-one/ http://blog.nrffoundation.com/2009/10/15/the-spotlight-is-on-univ-of-floridas-retail-management-internships-part-one/#comments Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:56:34 +0000 Angela Elder, Sr. Director of Career Development Programs, NRF Foundation http://blog.nrffoundation.com/?p=370 ]]> “I have fallen in love with retail” and “Opened the door to a plethora of opportunities” – these were a few of the lines that struck me when reading about University of Florida’s students’ internship experiences. UF’s David F. Miller Center for Retailing Education and Research works to prepare students for retail careers by providing unique opportunities for them to learn about retailing. Over the summer, the Miller Center organized retail management internships to enhance the retail business experience of their students. I’d say it worked.

Below are excerpts taken from the university’s newsletter The Retail NaviGator. This is part one of a three-part series, highlighting UF’s students’ internship experiences. By showcasing these students’ experiences, you’ll see that there’s a lot more opportunity in retail than you may have imagined.

UF_McGinnisStudent: Jillian McGinnis

Interned at: Toys “R” Us (an NRFF Partner Company)

What I Did: I had the opportunity to travel and meet with district managers, regional human resource managers, regional asset protection managers, and local marketing specialists. This was amazing because I got to view different sides of the company and decide which department would be the best fit for me in the future.

What I Learned: The internship program was unlike any I have ever encountered. Toys “R” Us, Inc., treated the interns as if they were actual managers. We were issued the same manual that the training store managers used. While this was intimidating at times, I realized the internship was giving me great experience while helping develop my management and leadership skills.

Top executives held weekly conference calls from the corporate office with the interns throughout the country. This presented an excellent opportunity to ask questions, and seek their advice on succeeding in the world of retail.

In Closing: I learned more than I ever imagined and feel that I developed as a person throughout the summer. I have fallen in love with retail. Read the full recap…

UF_MallynStudent: Nia Mallyn

Interned at:Brown Shoe Company

What I Did: While working daily in the Famous Footwear marketing department as part of the Cause and Events Marketing team, I also had meetings with senior staff from other departments within the company.

What I Learned: Developing a field marketing strategy, launching the new national campaign, holding grand opening store events, overseeing creative development, approving radio spots and store events, attending senior officer meetings, and being the sole contact from the corporate headquarters for marketing events held in a thousand stores across the country were among my daily responsibilities.

In Closing: My experiences with the company were truly a privilege, and have contributed to my personal growth and development as a future member of the retailing industry. Read the full recap…

UF_McIntyreStudent:Allen McIntyre

Interned at: Beall’s Department Stores

What I Did: Being part of a management team was an awesome experience, and I found that the key to being a successful manager was not related to having a high GPA, but rather great people skills and being a compassionate, understanding individual.

What I Learned: Every day, I learned at least five things about company policies, business relationships, the retail industry, or life itself. And, every day came a new set of challenges, including solving problems with scheduling, customers, merchandising, and communicating effectively with sales associates.

In Closing: I had a great experience with the company, and I was able to grow both professionally and as a person. If I could offer any advice, it would be to always ask questions, and buy a comfortable pair of shoes! Read the full recap…

UF_HowellStudent:Amy Howell

Interned at:Firestone Complete Auto Care

What I Did: I thought I would just be working in a store, learning about how to run it, and managing the sales associates. I didn’t know that I would get to travel to the Southeast Zone Office in Atlanta, Ga., and the Corporate Office in Bloomingdale, Ill….let alone be able to sit in the CEO’s office and visit with him.

What I Learned: Training in different stores under various managers and ever-changing situations has provided me with lots of experience in time management and relationship building. I have realized that developing these skills is crucial in being successful as a manager.

In Closing: Another surprising revelation for me was that I now have a new hobby that no one would have ever realized I would enjoy: working on and learning about cars. I do not exactly come off as someone who would be working in the automotive industry; but that is half the fun. Read the full recap…

UF_SchillerStudent: Sam Schiller

Interned at: Winn-Dixie

What I Did: The retail internship at Winn-Dixie is unlike any other internship I have heard of. Instead of being placed in just one store, I was able to work alongside a district specialist.

What I Learned: I had exposure to literally all aspects of the organization. I got to learn about store operations and management; I spent a week at the corporate offices learning about the company from several VPs and key leaders; and I was able to visit a couple of the distribution centers to see how they function.

In Closing: All together, my internship at Winn-Dixie was a wonderful and rewarding experience. I am going to be able to use everything that I learned and apply it to all of my future endeavors. Furthermore, it opened the door to a plethora of opportunities in Winn-Dixie, and in the retail field, that I otherwise would not have realized. Read the full recap…

Still to come! We’ve got more internship experiences to share. Stay tuned to hear from students who interned at: Macy’s, Target, Walgreens, Dillard’s, JC Penney, Mattress Firm, Tires Plus, Build-A-Bear, and Sears.

]]> http://blog.nrffoundation.com/2009/10/15/the-spotlight-is-on-univ-of-floridas-retail-management-internships-part-one/feed/ 1