Retail

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Retail Opportunities in Fairfax, VA!

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If baking is your passion, you’ll want to hear this! Our client, a notorious B-Corp certified baking and kitchen brand, is opening a 9-month long pop-up shop in Fairfax, VA! We’re looking for both a Retail Lead and Sales associates to support the pop-up. Open to part-time & full-time hours.

Interested? Check it out!

Retail Lead:

Sales Associates

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Pleasing's Pop-Up in Chicago!

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We're over the moon to partner with Pleasing as they host their out-of-this-world AstroMilk Bar event in Chicago. For the months of June and July, you can find your Pleasing at their astronomical pop-up in Bucktown. 🌝👽

Check it out!

If you need support staffing for your next retail pop-up, connect with us!

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Elevating Retail Excellence: Retail Roles That Drive Success

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In a competitive retail landscape, the impact of retail roles extend far beyond their job descriptions. They're the bridge between the products and the customers, ensuring that every touchpoint reflects excellence, reliability, and innovation. At EB, we understand that the heartbeat of any successful retail venture lies in the expertise and dedication of its team. If you’re exploring a career in retail, or are looking to increase the success and efficiency of your retail team, here are a few common positions that you may want to familiarize yourself with:

1. Store Operations Manager: A Store Operations Manager ensures the day-to-day activities run smoothly. They handle workflows, keep an eye on inventory, and make sure customers have a great experience.  Their ability to coordinate various tasks and teams within the store is pivotal for maintaining high standards of service and satisfaction.

 2. Visual Merchandiser: Responsible for how a retail store looks and feels, they craft displays that catch your eye and encourage purchases by showcasing products effectively. Bringing the right talent onboard for this role means having someone who can visually narrate the story of a brand's products. 

 3. Inventory Control Specialist: They're the precision team, monitoring stock levels, managing restocking, and ensuring products are consistently available for customers. ​​Their attention to detail directly impacts customer satisfaction and loyalty.

 4. Wholesale Manager: Hiring the right talent for this a Wholesale Manager means securing a professional who can build and nurture supplier relations, negotiate effectively, and strategize to expand a wholesale side of a brand. Their expertise directly influences a brand’s ability to access quality products, maintain favorable terms, and ultimately drive business growth.

 5.Retail Analyst: Digging into numbers, trends, and consumer behavior, they provide insights crucial for making informed decisions and optimizing operations. Hiring the right Retail Analyst equips brands to stay ahead in a competitive market.

 6. Supply Chain Coordinator: Finding the right person for a Supply Chain Coordinator ensures a seamless flow of products from suppliers to stores. Their knack for managing logistics and vendor relationships directly impacts a brand's ability to maintain product availability, optimize costs, and uphold operational efficiency.

At Emerging Blue, we value the diverse expertise crucial for thriving retail. Our focus on finding top-tier talent for these roles creates a team dedicated to operational excellence, precise inventory management, and strategic growth. If you’re interested in exploring a career in retail, or are looking to grow your team, connect with our retail recruiting team!

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Functional Apparel is on the Rise

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Functional apparel brands are experiencing a surge in popularity for several reasons. Firstly, there's a growing emphasis on health and wellness among consumers. People are increasingly looking for clothing that supports an active lifestyle, whether it's for sports, outdoor activities, or everyday comfort.

Moreover, advancements in fabric technology have allowed these brands to create clothing that's not only comfortable but also performs exceptionally well. Fabrics with moisture-wicking properties, temperature regulation, UV protection, anti-odor features, and durability are becoming increasingly sought after. 

The rise of athleisure as a fashion trend has also contributed to the popularity of functional apparel. People want clothing that seamlessly transitions from the gym to daily life, combining style with practicality.

Social media and influencer culture have played a significant role in promoting these brands. Endorsements from fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and celebrities often highlight the functionality and style of these clothes, influencing consumer preferences.

Lastly, the pandemic has accelerated the demand for comfortable yet versatile clothing, as more people are working remotely and seeking multifunctional apparel that suits both professional video calls and workouts at home.

What does this mean for designers wanting to break into this market?

 Here are some tips:

Breaking into functional apparel brands requires a combination of creativity, understanding consumer demands, technological awareness, and a strong business sense. It's a competitive field, but with the right approach and dedication, there are plenty of opportunities to make a mark. 

When functional apparel brands hire designers, they typically look for a blend of skills, experiences, and qualities that align with the brand's ethos and needs. Here are several key aspects they often consider:

  • Design Expertise: Strong design skills are fundamental. This includes a solid understanding of garment construction, pattern-making, sketching, and the ability to translate concepts into functional, appealing designs.

  • Technical Proficiency: Knowledge of textiles, fabrics, and materials is crucial. Designers should understand the properties of different fabrics and their suitability for various functionalities like moisture-wicking, breathability, durability, and stretch.

  • Innovation and Creativity: Brands seek designers who can think outside the box and bring innovative ideas to the table. Creativity in merging functionality with aesthetics is highly valued.

  • Portfolio and Previous Work: A robust portfolio showcasing relevant work in functional apparel design or related areas is essential. Projects highlighting a designer's ability to create practical yet stylish garments are often favored.

  • Understanding of Market Trends: Awareness of current fashion trends, consumer preferences, and market demands is crucial. Designers should be able to anticipate and adapt to changing trends in the functional apparel industry.

  • Collaborative Skills: The ability to work in a team is important, especially in a design process that involves collaboration with fabric technologists, product developers, and marketing teams.

  • Problem-solving Abilities: Designers should demonstrate the capacity to solve design challenges related to functionality, comfort, and style. Being able to address practical issues without compromising on aesthetics is highly valued.

  • Adaptability and Flexibility: The apparel industry is dynamic. Designers who can adapt to new technologies, trends, and consumer demands are sought after.

  • Passion for Functionality and Performance: A genuine interest in creating garments that enhance performance, offer comfort, and cater to specific needs of the wearer is often appreciated by functional apparel brands.

  • Sustainability Awareness: Given the increasing emphasis on sustainability, knowledge of eco-friendly materials, and a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices in design and production are becoming more critical for brands.

Ultimately, a combination of technical skills, creativity, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the functional apparel market are highly valued when brands seek to hire designers for their teams. We are lucky enough to work with some of these great brands, including Vuori, 686, Rhone, Triple Aught Design, TravisMathew, Howler Brothers, and more.