Chris

Chris has been promoted to Manager of Planning.

"Right away I knew I fit into the Macy's, Inc. culture, so I figured out how I could utilize my finance degree in retail."

What do you like best about your work environment?

It's the great people I work with. Since I first started, everyone has been very welcoming. I've created great business and personal friendships in the company. The company really tries to listen to the needs of the employees. Everything from the training to the mentoring creates a very supportive environment.

What do you see in the future for Macy's, Inc.?

I think the future is really bright. Macy's, Inc. continues to be a leader in the industry, and as one of the largest retail corporations, we're always thinking of new and innovative ideas to satisfy the customer. I think we have heard of a lot of talk about the Internet taking over the department stores, but I don't see that. I think Macy's, Inc. does one of the best jobs in the country for giving customers a total shopping environment. Macy's, Inc. understands that people want different avenues to shop, which include both the Internet and the department store environment. With these two components, we are able to be on the cutting edge. Macy's, Inc. really understands that they need to provide the brands that customers are looking for and the customer service that clients have come to expect.

Why did you join Macy's, Inc. and why have you stayed?

When I was a junior in college, I had the opportunity to do a sales manager internship and the experience gave me a preview into the company and its culture. Right away I knew I fit into the culture, so I figured out how I could utilize my finance degree in retail. By becoming an assistant planner, I was able to use my analytical, managerial, and entrepreneur skills, while having fun at the same time.

How has the training you've received since joining the company benefited you?

Macy's, Inc. has a great training program. The company does a great job of targeting your skill sets and needs based on your career path in the company. For example, they offer you classes that you need to do the functional pieces of your job, and they also offer you personal development courses that help strengthen your time-management and managerial skills. They really do a good job of constantly offering you experiences and training programs to fit your career path.

What do you enjoy most about what you do and what are your overall job responsibilities?

I really enjoy being able to work as a team with different people in an area, who are all focusing on the same goals. We formulate ideas and strategies and build partnerships with stores and my buying counterparts. By executing the ideas and seeing the results on the floor, we receive positive feedback from the stores and customers and really drive the business in that respect. Our responsibility is to be partners with the buyers and advocates for the stores. We make sure the merchandising direction is allocated at the stores.

What advice would you give to a new associate joining the company? What helped you establish yourself and move ahead with your career goals?

Find someone who can be a mentor for you, and who you can model your career after. We are one of the premier department stores so you have the opportunity to work with some of the best people in the industry, and you should take advantage of it. The company recognizes the people who are working hard and who have great aspirations to advance their careers. Macy's, Inc. gives you a lot of support and they'll do everything they can to get you to your career goals.