 Sales Manager"One of the keys to our success is that we train any new employee before we put them on the floor - that's important. When I was first hired, I was partnered with a merchandise manager from a different store. After each new job, I was given additional hands-on training."
 | Why did you join Bloomingdale's and why have you stayed? |  |
I joined Bloomingdale's about five years ago and was looking for a retail company that had a good reputation and a history of success. I started working in retail during high school and I've always enjoyed being able to meet people from all different backgrounds. I have stayed with Bloomingdale's simply because the management staff that I've worked with has been phenomenal. The opportunity to grow within the company has been tremendous for me.
| What do you enjoy most about what you do and what are your overall job responsibilities? | |
One of the biggest things that I do is sales and planning, but planning events with different vendors and generating excitement for our store is what I enjoy the most. We did a pet adoption program last year with a local animal foundation. It was a great promotion because it brought both kids and adults into the store. My associates really enjoyed being involved, especially those that have their own pets. It was such an exciting way to bring people to Bloomingdale's.
| What contribution do you make to your division and how does this contribute to the company's overall success? | |
I make the biggest difference by telling my associates to treat everyone who comes in the store like a guest. It makes me feel good when customers tell me they were in the store and that our service made them feel right at home, whether they bought something or not. I think it shows in our customer responses letters, and I know I've helped this store be the number-two store in the company for customer satisfaction. It's a great feeling because you never know who's going to buy and who's just looking or who has an anniversary tomorrow or a wedding next year. You just have to treat everyone the same.
| What has been your most memorable moment since joining the company? | |
My most memorable moment was winning the Best of the Best award. It is one of the highest awards that you can earn at Bloomingdale's. I'll never forget the way I was treated. They flew me out to New York and acknowledged my hard work. The award is given based on your sales and credit card openings for the whole year. It was a great feeling to have all of my peers congratulate me for being voted Best of the Best.
| How has the training you've received since joining the company benefited you? | |
One of the keys to our success is that we train any new employee before we put them on the floor - that's important. When I was first hired, I was partnered with a merchandise manager from a different store. After each new job, I was given additional hands-on training. The training has given me the opportunity to better understand the system. You learn that every small thing you do day in and day out is a part of the big picture.
| Is community involvement important to you, have you been involved in any projects in your division and was this something you considered when joining the company? | |
Every company that I've worked for has tried a bit to help the community, but never has that been more present than it is at Bloomingdale's. We actually have a committee that puts together Partners in Time events. One activity we do that I really enjoy is helping at a local shelter for women and children. Every Christmas we get a wish list for children living at the shelter and go there and give them gifts. It has always been important to me to help those who are less fortunate, so it was something I considered before coming to Bloomingdale's.
| What do you like best about your work environment? | |
There are two things that I really like - the people and the flexibility. Every person I've worked with at Bloomingdale's is wonderful. The flexibility makes this a fairly low stress work environment. I know that if something doesn't get done, I'll get to it the next day and have support from my team and peers to get it accomplished.
| What personal interests/hobbies do you have and how do you balance them with your work? | |
I have two boys - a three-year-old and a nine-month-old. They require a lot of time and it's very important for both parents to be there. Working in retail can make that hard to do, especially during the holidays. I've been fortunate enough to have great people that I work with. I really have the mindset that if something doesn't get finished I'll be able to get back to it. I also take my kids with me when I go to the gym and we go bike riding.
| What advice would you give to a new employee joining the company in a position similar to yours? What helped you establish yourself and move ahead with your career goals? | |
My advice would be to not get frustrated with the little things that don't go right. There's always someone who will be there to help you if you need it. I've worked for three great managers and each has had an influence on my career path. They all set specific goals for me and followed through on those goals. It was easy for me to ask them how I was doing and their feedback helped me move forward in the company.
| What do you see in the future for Macy's, Inc. and specifically for Bloomingdale's? | |
Macy's, Inc. is a great company and I think having all our sister stores now transitioning to Macy's will really make a difference for the company and it will continue to grow. Bloomingdale's will be opening a new flagship store in San Francisco in 2006. It will be phenomenal, and we'll continue to expand.
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