From the Director Martha S. Van Gelder

Keynote Speaker Terry J. LundgrenChairman, President & CEO Macy's, Inc.

Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing phone 520.621.1715website http://globalretailingconference.org/email tlc@cals.arizona.edu

You will Learn...how increased competitive demand for innovation will require strategic,actionable performances.

Please join us at Loews Ventana Canyon ResortTucson, Arizona

PLAN TO ATTEND I Ignite the Customer Experience I April 10-11, 2014

Terry J. Lundgren Chairman, President & CEO

Macy’s, Inc.

Global Retailing Conference 2014 Speakers include:

Walter Robb Co-CEO

Whole Foods Market

Bobbi BrownFounder

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

RetailLink From Campus to Career

Fall 2013

We are reminded every April at the Global Retailing Conference how lucky our students are to listen and learn first-hand from the top retail industry innovators. Last year on our podium we heard from executives like Jim Senegal, Co-founder of Costco state crisply how his vision grew the company to over $100 billion in sales. The company did so by innovating in a white space - seeing a gap in a customer value/ experience and remaining keenly focused, listening intently to what consumers wanted most. Additionally, the pure play e-commerce up and comer, One King’s Lane’s CEO Doug Mack described their meteoric ride – a short two-year history and over $200 million in sales. OKL disrupted the very static high-end furniture and accessories business by building a richly curated shopping experience like no other, delivering the most intimate and personalized experience customized by purchasing platform. Macy’s Terry J. Lundgren let us know that inventory management is still what keeps a CEO up at night. Determined to eliminate the high cost of markdowns, Macy' has innovated by utilizing brick and mortar space and allocating store inventory in new ways, added state of the art data analysis tools, and invested in high-speed distribution center technology. It is a game changer for Macy’s customers and the bottom line.

How does the UA set up students to deliver new ideas and unearth new markets in their future careers? The RCSC program encourages students to hone presentation skills and critical thought through case studies and hands-on group projects, but also via classroom experiential learning with center partners. Retail Business Analysis and Decision Making includes a buying simulation software program allowing students to see the outcome of their buying decisions in near real time. The Retail Strategy class engages students by exploring and designing actual scenarios in local Target stores. Mentored by store managers, students innovate new actionable ideas for services, products, promotions and apps, test driven by industry experts. The ‘ art of the pitch’ was also introduced in Retail Entrepreneurship by way of small teams practicing a simulated VC/Angel investor pitch of their entrepreneurial retail concepts - but with real VCs to make it interesting!

Students can begin their own journey with the center’s help to plant the seeds of innovation by practicing both the art and science of innovation in extracurricular competitions as well. We explore later in this issue how The Home Depot was able to take real needs “on the shelf” and translate them into actionable new products ideas by training students in product development to deliver the right new products at the right price.

We decided these external projects and outstanding cooperative student learning experiences amongst RCSC faculty, TJLC Partners and staff deserved a home. We developed a Retail Innovation Lab, I.D.E.A Innovation, Development, Education and Action. Within I.D.E.A., we will invite projects that cut across academia, industry and student learning outcomes. One new project for fall 2013 involves helping an experienced CEO/entrepreneur develop a new retail concept in Automotive Services. Our student teams will help refine and deliver this new service concept from the ground up by studying and recommending best of class insights from non-related retail experiences.

We welcome your projects and your own innovation - we just may kick start that hot new project. Let’s talk – I.D.E.A. is open for business.

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Jeanne JacksonPresident, Product & Merchandising

NIKE

the “Supima” trademark, each entity within the supply chain must be licensed. Mr. Curlee says, “The process is monitored from dirt to shirt.” If a shirt is Supima trademarked this means the spinner, knitter, garment maker, brand, and retailer are all Supima licensed.

Mr. Curlee travels 8-9 times a year to China, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom. By taking the time to speak with global customers in person, Mr. Curlee creates strong and personal relationships. He explained how important these relationships are and how they differentiate Supima from competitors. In return, this allows him to ensure customers are meeting Supima’s standards through each stage in the production process.

Mr. Curlee has maintained a strong relationship with the Terry J. Lundgren Center for a number of years and says he looks forward to the Global Retailing Conference each year. He has attended a number of conferences globally from Hong Kong to Dubai and says, “The Global Retailing Conference remains one of the best.” His goal is to strengthen Supima’s relationship to University of Arizona’s students to share the opportunities in supply chain, branding, and manufacturing, which are key behind-the-scenes functions in the retail industry where students will find many career opportunities.

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Corporate PartnerWorld traveler, textile guru, and marketer are just a few of the differentiating qualities to describe Supima’s President, Jesse Curlee. Mr. Curlee has been with Supima for 33 years. In his role as President he oversees two important prongs of the business: the licensing and trademarks to guarantee quality assurance and foster relationships with customers.

Mr. Curlee graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Marketing and began his career with Armstrong World Industries, a global ceiling and flooring manufacturer. He later moved to Atlanta, Georgia to handle the company's industrial sales in Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. In 1973 he became the Executive Secretary for Georgia Textile Manufacturers Association and the Textile Education Foundation. Curlee started his career with Supima in 1979 and became President in 1981.

Supima promotes textile and apparel products made of 100% American Pima cotton in the United States and across the globe. The brand defines a superior variety of Pima cotton grown only in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. The cotton’s advantages are longer staple length, strength and a more vibrant fiber. What does this mean for the consumer? “The final product will offer luster, superior softness, and strength.” The company licenses the name and trademark "Supima®" globally to retailers, brands, and textile/apparel manufactures. In order to ensure the final product is 100% American Pima Cotton and deserving of

Jesse CurleeCEO, Supima

Only five years after graduating from the UA Retailing and Consumer Sciences program, Jessica Marshall, Sr. Manager of the Fashion Team, spends her days leading a team of four buyers and six assistant buyers and landing big fashion names (such as Tumi, Kate Spade Saturday, American Apparel, Camper, Happy Socks, Calvin Klein, Dolce Vita, Puma) for Fab.com, the World’s Design Store. With 13 million members

using Fab to discover everyday design products at great prices and 35% of the company’s sales coming from mobile customers, Fab.com was named the 5th most innovative company of 2013 by Fast Company. Since Jessica joined Fab in 2011, the company has grown from 42 employees to 700 people working in a no-doors office space, with free lunch, ice cream and even beer on tap. How did this young alumna achieve this degree of responsibility and success with a dynamic company in a short time?

Jessica began taking responsibility for charting her path to success and seizing opportunities while she was a student at the UA. Searching for a major that would feed her entrepreneurial spirit, Jessica heeded the advice of Melissa Vito, currently the UA’s Vice President of Student Affairs, to explore the RCSC major. Jessica responded wholly to the community feeling and hands-on approach of the faculty and her advisor and mentor, Felicia Frontain. She seized the opportunity to complete two summer internships with retailers and to lead the Future Retail Leaders of America (FRLA) club (now called TREND) during her student years. Jessica travelled to the MAGIC trade show in Las Vegas, which confirmed her interest in pursuing a career in merchandising.

In 2008, Jessica joined Macy’s Merchandise Training Program, working in the Comfort Shoes Department. She was promoted to Asst. Buyer in Sleepwear Department, followed by an Asst. Buyer position in Trend Cosmetics. During her two years at Macy’s, she applied the Retail Math

and Merchandising skills she learned in her UA coursework to assist with RTV's, markdown spreadsheets, selecting styles, market meetings, and trend meetings. Jessica credits the training at Macy’s and with providing her with the foundation needed to launch her career in New York City. After two years with Macy’s, Jessica accepted a position as a Level 2 Assistant Buyer in Ladies Business Dresses with Ross Stores, where she learned the importance of vendor relationships to success for retailers. “Everything I learned in the off-price environment, I use every day in my current position,” says Jessica.

Jessica recognizes opportunity when she sees it. In 2011, a casual conversation with a member of her flag football team who worked for Fab.com led Jessica to submit a resume to the company that night, and within two weeks Jessica was hired. “It was like the Wild West,” she says. “We were looking for great design products but it was not categorized, I could find anything that I thought was great and pitch them to partner with Fab. It was a hard sell at first, we worked only in a sell first method where the vendor also had to be able to drop ship.” Customers responded to the company’s nimble, on-trend strategy, and Jessica became the buyer for Women’s Shoes, Accessories and Beauty, eventually receiving a promotion to her current position.

“The connections that are available to UA students are limitless,” she says. “Students should constantly be exploring, asking questions, digging deeper, thinking outside the box, and overall having the best time doing it. The RCSC program's support in my education and the support in my career really gave me the feeling that anything was possible and that with my education I can do whatever I wanted. I owe the feeling of believing in myself in my career not only to my amazing family and friends but to RCSC and the UofA.” Jessica has already begun to pay forward her gratitude for her UA experience, helping Alisha Seigel, a 2011 RCSC graduate, secure a position with Fab.

RCSC Alumni Spotlight Jessica Marshall, Sr. Manager, Fashion Team, Fab.com

By Christina Papallardo, Student Advisory Board, Chair Profile

long-term trends in consumer behaviors and technology uses.

There is also a group of companies whose sponsorship of Global Retailing Conference 2014, allows us to bring in the innovative leaders in every aspect of the retail industry to share their insights and help retailers find their customers and create lasting relationships. If you have not sponsored one of our Global Retailing Conferences, I hope you will consider signing up. Not only will your company gain visibility among our industry’s decision makers, your firm’s leadership will be participating in the conference and cultivating those relationships that are the key to success. To learn about sponsorship opportunities call 520.626.7952.

Use the programs and presentations to stimulate those conversations held over the meals and receptions and, learn how others will use these strategies to build brand recognition and engage clients. And, don’t forget the annual golf tournament, where you’ll enjoy Tucson’s glorious spring weather and have time for those extended discussions with your foursome. Look for details soon about the 2014 Global Retailing Conference registration and sponsorships, and enjoy past conference highlights and presentations at www.globalretailingconference.org/. Presenters include:

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Kim's View from the Center

G l o b a l R e t a i l i n G C o n f e R e n C e 2 0 1 4 S p e a k e R S

Ignite the Customer ExperienceapRil 10 -11, 2014 i loewS Ventana Canyon i tuCSon, aZ

SPONSORS

HUDSONRIVERGROUPFounded 1989

Add Avnet to PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE in Sponsopship

Avnet connects the world's leading technology manufacturers with a broad base of more than 100,000

customers by providing cost-effective value-added services and solutions. One of the world's largest

trans-national electronics distributors of electronic parts, enterprise computing and storage products

and embedded subsystems, Avnet provides a vital link in the technology supply chain. Market needs

and trends drive Avnet's product and services strategy, supported by a global infrastructure. Avnet

brings a breadth and depth of service capabilities, such as supply-chain and design-chain services,

logistics solutions, product assembly, device programming, computer system configuration and

integration, and technical seminars - all in addition to its core distribution services. Through its

innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, and its passion for customer service, Avnet assures customers

and suppliers that they have chosen the right partner to accelerate their success. For the third year in

a row, Avnet is ranked No. 1 in our industry in Fortune magazine's list of "Most Admired Companies."

 

 

The Global Retailing Conference is on fire this year with world-class speakers and hot-off-the-press insider knowledge to help you “Ignite the Customer Experience.” Set for April 10 and 11, 2014 at the world-class Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, the two-day conference offers c-suite connections and knowledge about how the world’s top retail companies never let the brand passion cool.

If “Ignite the Customer Experience” just had these amazing presentations, it would be well worth the conference registration, but the Global Retail Conference offers participants a chance to interact with the industry’s leadership and make those professional connections that help your company grow and your career advance.

The Global Retailing Conference keynote speaker will be Terry J. Lundgren, Chairman, President and CEO of Macy’s, Inc. Special credit goes out to Mr. Lundgren for his ongoing leadership and creating the spark to make this truly one of the most sought out educational offerings.

Joining Terry J. Lundgren is an amazing array of industry leaders and cultural icons showing us how to take our customers’ experiences to the next level. Speakers at the 2014 conference have transformed the shopping experience in fields from food to fashion. We’ll even have a futurist to show us how our work today will translate into short-term and

Jeanne JacksonPresident, Product & MerchandisingNIKE

Greg Girard Program Director, Merchandising and Marketing Strategies and Retail AnalyticsIDC Retail Insights

Richard McDonaldSr. VP, Global MarketingFender Guitars

Terry J. Lundgren Chairman, President & CEOMacy’s, Inc.

Bobbi BrownFounder Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

Walter RobbCo-CEOWhole Foods

Brian David JohnsonFuturist Intel Corporation

Roman TsunderCEOPTTOW!

Nadia ShourabouraFounder & CEOHointer

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Professionals Panel, and breakout sessions designed to prepare students to face the competitive corporate environment with confidence in their identities and a disposition toward support and tolerance of others. The event will also address the unique challenges of intergenerational diversity in the workplace, helping UA millennials develop greater self-awareness and understanding of the workplace habits and expectations of the members of other generations they’ll encounter as managers and supervisees when they enter professional careers. As always, we are grateful for the support of our partners in making this happen. If you would like to get involved in the conference, please contact me or Martha Van Gelder.

Congratulations to Summer/Fall 2013 scholarship winners:

Emmanuel Torres—Ray Greenly Shop.org and National Association of Retail Buyers Tracy Barlow Memorial Scholarships

Melissa Estrada—National Association of Retail Buyers Tracy Barlow Memorial Scholarship

Melanie Weber—Gordon Brothers and Ellen Goldsberry Scholarships

Hannah Read—Polo Ralph Lauren Endowed Scholarship

Elizabeth Bahmer—PetSmart and Kimberly McManus-Lopez Scholarship

Meghan Murphy—PetSmart Scholarship

Xandria Leopold—Buffalo Exchange Spencer Block Memorial Scholarship

GoinGSarah Cobb – Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold – Buyer

Lindsay Godbout – Macy’s Corporate – Merchant Executive Development Program Trainee

Narisa Montera – Macy’s Stores – Executive Development Program

Dominique Smarius – Ross – Buying Assistant

Bianca Di Fonzo – Walmart – Executive Development Program

Carley Howell – Dick’s Sporting Goods Corporate – Merchandising Trainee Program

Leeza Pena – Kitsch – Public Relations/Sales

Nicole St. Germain – Toys R Us – Store Management Trainee

Mackenzie Cooper – JCPenney – Business Analyst

Van Pham – Dillard’s – Business Selling Manager

Places

FUTURE RetAil leAdeRSStudent development and leadership opportunities this year will focus on raising the visibility of retailing careers not only among those who are currently enrolled in the Retailing and Consumer Sciences major but also to undecided students, talented students who have selected other majors, and students traditionally underrepresented in retail management. The students leading the University of Arizona’s chapter of the National Retail Federation Student Association will

pose a challenge to their peers across campus this Fall: Think you know Retail? Think Again. Inspired by the NRF’s This is Retail campaign and utilizing the associated communication tools to convey the dynamic variety of opportunities in Retailing, NRFSA will engage in peer-to-peer outreach to raise the visibility of Retailing careers and the Retailing and Consumer Sciences major on the UA campus this September. In collaboration with UA BookStores and UA Career Services, the TJLC and NRFSA will greet student clients and increase their awareness about how the skills developed at the UA can translate into a fascinating career. NRFSA will promote the competitions, scholarship and student programming opportunities available through NRF and with our TJLC partners on campus this Fall and will gather contact information to encourage their peers to stay connected to our activities through email lists and social media.

For Spring semester, we are planning a mini-conference open to 150 UA students entitled Building People and Profit: Succeeding in a Diverse Workplace sponsored by Macy's, Target, PetSmart, the TJLC and other partners. The agenda features a keynote laying out the business case for inclusiveness in the workplace, a student-facilitated diverse Young

Abra McAndrewAssistant Director, Student Leadership & Development

CONGRATuLATIONS TO OuR RETAILING

AND CONSuMER SCIENCES GRADuATES -

THEy ARE GOING PLACES! WE WISH THEM

THE BEST AS THEy BEGIN THEIR CAREERS.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE MAy RCSC GRADuATES:

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Bryce Ortega I Saban Brands

Saban Brands licenses out all product for every brand in their portfolio to third parties for manufacture. As the Global Licensing Intern I learned how to prospect different licensees, negotiate the royalty rate that will be paid back to Saban and determine which retail outlets will carry the product. Although my focus was on the licensing side of the business, I communicated

with all departments to fully understand the process of brand execution from start to finish. I gained insight from the Creative Department about style guides and mood boards. The Marketing Department explained how each brand has a different marketing strategy and how to evaluate return on investment (ROI). I was also exposed to the Development and Production Department on the various steps that go into airing a nationally televised show. While each department has its own focus, it is the synergy between all cross-functional teams that makes Saban Brands so successful.

The highlight of my experience at Saban Brands was the opportunity to work on a cross-functional intern team project that included all interns in the licensing, marketing and creative departments. The project consisted of presenting a new brand to executive management that met all Saban Brands criteria for acquisition. We formulated a strategy to launch this brand in the entertainment industry through social media and countless categories of licensing/merchandising. After ten weeks of brainstorming and extensive research, we had the unique opportunity to present our concept to the President, CFO, COO, and all Senior VPs in each department. Our project was extremely well received by all in attendance.

Saban Brands is on the brink of enormous success in the entertainment industry. The brands I worked with were fun and exciting, the people were welcoming and spirited, and the knowledge I gained will be valuable in whatever career path I choose. I couldn’t be more thankful for the incredible opportunity to have interned with such amazing people at such a fabulous company. I give the Saban Brands internship a 10/10.

i N t e R N S H i P S

talia Watts I Nike, inc.

Going into my 12-week internship with Nike, I kept my expectations simple. I wanted to learn about merchandising at a global company and hoped Nike would provide me the opportunity to learn from the best. Within the first five minutes on Nike World Headquarters campus I knew my expectations would be far exceeded. For the next weeks, I became part of the Global Running

Merchandising team, experienced merchandising for the largest global running company, participated in projects, developed my network of relationships, and had a lot of fun too.

There were multiple layers to my internship. I was assigned three specific projects in addition to my everyday activities with my team and the internship program. My overall project for the summer was related to my positioning on the Global Running Merchandising team. I worked with key players in various areas of the business to make recommendations regarding the future of Nike Track Club, a shop-in-shop concept at Finish Line in North America and JD Sport in Western Europe. For my second project, I was able to work outside of my everyday business function. I worked with 11 other interns on a current Nike Human Resources topic, Field First. My team researched and developed our solution, which I presented to Nike’s Human Resource leaders. My final project was a high school mentorship program. My projects taught me the value of time management and necessity of leveraging relationships and working well with others to be successful in a large global organization.

Nike works hard to play hard. Amongst the most passionate and driven people in the industry, there is always work to be done. I had long days, early mornings and some late nights. I sometimes worked weekends and through lunch but I knew the value of my efforts would not be unrecognized. I felt the importance of my contributions even as an intern.

In addition to my projects, my internship allowed me to be completely immersed in Nike culture. The campus truly comes alive in the summer! Every Thursday there were Thirst Thursday events on campus with special guests, prizes, food and music. From Nike SB professional skaters to Kevin Durant and LeBron James – you never know whom you might see on campus. No two days during my internship summer were the same. As an intern, there were also chances to volunteer for special projects. I worked with ESPN during The Opening and even modeled the new Free Flyknit for Nike on Instagram. These events kept the days exciting.

My internship culminated with a farewell intern luncheon. During the event Phil Knight, the Co-founder of Nike, expressed the importance of Nike’s company culture. Most people agree the culture of a company comes from the collection of people who bring an organization to life. I can say for a fact Nike’s culture is brought to life by the people within the company. I can only say that I am fortunate and humbled that I was able to be a part of such an amazing group of people.

This summer, I learned more than I could have ever imagined possible. From my internship, I learned the value of knowing my strengths, trusting my vision, and the value of a truly invigorating professional and personal experience. I learned the tremendous importance of relationships and gained advice from Nike leaders through the Leadership Series and one-on-one meetings. I am fortunate that I was able to be part of this highly sought internship. It would not have been possible without The University of Arizona, career services, The Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing and Retailing and Consumer Sciences faculty and staff, as well as the amazing Nike Ignite college recruiting team and dedicated University of Arizona alumni at Nike. I knew the opportunity to work for a company of Nike’s caliber would change my professional career; however, this will be marked as the summer that changed my life.

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There is a growing interest among RCSC students in careers in product development due to the growth of private brands, and the need to merchandise unique assortments. The Home Depot sponsored a competition in spring of 2013 to test the competencies of RCSC students in developing unique, profitable

product lines. The merchants from their growing online/catalog home décor business, Home Decorators Collection, (HDC) created an exciting hands-on challenge.

Student teams were asked to develop two fully flushed out product concepts that were right for HDC’s core demographic, they were then tasked to develop product renderings, sourcing specifications, and pricing, sales and profit scenarios. The final plan encompassed launch timing, seasonal considerations, launch test quantities, marketing and social media strategies to develop the best results for introducing new line items or to expand a category. The top three teams presented to a panel of senior merchants on why their plans would increase business, and why products should earn a place in the assortment.

Home Decorators Collection’s chief merchant, Bill Grace and Online Marketing Manager, Terri Jacobsen, kicked off the scenario, which included real data and consumer insights. The HDC team provided mentorship on their consumer’s tastes, best sellers by category and price points that drive the best results from their most loyal customers. Mentors from the faculty included Roger Kramer, Scott Hessell and Martha Van Gelder who mentored the students in product design and development, marketing and financial analysis.

The three winning teams won generous scholarships and had the opportunity to introduce hot new product concepts under the areas of crafts, storage, kitchen, outdoor and furniture. The winning team, Home is where the Heart Is; Hannah Read, Emanuel Torres, Nicole St. Germain and Narisa Montero were presented their prize by Melissa Phillips, General Manager for HDC at the Spring Board meeting.

Christina Pappalardo, and Natalie Baldomar, were also recognized for their achievement and earned summer internships at the Home Depot and Home Decorators Collection.

tHe HOMe dePOt student competition leads to product development know-how and internships

This summer 65+ RCSC students had internships. The RCSC interns worked at corporate offices for retailers such as Macy’s, NIKE, Walmart and Zappos. Many of the interns worked on marketing and merchandising projects while others worked on e-commerce and supply chain management projects. Over 50% of the students successfully completed summer internships in Stores Management or Store Operations, demonstrating that RCSC students understand the value of in-store experience to their career development.

The diversity of internships mirrors the changing needs of the industry as well. Students had internships in companies such as software company, WordRake and Saban Brands, one of the world's leading branding and licensing companies. While other internships such as the Sleeping Frog Farms internship meant working with organic growers and developing proprietary consumer data bases.

All of the internships were challenging and further developed the RCSC student’s skill sets. We congratulate them all for a successful summer internship!

Felicia FrontainRetailing and

Consumer SciencesUndergraduate/Internship

Coordinator, Sr.

PAtHWAy tO SuCCeSS

Challenge participants include: Hannah Read, Christina Pappalardo and Emanuel Torres

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Fall 2013 and Spring 2014 CAleNdAR OF eVeNtS

Sept. 9-13 This is Retail Week – NRFSA and UA BookStores

Sept. 12 Fashion Minor Reception

Sept. 20 PetSmart Product Lifecycle Tour – Phoenix, AZ

Sept. 23 Dick’s Sporting Goods Info Session

Sept. 24-25 Fall Career Days – Student Union Memorial Center

Sept. 24 Alumni Panel - Intro to Retailing

Sept 24 Walmart Info Session

Sept. 24 JCP Info Session

Sept 25 Macy’s, Breakfast with TJLC Club Leaders

Sept. 30-Oct. 2 Shop.Org Student events and conference

Oct. 1 Gallo Wine Info Session

Oct. 2 Nike Info Session and 'Nike Challenge' launch

Oct. TBA YMA Scholarship Interviews – Peter Sachse, Macy’s

Oct. 16 NRF Virtual Career Fair

Oct 16 Internship to Career Employer Panel

Oct. 17 Big Networking Event

Oct. 17 Executive Corporate Advisory Board meeting

Oct. 17 Corporate Advisory Board Meeting and Dinner

Oct. 18 Corporate Advisory Board Meeting, Marriott Park University

Oct. 18 Betsey Johnson Fundraiser Dinner, Tucson Fashion Week – Tucson Museum of Art

Jan. 9-10 New York City Study Tour

Jan. 11-15 NRF Big Show Conference, New York City

Feb. 19 Enactus Spring Career Expo, Student Union Memorial Center

Feb. 21 Building People & Profit Diversity Conference, Marriott

TBA "Busting the Store Manager Myth" networking event

TBA Go Pro! – Business and Interview Etiquette

Mar. 11-12 Spring Career Days – Student Union Memorial Center Ballroom

Mar. 15-23 Spring Break

April 9 Spring Corporate Advisory Board Meeting and Dinner – Loews Ventana Canyon Resort

April 10-11 Global Retailing Conference – Loews Ventana Canyon Resort

April TBA Evening of Excellence Awards

The Retail Entrepreneurship Club (REC), a student-run club within the Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing, hosted its inaugural annual ThinkBIG conference on April 20, 2013 at McClelland Park. The ThinkBIG Conference – which had approximately 80 attendees from across the campus – was focused on providing a basic introduction to the challenges and rewards of retail

entrepreneurship. It also gave students an opportunity to hear invaluable strategies on how to grow one’s business whether it is with a small entrepreneurial venture or a more established retailer.

The conference – which was entitled “The Passion for Retail Entrepreneurship: Watch Yours Grow” – had several local and national retail entrepreneurs speak about their experiences in starting and growing their businesses. Speakers included Curtis Jones, President of Botanical Interests; Jeff Kaiserman, Co-Founder of Frost, Inc.; and, Tonya Strozier, Founder and President of Makeup by Tonya. Each talked about their individual challenges of identifying a potential target market, building their customer base, and creating an ideal offering for that market.

Kerstin Block, the founder and President of Buffalo Exchange, was the keynote speaker at the conference. She shared the story of Buffalo Exchange which is an icon among Tucson retailers but has grown to include nearly 50 company-owned and franchised stores across the country with revenues over $80 million. Kerstin talked about how she and her husband, Spencer, founded the company in 1974 as a unique venue for buying and selling gently-used clothing in Tucson. The retailer’s eclectic product assortment has a strong following among students and others focused on value-priced but unique fashions. Kerstin also sponsors the Spencer Block Memorial Scholarship that awards $5,000 scholarships to retailing students demonstrating skill and interest in entrepreneurship.

The conference also included a “Get-to-Work” professional panel that included local advisers to retailers from real estate, accounting, marketing and angel investing. These speakers covered many of the key startup questions that retail entrepreneurs must face including raising capital, identifying and negotiating a lease for one’s location, creating and developing a unique brand, and managing one’s company cash flows.

Scott Hessell, the club’s adviser and Senior Lecturer and Lundgren Teaching Fellow, said, “the conference was a great eye-opener to the challenges of growing a retail business. Entrepreneurial ventures certainly have their own unique challenges but I think the students really walked away with a better understanding of what it takes to grow a business – any business.”

Scott Hessell

By Scott Hessell, Senior lecturer and lundgren teaching Fellow

thinkBiG Conference

NONPROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE PAID

TUCSON ARIZONA PERMIT NO. 190

PO BOx 210078 • TucsOn, AZ 85721-0078

Corporate Advisory BoardAcento, Roberto Orci, President and CEOAltria Group distribution Company, Lisa Locker, District ManagerAt & t Mobility, Jay Brown, National ManagerAVNet, Steve Church, Senior Vice PresidentBridgestone/Firestone, Matt Akao, District ManagerCollective Brands, Edward J. Schloesslin, Division Senior VP, Human Resourcesdick's Sporting Goods, Kate Brown, Manager, University RelationsGallo Wine Company, Greg Gratteau, Director of Human ResourcesGordon Brothers, Ann Merrill, Co-President, Appraisal and Valuation Division iCSC, Sarah Ritchie, Manager, ICSC Education FoundationJCPenney Corporation, Angela Swanner, Vice President - SEPHORA (inside jcpenney)Kohl's, Brooke Allen, District ManagerMacy's, inc., Anne Voller, VP Talent Acquisitions National Sporting Goods Association, Chuck Suritz, Director, Strategic Planning & EducationNestlé Purina PetCare, Greg Brewer, Director NiKe, inc., Erich Siegel, Director, North American MerchandisingNRF Foundation, Ellen Davis, Executive DirectorPetSmart, Bryan McCormick, Vice President Human ResourcesPlanalytics, Fred Fox, President and CEORoyal Bermuda llC, Gerald Birin, CEO and Kellie Walejeski, COOSAP, Tom Redd, Vice President, Product MarketingSupima, Jesse W. Curlee, Presidenttarget Stores, Liz Breiland, Sr. Field Campus Recruiter, HR Talent Acquisitionthe Home depot, Gordon Erickson, Senior VP of Field Merchandisingthe tJX Companies, inc., Genevieve Barrett, Assistant VP, Director of College Relationsthe university of Arizona BookStores, Debby Shively, DirectorWalgreens, Lee Nevarez, District ManagerWalmart Stores, inc., Andy Barron, EVP Softlines Merchandising and Michelle Gloeckler, Senior VP GMM HomeWells Fargo, Marsha Reed, Assistant VP - Senior Recruiter

Arizona Community Advisory Board tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Lea Marquez-Peterson, President and CEO, VAMOS A tucson, Felipe Garcia, VP of Community Affairs & Mexico Marketing OOROO, Jeff Artzi, CEO Founder

Honorary Board Members Ellen Goldsberry, Director Emeritus, Center for Retailing Terry J. Lundgren, Chairman, President and CEO, Macy's, Inc

Student Advisory Board Fall 2013 Elizabeth Bahmer Kelsey Brown Kelly CartonCody ChewningAlyssa HasslenMariah Hoskins

terry J. lundgren Center for Retailing editor and director: Martha S. Van Gelder Managing editor: Kimberley A. Brooke Contributing editor and Assistant director: Abra McAndrew Administrative Associate: Annette M. Garcia

The Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing is housed in the Division of Retailing and Consumer Sciences in The John and Doris Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at The University of Arizona. The Center works to illuminate the issues facing retailers today and to prepare college students for careers in retailing.

to obtain more information contact: The Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing The University of Arizona PO Box 210078 ~ Tucson, AZ 85721-0078 Phone: 520.621.1715 Fax: 520.621.9445 Email: tlc@cals.arizona.edu Web site: terryjlundgrencenter.org

Corporate Partners & Sponsors

Erin Huff Meghan MurphyFionna NormanChristina Pappalardo Hannah Read Emmanuel Torres

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