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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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Unlocking Hiring Potential for Q2

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As the spring season approaches, businesses in the fashion, home, and beauty industries are gearing up for Quarter 2 hiring. If you're among those planning to bolster your team, now is the right time to kickstart your recruitment process. Rather than waiting until the last minute, taking proactive steps now can give you a significant edge in securing top talent.

At Emerging Blue, our team comes from the very industries we specialize in recruiting for—fashion, home, and beauty, as well as specific areas such as eCommerce and marketing, brand creative, product design and development, retail and pop-up stores, merchandising and planning, sales and wholesale, executive leadership, and operations. We have deep knowledge because our team members have performed the jobs and worked for brands within these sectors. This firsthand experience gives us a unique understanding of the challenges and requirements of these industries. Our team has the knowledge and network to find top talent that aligns with your brand’s ethos and vision.

With our extensive network of talented professionals we can connect you with candidates who possess the skills and experience needed to drive your business forward. From designers and merchandisers to marketers and sales leaders, we have access to a diverse pool of talent ready to make an impact.

The Time is Now

Time is of the essence when it comes to hiring, especially during peak seasons like spring. Our streamlined recruitment process allows us to identify, screen, and onboard candidates swiftly, ensuring that your team is up and running in no time.

Customizable Recruiting Solutions

Whether you need temporary staff to handle seasonal spikes in demand or permanent hires to support your long-term growth strategy, we offer flexible staffing solutions tailored to your specific needs. From entry-level positions to executive roles, we’ve got you covered.

Focus on You

By outsourcing your hiring needs to our team at Emerging Blue, you can free up valuable time and resources to focus on what you do best—running your business. Let us take care of the recruitment process so you can concentrate on driving innovation, expanding your market reach, and delighting your customers.

Spring into Action!

As you gear up for spring hiring and prepare to take your fashion, home, or beauty brand to new heights, don’t leave your staffing needs to chance. Partner with our team and gain a competitive edge in the market. Let us be your trusted ally in building a team that’s ready to conquer the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. Connect with us today!

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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.

TikTok Takeover: Nailing the Job Hunt in the Age of Social Media

Over the past several years, we have witnessed a huge disruptor in the traditional recruiting industry. In addition to traditional style recruiting, we’ve seen a surge of recruiting opportunity on TikTok. The platform, once known for dance moves and viral challenges, is making waves in the hiring landscape. It is interesting to consider how TikTok has and will continue to reshape traditional recruiting and hiring processes.

TikTok: Beyond Dance Moves

Previously synonymous with dance-offs and lip-syncing, TikTok has evolved into a hotspot for job seekers and recruiters to connect. The platform's algorithm goes beyond viral videos, actively linking talented individuals with companies looking to hire.

Visuals Speak Louder Than Words

Especially in fashion, home, and beauty, where visuals are crucial, TikTok serves as a virtual runway. Job seekers now have the opportunity to visually showcase their skills, emphasizing a show-don't-tell approach. Creativity and innovation take center stage.

Building a Brand and Staying Engaged

Beyond job hunting, TikTok is a platform for brand building. Companies and agencies share narratives that go beyond standard job descriptions. Success stories, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and industry insights contribute to creating a sense of community.

TikTok, Talent, and You

Whether you're a job seeker showcasing your skills or a brand seeking talent, you may want to consider using TikTok as a resource for recruiting. The job hunt becomes more dynamic and streamlined.

At EB, we are always staying on top of the latest hiring trends. We have access to many tools and resources that we utilize to find our clients the most experienced brand-fit talent. Should you need an extra hand in hiring, we’d love to partner with you.

References:

  • TikTok for Business

  • SHRM – "Social Media Recruiting Tips for HR Professionals"

  • Fashion Workie – "How Social Media is Changing the Face of Fashion Recruitment"

  • Forbes – "The Power of Personal Branding on TikTok"

  • LinkedIn Talent Blog – "The 4 Essentials of Social Recruiting"

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2024 Recruitment Resolutions: Setting Goals for Hiring Success

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As we step into a brand-new year, brands in fashion, home, and beauty are buzzing with growth potential. For businesses in these exciting industries, setting recruitment goals that match the latest industry trends is key to steering your team toward success.

Setting hiring goals is not just about keeping up with trends—it's about staying one step ahead. Whether you're a brand riding the waves of seasonal changes or a store looking for top-notch talent to give customers an amazing experience, how you hire matters a lot.

First, before thinking about this year’s plans, take time to think about how last year's hiring went. What worked? What didn’t? You can learn from these experiences to help you for the year ahead. Some hiring strategies may have led you to fantastic talent, while others might've missed the mark. These reflections can guide us in making our hiring process better.

Celebrate Diversity in Hiring

Companies thrive when diversity is prioritized, not just in what they offer but also in the folks they bring on board. So, take the proper steps to make your hiring goals diverse too—look for talent from all walks of life. Having a team with different backgrounds and perspectives sparks fresh ideas, creativity, and connects better with a diverse customer base.

Being Flexible is the Name of the Game

Things change all the time, and being flexible is how we stay strong. Your hiring goals should be adaptable—ready to switch gears as new trends pop up. Whether it's adapting to online shopping booms, the focus on sustainability, or changes in what customers want, your hiring plans should roll with it.

Using Tech the Smart Way

Technology is a game-changer in hiring. We can use AI tools and data to find amazing talent and make the hiring process smoother for everyone involved.

At EB, we’re the experts in matching businesses with talented professionals who know how to navigate these industry shifts. We're here to help brands gear up for a successful new year and ensure that both job seekers and brands have a seamless experience. So, join us as we dive into 2024 with these tips in mind. If you have plans to hire this year, we would love to connect with you. It’s never too early to begin strategizing your plans for growth.

References:

https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/industries/retail/our%20insights/state%20of%20fashion/2023/the-state-of-fashion-2023-holding-onto-growth-as-global-clouds-gathers-vf.pdf