 Sales Associate, Ellen Tracy SpecialistRandi was promoted to Manager/At Your Service. "I think department stores are getting a little more boutique-y, which I think is what's going to have to happen. We need to become a little more special in what we sell to our clients. It seems that everyone's doing what's safe, and I don't think we can continue to do that because it doesn't allow you to be distinct. I think now they are bringing in a little more interesting vendors."
 | Why did you join Bloomingdale's and why have you stayed? |
I was always interested in fashion, and I've always loved Bloomingdale's over any other store since I was a child. I stay now because I still love fashion, and Bloomingdale's is at the forefront of fashion. I still consider Bloomingdale's my favorite store, and it's a wonderful working environment because it allows me to do so many things during my day. Not only do I perform the duties of a sales associate, I also teach new hires and counsel coworkers. And I love the people I work with.
| What do you enjoy most about what you do and what are your overall job responsibilities? |
I really enjoy my customers. I love putting them together - from head to toe if they let me. I love inter-selling, not only the products that I'm a specialist in, but getting them interested in products from different departments.
My responsibilities are selling and maintaining the bridge department and my particular specialty (it's a million-dollar business). I also maintain the floor standards and I clientele daily and for special events. I think my biggest responsibility is to our customer. I think that shopping should be a very enjoyable experience, and they're here because they choose to be. There's a lot of competition, so I try to make sure my customers leave here feeling good. I make the everyday customer feel not so everyday.
| What contribution do you make to your division and how do you feel you make a difference? |
I think because I love the products that I sell and I enjoy selling them, I contribute in that respect - I share that enthusiasm with my customers and fellow coworkers. I wear a lot of the things we sell here. So I think I make a difference by loving the product, wearing it and being enthusiastic about it.
| What has been your most memorable moment since joining the company? |
I have two that really stick with me. The first is when Bloomingdale's honored me by making me the Best of the Best. I went into the city for a few days, and it was like being queen for a day. It was the most special experience. I mean not only do I really like my job, but also here they were honoring me and making me feel so very special. It was such a heartwarming experience.
The other is September 11 and the way that day was handled here. We had a store manager that was absolutely the best I've ever had, and he made you feel so comfortable. He read from the daily newspapers; he told us what was happening step by step. He helped us feel safe. He just gave me such confidence that everything would be ok. I think that was just amazing, and it wasn't just him - the entire management team was wonderful throughout that day and the ones that followed.
| How has the training you've received since joining the company benefited you? |
I think the training at Bloomingdale's is terrific, and it has helped in a tremendous way. It gave me the product knowledge that helps me sell and produce. It trained me how to handle customers and to give them the best service possible. All of these things have given me such confidence in my job and have given me the tools to do what is expected and required of me. There is also a program called the Mentor Training Program that I've helped implement. It is a documented program that brings training and understanding to all new hires. It's a step-by-step program, and it helps us train the people on the floor to make them better at what they do. Instead of just throwing people in, we take the trainee by the hand and show them the ropes.
| 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? |
Absolutely. Each morning when I walk into the associate door, I am bombarded with all kinds of charitable deeds. There are food drives, clothing drives, walk-a-thons and run-a-thons. In my department, we do the Katie Couric Colon Cancer charity, and we've raised a lot of money for it. The company is constantly doing charitable events, and it's wonderful. I wasn't aware of how philanthropic the company was before I joined, but I'm amazed about how much we do.
| What do you like best about your work environment? |
Bloomingdale's is my home away from home, and I've developed such strong relationships and friendships. I consider the people here my extended family. And you have to attribute that to the staff and managers.
| What personal interests/hobbies do you have and how do you balance them with your work? |
I wish I could say I have a lot of time, but I really work a lot of hours. I would say that I try to immerse myself in the charitable activities as an outlet, especially ones that involve kids. I used to be a teacher, and I miss working with children. So I try to get involved in any programs that offer that element. In terms of hobbies, I love reading and I'm into yoga.
| What advice would you give to a new associate joining the company? What helped you establish yourself and move ahead with your career goals? |
I would suggest being enthused and open to learn. There are many changes that happen here, even on a daily basis. I would also say to treat your customer like you would want to be treated. Shopping should be a very pleasurable and enjoyable experience, and when customers think of shopping - you want them to think of Bloomingdale's.
| What do you see in the future for Macy's, Inc. and the department store industry? |
I see a company that is moving ahead and growing. What I love is that I see a company trying to nurture a family atmosphere within the workplace. I think of Macy's, Inc. as a pretty big place, but they've been able to make it a warm workplace not cold and corporate. I see tremendous expansion.
As far as department stores, I think we're getting a little more boutique-y, which I think is what's going to have to happen. We need to become a little more special in what we sell to our clients. It seems that everyone's doing what's safe, and I don't think we can continue to do that because it doesn't allow you to be distinct. For example, when I shopped Bloomingdale's years ago, I would only go to this store to buy belts because they had the most interesting pieces. Everybody's moved a little bit away from that in order to keep above water. But I think now they are bringing in a little more interesting vendors.
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