Joe Reina

Love it! But those who work in stores only wished their partners at HQ wanted to be in stores without a mandate. It is impossible to be the best in supporting stores or building a customer experience without being in stores often…at night, on weekends and during holidays! And once in stores be uber curious and engage with customers and the team. Ask “what can I do better or to help?”, “what gets in your way?”, “what should HQ change?”… ask these and other questions…and be genuine and authentic or don’t go! Oh, and get in the back room and ask to process freight, complete an Omni order, learn the steps involved in process’ and do the work! The best leaders work in stores with their teams, not simply “visit”. Retail magic still happens where the team, customer and product collide!

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As a GOOD AMERICAN customer, I can’t wait to experience the store. 👖As a former merchant, having a digital option to showcase styling, fit and product knowledge would have given me the confidence that my merchandising strategy was being executed in the store without having to physically be on location. 📺This is a great way to make sure teams are product obsessed with the constant graphics and that the visual merchandising / styling options are being showcased at the store. 🛍️To make sure this extension of digital is a success, Good American would need to keep the content fresh and consistent with real time inventory and reflective of the current product assortment. Sales associates would still need to be product obsessed but they would also need to show customers what is possible with the digital screens. The experience should augment and assist the sales associate and not be considered a replacement of staff. 🔹The excitement of finding a product on the screen, loving the look and being disappointed if the item or the size is not available could also drive customers away. GA would need to be on top of their inventory position and have a good handle of managing their inventory across all channels. 🗞️Check out more #BrainTrust comments on RetailWire: https://lnkd.in/eDJp--GF #retail #retailnews #goodamerican #cx #stores #merchandising #TRE #TopRetailExpert

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Celebrating a win for California’s retail safety. Proposition 36 passed! 🎉 Proposition 36 rolls back parts of the controversial Proposition 47. Proposition 47, passed in 2014, was ironically called the “Safer Streets” proposition, even though it was designed to reduce jail overcrowding. It was meant to reverse historic tough-on-crime policies and divert money spent on incarceration to rehabilitation. The crime reform was well-intended but had unintended side effects for organized retail crime prevention. The proposition raised the felony threshold for prosecuting shoplifters to $950. Anyone caught for shoplifting under $950 would be cited with a ticket and released. It wasn’t a strong disincentive for repeat offenders. Ultimately, Prop 47 fueled a surge in commercial burglary (smash & grab) and shoplifting. It’s no surprise that 70.4% of voters approved the new proposition.. Under the new Proposition 36, people found guilty of shoplifting will now be more likely to face felony charges that were previously classified. Shoplifting under $950 is now punishable by up to three years if the offender has “two or more past convictions for certain theft crimes. It also increases potential punishment and jail sentences based on the total amount of goods stolen from prior incidents. Finally, it lengthens felony sentences by up to three years if at least three people jointly commit a theft or property crime or there is property damage. Congrats to all my ORC and LP friends who oversee stores in California! 

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As retail leaders, we all know that recruiting continues to be a challenge, especially given the industry’s high turnover rate. Leaders must find the right fit to represent the brand (and show up every day!), and they also have to structure the jobs and the work environment to retain their best talent. Regardless of the kind of retail business it is, at MOHR Retail, we’ve found that there are three elements of a top candidate: ✔Natural talent ✔Learned skills ✔Acquired knowledge The importance of understanding what the right fit looks like and then asking the right questions and conducting effective interviews is critical. Don’t underestimate the importance of the interview! Our research shows that skillful interviewers lead to better hires and will decrease turnover within the first 90-120 days. To find ongoing success in hiring and retention, it takes an ongoing, multi-pronged approach to maintain a strong pipeline of quality candidates. A good boss, solid training, performance goals/incentives, and a great culture all come from inside the company after the person is chosen. But they’re also what keep the talent pipeline healthy and turnover at a minimum. As a retail leader, you need to have a comprehensive strategy in place that prioritizes recruitment and addresses retention factors that keep the top talent engaged with your business. What recruitment techniques have worked well for your company? #LearnMOHR #RetailTraining #Recruitment

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With over 20 years in the industry, I am grateful to have received recognition such as the Top 100 CISO Award and CSO50 recognition. I can't wait for you all to hear me in conversation with Tom Field and learn more about my journey and thoughts on cybersecurity. See you all on the ISMG media network! #Cybersecurity #CISO #CSO50

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"Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired by its founding family and Mexican retailer El Puerto de Liverpool in a deal that values the luxury department store operator at about $6.25 billion, including debt."  https://lnkd.in/gRqknBPp

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The last few years have underscored the critical need for leaders to step onto the frontlines. Stores are fighting harder than ever to achieve even a modest 1% comp increase. Many leaders have never faced the intensity of treating every week like the end of the quarter. In today’s retail landscape, market share and customer loyalty aren’t given—they’re won. And it’s a battle. If it feels like your effort is deserving of more, consider these leadership profiles. Not all leaders are equipped to be wartime generals. However, the ability to recognize whether the environment calls for a wartime or peacetime approach—and to adapt accordingly—is essential. The best leaders develop both skill sets, inspiring their teams through resilience in crisis and vision in opportunity. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, I anticipate the need for many more wartime generals—leaders who can rise to the challenges of an increasingly competitive and uncertain retail environment. There is no time to rest. #coach #leadership #retail #mindset

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I’ve just watched Fran Horowitz being interviewed on CNBC Money Movers program, discussing the latest Abercrombie & Fitch Co. results, having delivered a huge set of Q1 figures. The business has predicted net growth of +10% for the year, up from a previous estimate of 4-6%. Revenue rose for the sixth straight quarter to $1bn. Sales at the Abercrombie and Fitch core brand climbed 29% in the period, smashing already punchy estimates of 17%. Meanwhile teen-focused Hollister Co. delivered +13%, beating estimates of 8%. Since taking over as CEO in 2017, Horowitz has reversed the downward spiral of sales, building revenue from $3.26bn to well over $4bn. In a market as tough as this, that’s bloody impressive. Keeping things simple was the clear message from the interview. The first thing Horiwitz said was: “We are staying so, so close to our customer and really listening.” To begin with, they have really doubled-down on getting the product right. Take the Abercrombie wedding shop for example – The teams realised that a wedding isn’t just a single day now, either for the bride and groom, nor their guests. Instead, it is a three or four day event and attendees need multiple outfits which they plan this well in advance. Abercrombie are delivering a one-stop-shop in a space they’ve never played before. Smart. Similarly, they’ve really paid granular attention as to where their consumer shops; The Abercrombie customer is more likely to research and shop online, even if they collect in-store. However, the Hollister Co. teen loves physical retail, and the mall remains a key part of their social life – Horiwitz has adjusted the real estate accordingly. Horowitz was a great merchant, and her influence and experience really shows. Abercrombie keep their inventory really lean and are able to respond fast to the consumer needs. Too many competitor retailers go too deep, too early and are left with a ton of markdowns. As Horowitz says to interviewer Sara Eisen “We keep inventory very fluid and very open.” The company is also looking at its international markets as another growth channel. During the quarter, sales in Europe, the Middle East and Africa were up 19%, led by the U.K. and Germany. In the Asia Pacific region, sales were up 10%, led by China. This video is about three minutes, and it is a distilled lesson in good retail practice. Nothing flash or tricky, just a laser focus on product, customer and location. Worth a watch. DHR Global #retailnews #Q1

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If It Ain't Fixed Don't Broke It Macy's announced another round of 150 store closures 3 years after closing 100 stores The closures and layoffs are part of a streamlining effort to better align with the ever changing consumer and marketplace Best Buy is closing 15 stores in 2024 after closing 25 stores in 2023. Additionally, Geek Squad layoffs abound as Best Buy expands the use of A.I. New Gap CEO, Richard Dickson, has stated that marketing has lost sight of the differentiation between its Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta brands Three large struggling companies with similar turnaround strategies Cut costs, improve inventory mix, align symmetries, yada yada yada One thing these companies never talk about? How do we improve the lot for our employees? How do we get our employees to care? How do we get our remaining employees engaged in our success when all we've done is beat them down Okay, that was 3 things, but you get the point Companies don't know how to engage their employees, and they don't care Why should they? The Institution of Leadership has not moved the employee engagement needle since the 1990’s, which is surprising since the same tired old solutions have been recycled as new for decades Servant Leadership hasn't improved engagement Authentic Leadership hasn't improved engagement Emotional Intelligence hasn't improved engagement The Point? Just because others continue to fail to improve employee engagement doesn't mean it can't be done Better ideas, higher engagement It really is that simple The Illusion of Competence #leadership #innovation #tech #management #emotionalintelligence

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🚀 Big News Alert: Saks Buys Neiman Marcus with a Boost from Amazon! 🚀 Hey everyone! Just had to share this HUGE update in the luxury retail world. Saks Fifth Avenue’s parent company is dropping $2.65 billion to scoop up Neiman Marcus, and guess what? Amazon’s in on the action, bringing their tech and logistics game. 🛍️✨ Here’s the Tea: • Power Move: Merging two luxury legends to create a mega retail powerhouse. • Tech Boost: With Amazon on board, expect next-level tech integration for a seamless shopping experience, both online and offline. • Big Bucks: Financed by top-tier investors like Rhône Capital and the Abu Dhabi Investment Council, plus $1.15 billion in debt from Apollo Global Management. • Market Shakeup: The new combo will hit around $10 billion in annual sales, giving them major leverage with suppliers and streamlining costs. Why It’s a Big Deal: This merger shows how vital tech and partnerships are in today’s retail scene. It’s proof that luxury retail is evolving and adapting, even when times are tough. For investors, this move is a clear sign of confidence in the luxury sector’s future and the potential for new opportunities. Big things are coming, and I am excited to be part of this evolving industry. Stay tuned for more updates as we keep pushing the boundaries in luxury retail!

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My CNBC video interview on Abercrombie & Fitch's blowout sales and profits illustrates the competitive advantage of having a retail merchant as the CEO! Fran Horowitz is a savvy CEO offering Great Fashion for Real Consumers and everybody wins!! #abercrombieandfitch #fashion #cnbc #retail

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There is absolutely NOTHING and I mean this in every way NOTHING a retail leader cannot do. The way we can adapt and act, have such an awareness to others and their feelings. Retail math!!!! Fiscal calendars and all. A communication skill set that is not only direct when needed but eloquent and warm too. It throws any and everything at you at all the most wildest times. I used to laugh “murpheys law” and retail go hand in hand. You’re a payroll specialist an HR generalist, a retail ops leader and most importantly you’re a person, with flaws and if your a true leader you aknowledge that you make Mistakes and teach others to do the same! So blessed that I get to support NSO and Framebridge retail teams because understanding the field and knowing what retail leaders do is the first step to bridging the gap in corporate and the field! 🫶

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This release is a big deal! It allows for much greater and easier customization of prioritization logic of missions for store and field leaders. Take a closer look, and I think you’ll realize that Quorso is a game changer for retailers to help their field teams identify and prioritize activities that would otherwise fall between the cracks.

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I wanted to share some advice on your resume, specifically regarding that first paragraph, often titled "summary" or "objective." Almost always, these pars offer nothing new, more a summary of what already appears. "A senior executive with 20 years experience within Retail and Wholesale." Why waste this space? You can use the initial paragraph to set the tone, or to create a narrative about what you bring, more importantly what you can do in the job tomorrow. I would rather see "By building engaged, skilled teams, backed by effective technology and processes, I have an established track record of..." Less "summary" paragraph and more "why I will be awesome tomorrow." At the end of the day, a "good" resume will effectively deliver a learning outcome that will enable the reader to understand the reasons why YOU are the person they need. And...here is a random pic of a kid with a backpack rocket, only cos it looks like it would be fun.

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RESUME TIP for RETAIL LEADERS: The appearance of your resume is just as important as the content. When someone opens it they immediately get a sense of whether it's easy (and enjoyable) to read, or if it's thrown together with little attention to detail. That usually happens before anything is actually read. Here are 10 tips to improve the appearance of your resume: 1. Don’t overuse text enhancements. I've seen resumes with bold, underline, italics, color, and different font types and sizes. Nothing stands out if you try to make everything stand out. 2. Make sure there's enough white space - it's just as important as text enhancements. Use the same size of white space between all sections, and the same size between all jobs. 3. Write numbers in number form - they stand out more. For example, write 6 stores rather than six stores. Traditional writing rules don’t always apply to resumes, so don't worry about the "10 and over" rule. 4. You’ll never get everyone to agree on the best font for a resume but I recommend common ones like Calibri, Tahoma, Gill Sans, or Garamond. Easy to read is best. 5. Hyperlink your email address, LinkedIn profile, and any website links on your resume - it's easier for the reader. Also remove the underlining - it looks cleaner. I usually change the color to black as well, if I've used color elsewhere in the resume. 6. Your resume has to be organized and easy to read, and that doesn't just mean paragraphs and bullets. Are the company names, job titles, dates, and other critical information easy to find? Don't bury important info where it's hard to see at a glance. 7. Simplify where possible - you don't need to put Tel: beside your phone number or Email: beside your email address. Also get a custom URL for your LinkedIn profile before adding it to your resume - it looks more professional. 8. Don't make the size of your name too big. It can be bigger than the rest of the text, such as your contact information, but 15-16 is usually big enough. Remember, your name is more important to you than it is to the reader. 9. If you need to save space, you can leave out section headings. The reader will recognize the summary, work experience, and education sections without headings. Occasionally I will use horizontal lines instead. 10. If you have a long list of bullets that are more than one line each, add a small space between each one to make it easier to read. Long bullet points can be just as daunting as chunky paragraphs. Bonus... 11. This is just my preference, but make your resume a full 1, 2, or (if absolutely needed) 3 pages. Don't use half-pages - they look incomplete. Bottom line? Make your resume clean, consistent, and easy-to-read, and you’re well on your way to making a great first impression! #retail #resumes #resumetips

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A lot of my friends asked me “Why do you work in retail? You have college degree. You have a corporate background. You could do better!” Everyone has their own journey and life goals. I want to have my own business in the future. No other job can groom me like a retail job. That’s why I applied to be a cashier with my college degree and 10 years experience in Public Relations and Marketing but 0 years of Retail experience. Retail workers are tough! Being a retail manager is not for everyone. Everyday is a new day. You have to be creative to handle some situations with customers. Internal and external theft is another challenging part of the job in recent years. Hiring and firing sometimes can be emotional. Coaching and developing have to be your strong suit. Optimizing the team and leading the way have to be done together in a balanced way. I can go on and on for all the skills that retail managers have to have! If I can be a retail manager and run a multi-million dollar store successfully, why can’t I run my own business successfully? #retail #leadership #entrepreneur #dreambig

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Wednesday this week Mattress Retailer Toolkit is hosting yet another Experts sessions call, this is a live call at 11:30 am East Coast Time and it’s FREE for all to attend. On this call Kristen Dressler from Team Builder Recruiting, who helped us with our last two rockstar hires will join us. RSVP to join us ⬇️⬇️⬇️ Replays will be housed in our member community AND she will have a members only resource page of valuable assets when creating ahiring ads, forming interview questions and brining in on the right hire the right way. She’ll be sharing - 5 Winning Hiring Strategies to Build Your Team Attracting, interviewing, and building a team is a challenge every business faces. By approaching this mission-critical task with a touch of strategy and a little planning, you increase your chances of success exponentially. In this presentation, we'll discuss what candidates are looking for in a career move. You'll learn how to identify the type of person needed for your open position, marketing strategies to attract qualified candidates, and interview tips to help you identify which candidate best matches your role. The presentation wraps up with insights on presenting the offer to your first-choice candidate so that you have the best possible chance of getting a "YES!" to your offer. You'll leave this session with practical tips and tricks to build an effective and streamlined hiring process.

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Boston’s retail landscape is thriving, with significant growth and new developments reshaping the city. Despite an increase in remote work, retail activity remains robust, driven by rising tourism and consumer spending. Retailers are expanding in both suburban and urban areas, with new store openings and developments enhancing the city's commercial appeal. Key Highlights: Tourism and Consumer Spending: International travel and domestic tourism are fueling consumer spending, especially in residential neighborhoods like Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, and Mission Hill, where spending has surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Retail Developments: Major projects like Samuels & Associates Lyrik Back Bay and New England Development Allston Yards are set to open, bringing new retail, office, and residential spaces to the city. New Retailers: Brands like Google, Rivian, UNIQLO, Savage X Fenty and Loewe are opening new stores, reflecting Boston’s appeal to major retailers. Experiential tenants like F1® Arcade and MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM Cream are also making a splash. Retail Investment: Investment in Boston's retail properties remains strong, with supermarket-anchored centers being particularly popular. Recent transactions include Crosspoint Associates, Inc. of Brookside Shops and DLC Management Corp.’s acquisition of Colony Place.

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