Working retail isn't just a job- it's about listening, observing, and understanding customer behavior firsthand. My experience allows me to bridge the gap between theory and practice, gaining knowledge not only from my professors, but also directly from the customers I help.

Coterie Trade Show

Maison Hotel Sales Representative Bridge Showroom
Jacob Javits Convention Center - NYC
September 22-24, 2024
February 18-20, 2025

After attending Coterie as an student guest, I knew there were many opportunities to get hands-on in the industry. I returned with my resume on day two, and asked a few brands if they were looking for showroom assistants for next season. I collected business cards and emails.

The next season arrived, Fall 2024, and I reached out to Bridge Showroom who was eager to show me the ropes of all things fashion related. After ten hours of training, I felt confident about the upcoming market week that I was about to confront head first as a college intern.

During market week, I learned immensely through experiences and observation. Here's what I found:

1. Know the buyer's customer first.

I found that starting with a clear understanding of who the buyer’s customer is was essential to my role. Each garment I presented needed to reflect their customers’ lifestyle, price point, and brand identity, not just current fashion trends. Since I was introducing garments to buyers from across the country, tailoring my approach to each regional market was crucial.

2. Preparation is key.

Be over-prepared and expectant of each buyer's appointment. The buyer likely has multiple meetings that day. Being organized and proactive sets the tone for a smooth conversation, allowing the buyer to truly immerse themselves in this season’s collection distraction-free.

3. Provide the right details, at the right time.

Providing details about delivery timelines, fabric content, size runs, and styling suggestions accelerates the buyer's decision-making process. My goal was to provide them with the necessary information without overwhelming them, striking an even balance between clarity and simplicity.

4. Look books and line sheets were my best friends.

I kept them close at all times, constantly referencing them to verify pricing, colorways, and style names. Having them easily accessible simplified the order-writing process and gave buyers confidence in what they were selecting.

5. Create a moment of calm
I quickly recognized the importance of being a refreshing pause in a buyer's hectic day at Coterie. Offering a seat, a coffee, or a light snack helped create a relaxing environment. New York City can energize some, but it can be overwhelming for others. When buyers feel at ease, they are more receptive to the beautiful garments in front of them.

6. More curation, less overselling.

Buyers appreciate guidance, not pressure. I found that recommending fewer, well-aligned pieces was more impactful than showcasing the entire line. As the buyer communicated their likes and dislikes, I carefully listened and tweaked my suggestions as we continued down the line.

Stylist
Albertville, Minnesota
May 2024 - August 2024

Levi's Outlet Store

My time working at the Levi’s Outlet store taught me more than I initially expected. I developed skills in team leadership, learned how to understand and respond to customer needs, and gained experience representing a brand at the retail level. It also helped me better understand retail role structures and how each position contributes to the overall operation.

My most valuable takeaway from working at Levi’s was observing how customers interact with products in the store. I would ask myself: "How are consumers interacting with store displays?" It was fascinating to study foot traffic patterns and see how Levi's corporate creates the layout to influence shopping behavior. Listening in on customer conversations about the products was educational, and having the opportunity to work with and talk about denim made my time at Levi's even better.

Stylist
New York, NY
September 2024

PatBo NYFW

In Fall 2024, I had the opportunity to work backstage at the PatBo New York Fashion Week show as a dressing assistant. I was assigned to help dress a model for PatBo. It quickly became clear that I was a small fish in a very big pond, especially the moment Alessandra Ambrosio walked backstage to sit for makeup.

New York City moves fast, but NYFW moves ten times faster. Behind the scenes, I witnessed the immense organization, precision, and teamwork required to make a show run seamlessly. While the runway is ultimately a space for buyers to preview next season’s collections, seeing the garments in motion, and asking questions about design, it’s also so much more. It’s energy, vibrancy, and hard work converging in one unforgettable moment.

From the Classroom to the Sales Floor:

A Dual Learning Experience