Retail

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Elevating Retail Excellence: Retail Roles That Drive Success

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In a competitive retail landscape, the impact of retail roles extend far beyond their job descriptions. They're the bridge between the products and the customers, ensuring that every touchpoint reflects excellence, reliability, and innovation. At EB, we understand that the heartbeat of any successful retail venture lies in the expertise and dedication of its team. If you’re exploring a career in retail, or are looking to increase the success and efficiency of your retail team, here are a few common positions that you may want to familiarize yourself with:

1. Store Operations Manager: A Store Operations Manager ensures the day-to-day activities run smoothly. They handle workflows, keep an eye on inventory, and make sure customers have a great experience.  Their ability to coordinate various tasks and teams within the store is pivotal for maintaining high standards of service and satisfaction.

 2. Visual Merchandiser: Responsible for how a retail store looks and feels, they craft displays that catch your eye and encourage purchases by showcasing products effectively. Bringing the right talent onboard for this role means having someone who can visually narrate the story of a brand's products. 

 3. Inventory Control Specialist: They're the precision team, monitoring stock levels, managing restocking, and ensuring products are consistently available for customers. ​​Their attention to detail directly impacts customer satisfaction and loyalty.

 4. Wholesale Manager: Hiring the right talent for this a Wholesale Manager means securing a professional who can build and nurture supplier relations, negotiate effectively, and strategize to expand a wholesale side of a brand. Their expertise directly influences a brand’s ability to access quality products, maintain favorable terms, and ultimately drive business growth.

 5.Retail Analyst: Digging into numbers, trends, and consumer behavior, they provide insights crucial for making informed decisions and optimizing operations. Hiring the right Retail Analyst equips brands to stay ahead in a competitive market.

 6. Supply Chain Coordinator: Finding the right person for a Supply Chain Coordinator ensures a seamless flow of products from suppliers to stores. Their knack for managing logistics and vendor relationships directly impacts a brand's ability to maintain product availability, optimize costs, and uphold operational efficiency.

At Emerging Blue, we value the diverse expertise crucial for thriving retail. Our focus on finding top-tier talent for these roles creates a team dedicated to operational excellence, precise inventory management, and strategic growth. If you’re interested in exploring a career in retail, or are looking to grow your team, connect with our retail recruiting team!

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Functional Apparel is on the Rise

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Functional apparel brands are experiencing a surge in popularity for several reasons. Firstly, there's a growing emphasis on health and wellness among consumers. People are increasingly looking for clothing that supports an active lifestyle, whether it's for sports, outdoor activities, or everyday comfort.

Moreover, advancements in fabric technology have allowed these brands to create clothing that's not only comfortable but also performs exceptionally well. Fabrics with moisture-wicking properties, temperature regulation, UV protection, anti-odor features, and durability are becoming increasingly sought after. 

The rise of athleisure as a fashion trend has also contributed to the popularity of functional apparel. People want clothing that seamlessly transitions from the gym to daily life, combining style with practicality.

Social media and influencer culture have played a significant role in promoting these brands. Endorsements from fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and celebrities often highlight the functionality and style of these clothes, influencing consumer preferences.

Lastly, the pandemic has accelerated the demand for comfortable yet versatile clothing, as more people are working remotely and seeking multifunctional apparel that suits both professional video calls and workouts at home.

What does this mean for designers wanting to break into this market?

 Here are some tips:

Breaking into functional apparel brands requires a combination of creativity, understanding consumer demands, technological awareness, and a strong business sense. It's a competitive field, but with the right approach and dedication, there are plenty of opportunities to make a mark. 

When functional apparel brands hire designers, they typically look for a blend of skills, experiences, and qualities that align with the brand's ethos and needs. Here are several key aspects they often consider:

  • Design Expertise: Strong design skills are fundamental. This includes a solid understanding of garment construction, pattern-making, sketching, and the ability to translate concepts into functional, appealing designs.

  • Technical Proficiency: Knowledge of textiles, fabrics, and materials is crucial. Designers should understand the properties of different fabrics and their suitability for various functionalities like moisture-wicking, breathability, durability, and stretch.

  • Innovation and Creativity: Brands seek designers who can think outside the box and bring innovative ideas to the table. Creativity in merging functionality with aesthetics is highly valued.

  • Portfolio and Previous Work: A robust portfolio showcasing relevant work in functional apparel design or related areas is essential. Projects highlighting a designer's ability to create practical yet stylish garments are often favored.

  • Understanding of Market Trends: Awareness of current fashion trends, consumer preferences, and market demands is crucial. Designers should be able to anticipate and adapt to changing trends in the functional apparel industry.

  • Collaborative Skills: The ability to work in a team is important, especially in a design process that involves collaboration with fabric technologists, product developers, and marketing teams.

  • Problem-solving Abilities: Designers should demonstrate the capacity to solve design challenges related to functionality, comfort, and style. Being able to address practical issues without compromising on aesthetics is highly valued.

  • Adaptability and Flexibility: The apparel industry is dynamic. Designers who can adapt to new technologies, trends, and consumer demands are sought after.

  • Passion for Functionality and Performance: A genuine interest in creating garments that enhance performance, offer comfort, and cater to specific needs of the wearer is often appreciated by functional apparel brands.

  • Sustainability Awareness: Given the increasing emphasis on sustainability, knowledge of eco-friendly materials, and a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices in design and production are becoming more critical for brands.

Ultimately, a combination of technical skills, creativity, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the functional apparel market are highly valued when brands seek to hire designers for their teams. We are lucky enough to work with some of these great brands, including Vuori, 686, Rhone, Triple Aught Design, TravisMathew, Howler Brothers, and more.

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Now Hiring: Master Tailor

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We are looking for an experienced and highly skilled Master Tailor for a menswear apparel brand at their Phoenix store. This role will be temp to start (est. 20 hours a week) with the possibility to move full-time within a 3 months.

If you are or know a skilled tailor in the Phoenix area, be sure to apply or share today!

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Navigating the Upcoming Holiday Season's Workforce Trends  

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With the holiday season comes bustling stores, online shopping sprees, and a surge in consumer demand. As the retail landscape evolves, so do the job opportunities within it. If you’re looking to amp up your customer’s holiday shopping experience, you may want to consider investing in some high demand talent this time of year.

 E-commerce Fulfillment Specialists: The rise of online shopping has led to an increased demand for e-commerce fulfillment specialists. These professionals ensure that orders are picked, packed, and shipped efficiently. As more consumers opt for the convenience of online shopping, expect to see a surge in these roles during the holiday season.

Customer Experience Associates: In an era where customer experience is paramount, retailers are hiring associates dedicated to providing exceptional service. These roles often involve engaging with customers in-store, offering personalized recommendations, and ensuring a seamless shopping experience.

Technology and Data Analysts: Retailers are increasingly leveraging technology to enhance customer experiences and optimize operations. Technology and data analysts are needed to gather and interpret data, enabling retailers to make informed decisions about inventory management, marketing strategies, and more.

Seasonal Sales Associates: Seasonal sales associates are a staple during the holiday season, but their roles are evolving. Retailers are now seeking individuals who not only assist customers with purchases but also possess strong product knowledge and can engage in cross-selling and upselling.

Online Merchandisers: Online merchandisers curate product displays on e-commerce websites, making sure they are visually appealing and user-friendly. Their role is pivotal in driving online sales, especially during peak shopping seasons.

The holiday season brings a wave of job opportunities in the retail industry, but it's essential to stay informed about emerging roles and trends. Whether you're a job seeker looking to capitalize on these surging opportunities or a retailer seeking to meet evolving customer expectations, understanding the changing landscape of retail jobs can be key to success. 

At EB, we specialize in connecting businesses with talented professionals who can navigate these workforce trends for a prosperous and fulfilling season. We strive to help elevate brands’ holiday season workforce strategy and ensure a seamless and successful retail experience for both job seekers and retailers.

References:

https://nrf.com/blog/how-retail-sales-associate-role-has-changed-over-last-decade

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Embracing Fall Hiring Trends: Navigating the Evolution of Fashion, Beauty, and Home Brands

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With the changing seasons comes a shift in the fashion, beauty, and home industries as they gear up for the upcoming fall hiring trends. As these industries evolve, companies are preparing to embrace the transformative power of fresh talent while adapting to the evolving landscape. 

Unveiling the Canvas of Creativity

 Fall has always been a time of artistic expression in the fashion, beauty, and home sectors. Brands are on the lookout for creative minds that can breathe life into their designs, concepts, and campaigns. The canvas of creativity is expanding, and companies are seeking talented individuals who can infuse their ideas with a touch of innovation. With the evolving aesthetic preferences, brands are committed to finding individuals who can channel their passion into meaningful and captivating creations.

 Tech-Savvy Minds for a Digital Tomorrow

 The fashion, home, and beauty industries are becoming increasingly digitized, calling for professionals with a knack for technology. Brands are actively seeking tech-savvy individuals who can navigate the digital realm. As eCommerce continues to flourish and virtual experiences gain momentum, brands are looking to hire individuals who can seamlessly blend creativity with technology, bringing engaging experiences to their customers' screens.

Sustainability Champions

The fall season also brings a renewed focus on sustainability. Brands are aligning their hiring strategies with a commitment to sustainability, aiming to lessen their environmental footprint. Professionals who are passionate about eco-friendly practices are highly sought after, as companies strive to incorporate sustainable materials, processes, and ideologies into their products and operations.

 Diverse Voices, Diverse Perspectives

The shift towards inclusivity and diversity remains a driving force in the fashion, beauty, and home industries, and is one that our EB team is extremely passionate about. Brands are recognizing the value of diverse voices and perspectives in their teams. They are actively seeking professionals from various backgrounds who can contribute to a richer tapestry of ideas, designs, and solutions. Companies are on a mission to create environments where every individual's uniqueness is celebrated and harnessed for collective success.

As the industry continues to transform, we aspire to serve as a guiding light for aspiring professionals navigating these changes. With a vast network, in-depth expertise, and unwavering commitment to connecting talent with their dream jobs, we strive to uncover your desired roles in this evolving landscape.

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Retail Roles with Rhone!

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Retail roles with Rhone! Such great opportunities to serve as the face of the Rhone brand while inspiring, motivating, and leading the store team to customer-service greatness and success. The right person for this role will embody a passion for the brand while establishing a positive and welcoming in store experience for all.