Peter

Peter has been promoted to Manager Planning.

"My wife and I like to hike and go biking in the mountains on weekends. With this company, it is possible to be active at work and in your personal life and not feel like you are giving up something."

Why did you join Macy's Northwest and why have you stayed?

I wanted the opportunity to improve myself in terms of utilizing my field in a different area compared to what I was doing before. I've stayed because I've found that the environment here is conducive to focusing on the job and also on personal life.

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

I have the chance to impact my business by true analysis and looking at how the different locations and different stores are performing. My overall responsibilities are to ensure that each of the locations we have is appropriately assorted with merchandise. I am responsible for developing seasonal plans for each location. I'm also responsible in making sure that they receive an assortment of merchandise to fit their seasonal plan in order to achieve their goals and produce the margin that we expect them to.

What contribution do you make to your division and how do you feel you make a difference?

I am able to directly impact what happens to the business. I can look at locations and see which ones are performing better, and I can make suggestions as to what we can bring in to help other stores. I can also address issues for future seasons and adjust the merchandise appropriately so stores get the right assortment in stock. I help Macy's Northwest by making sure the locations are productive in trying to react to their business and in proactively planning to achieve their potential.

What has been your most memorable moment since joining the company?

It is not one thing; it is just the attitude of the organization. The fact that I am appreciated and recognized for the contributions that I make to the organization is most memorable to me. They recognize that I am a contributor.

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

I've received more inclusive and thorough training through Macy's Northwest than through any other organization. This has helped me look at business more intimately in terms of what happens at different locations and the different ways of managing business. The greatest development in my training has been how to apply what I've done for analysis and decision-making to department store business.

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?

I have been involved with Northwest Harvest. One of my goals is to get more involved in community projects. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved through our organization and through the community itself.

What do you like best about your work environment?

The people create an environment that is always positive and encouraging. There is considerable respect for what an individual can bring to the organization. Everyone is recognized for what they contribute and that creates a positive environment to want to contribute more.

What personal interests/hobbies do you have and how do you balance them with your work?

My wife and I like to hike and go biking in the mountains on weekends. We like to go out and enjoy what Seattle offers by planning that into our lives and balancing our work. With this company, it is possible to be active at work and in your personal life and not feel like you are giving up something.

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

Be prepared for a new environment. It's important to be intelligent and to use a positive manner in challenging why certain things are being done in an organization. It's important to recognize that when you join an organization you are joining a culture. At some point, you need to assimilate in order to function within the organization. In moving ahead with my career goals, I took advantage of feedback sessions to discuss my goals and communicate my interests. I asked questions and asked to have things explained to me.

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

As a dynamic organization, they will continue to grow. The organization looks for ways to do things better and differently. The underlying principle is how can the organization be more effective in being more profitable, conscientious and socially responsible. The organization has taken great strides to be successful.