 Merchandiser"I've been successful in my job because I'm happy right here doing what I'm doing. I just worked hard to get here and grabbed the opportunities presented to me."
 | Why did you join Macy's West and why have you stayed? |
I worked for Broadway and stayed through the transition to Macy's when we were acquired. I've stayed because my superiors are great. They are really good with people and are understanding, caring and supportive. I've also stayed because working at Macy's West allows me to support my family.
| What do you enjoy most about what you do and what are your overall job responsibilities? |
My job is like Christmas, every day it's something new, something different. That's nice because I don't get bored by doing the same thing all the time. As a merchandiser, I am responsible for putting out merchandise, working on markdowns and pulling merchandise we are sending back to the vendors.
| What contribution do you make to your division and how do you feel you make a difference? |
I try to be supportive and help the sales associates. That makes a difference because I get to see the merchandise firsthand and let them know what is new. That way they know what they can sell to the customers. Also, the sales team knows what certain customers are looking for, so when that comes in, I'll hold it and have the sales people call the customer.
| What has been your most memorable moment since joining the company? |
My most memorable moment is probably the transition from Broadway to Macy's because it was a big change. It was sad losing Broadway, I was secure there. It was a little scary starting all over again with a new company. I'm not a person that likes change a lot, so any kind of big change like that is going to be memorable for me.
| How has the training you've received since joining the company benefited you? |
I know more now because I've gone to training classes here. I've learned the new standards and have been able to keep up with them. During our training sessions, we go into a store and completely re-merchandise a department and set it to the new standard. They bring people from a lot of different stores and we all work together as a team. Then we take the standards we learned back to each of our stores.
| 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 think community involvement is very important. Unfortunately, my life right now doesn't allow me to be active. I have my own little ones at home, and I take care of my parents who have suffered some medical challenges recently. I'm all for our community awareness and programs that we have. When we do the Easter baskets and other projects in the store, I try to help out, but I can't do activities that are outside of the store.
| What do you like best about your work environment? |
The best thing about my store is the people that I work for, the store and department managers. They are just really nice people. They are friendly and understanding. When I have a problem they are there to help me. They're very supportive.
| What personal interests/hobbies do you have and how do you balance them with your work? |
My personal hobbies are sewing and doing crafts. I also really enjoy the time that I have with my four kids. That's what's so good about this job, it allows me to come to work after my kids start school and I'm off before they get home. I have the weekends off so that I am there for them. I want to make sure that my children grow up to be good citizens and that they have the leadership that helps to keep them from getting into trouble.
| What advice would you give to a new executive joining the company? What helped you establish yourself and move ahead with your career goals? |
You have to work with your team and let them get to know you. I've been successful in my job because I'm happy right here doing what I'm doing. I just worked hard to get here and grabbed the opportunities presented to me.
| What do you see in the future for Macy's, Inc. and the department store industry? |
I think that our store is doing really well, and I think we have the best store in the company. I like Macy's and a lot of people here like Macy's, so I think we're doing well. I think we will just keep growing and expanding. Things are a little shaky with the economy the way it is, but you just have to be patient.
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