TEAM SPOTLIGHT SERIES: AN INSIDE LOOK AT OUR RETAIL OPERATIONS

September 5, 2024

In our Team Spotlight series, we are highlighting teams across the company who are leading operational transformation, business innovation, and embody Centric philosophy every day.

Centric has established a robust retail presence across the U.S., supported by a dedicated team of nearly 200 employees. However, our retail story is more than just numbers—it’s about the people who make it all possible and help drive our success.

We recently spoke with Ashley Mason, Senior Director of Stores and Elias Jaffe, Vice President of Sales and Field Operations in our retail division to gain insights into what makes our stores thrive.

Meet the Team Behind Our Stores

As Senior Director of Retail Stores for Joe’s Jeans, Favorite Daughter, and Hervé Léger, Ashley focuses on talent development, ensuring our stores operate efficiently and employees abide by store policies and procedures. By supporting the growth of her teams, from sales associates to store managers, she helps contribute to business success and create a collaborative work environment.

Similarly, Elias Jaffe, Vice President of Sales and Field Operations for Robert Graham and Jennifer Fisher, plays a crucial role in linking the corporate vision with the retail front lines. Elias sees his job as serving the very people who serve our customers—ensuring that our retail employees have the tools, support, and environment they need to excel. His dedication to optimizing operations while prioritizing people helps to create a seamless experience for both employees and customers.

The Art of Choosing the Perfect Location

Every new Centric store starts with a vision—a dream of what it could be. But bringing that vision to life requires more than just imagination; it demands strategy and careful consideration. Our Retail Operations team collaborates with corporate team members to bring new store locations to life. Our teams travel to potential sites, engaging with local agents and meticulously evaluating the area. It’s not just about finding a space—it’s about finding the right space, one that fits our brand and meets our market needs. This thoughtful approach ensures that each new store is set up for success from day one.

The Excitement of a Grand Opening

There’s a special kind of energy that surrounds the opening of a new store. For Ashley, this is one of the most exciting aspects of retail. It’s not just about setting up shelves and stocking products; it’s about building something from the ground up. The process starts with assembling a new team and bringing together existing members to form a dedicated store-opening crew. Together, they work tirelessly, turning an empty space into a vibrant store ready to welcome its first customers.

But the journey doesn’t stop there. Once a store is open, the focus shifts to growth. Marketing efforts kick in, partnerships with local malls are forged, and store managers are encouraged to connect with their communities through events and collaborations. This local engagement isn’t just a tactic—it’s a strategy that has proven successful in full-price stores and is now being expanded to off-price locations.

Consistency and Excellence in Daily Operations

While the grand openings are exhilarating, the day-to-day operations are where the real work happens. Every morning, our teams begin by looking at the store through the eyes of a customer, ensuring that every detail is perfect. From reviewing sales reports to adjusting product displays, and processing shipments to handling e-commerce orders, every task is done with precision and care.

Store managers play a critical role in maintaining this standard of excellence. Their days are filled with meetings, performance reviews, and goal-setting sessions, all designed to keep the team aligned and motivated. By fostering a positive work environment and encouraging open communication, they ensure that every team member feels valued and connected to the store’s success.

Expanding Our Footprint

As Centric continues to grow, so does our retail presence. From Joe’s Jeans, which has a strong foothold in California, to Favorite Daughter’s exciting new flagship store in Beverly Hills, our brands are making their mark nationwide. With its newly refreshed stores, Robert Graham offers customers a unique gallery-like experience, while Hervé Léger and Jennifer Fisher are poised for more expansion.

Each store is a testament to Centric’s commitment to quality, community, and growth. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to finding new opportunities, entering new markets, and telling our story through every store we open.