3 leading US executive training programs in fashion and retail

FashionUnited has found three US executive training programs in fashion and retail that may lead you on a rewarding career journey. Offered by Macy’s, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue (Hudson’s Bay), you can be a recent graduate from a fashion university or a professional who is considering to expand your horizons. These three leading executive training programs offer guidance and mentorship by seasoned industry veterans combined with hands-on work experience in diverse sectors of the fashion and retail business.

Macy’s-Bloomingdale’s

Besides being a Fortune 500 company and possessing a prestigious retail history in America, Macy’s is also currently rated as the fourth e-commerce fashion brand in the nation as stated on the company’s website. In 2018, Black Enterprise listed Macy’s as one of the best 50 companies for diversity. For those that are more inclined towards a corporate environment to develop their fashion careers after college, Macy’s has a wide range of training programs to choose from. From the field of digital merchandising to credit service, there are an array of opportunities for candidates with a fashion or finance degree.

Another example is Macy’s In the Store Management Executive Development Program. It is described by the company as a leadership journey where the participant will gain experience developing teams, executing merchandising strategies, and consulting key business partners on strategic initiatives to drive sales growth. The objective of the EDP Program aims to enable rapid career progression for candidates through on-the-job training and personalized learning experiences. At Macy’s, you’ll develop a global and strategic view of the retail landscape and the organization vows to help prepare the employee’s rise through the ranks of a Fortune 500 company.

Hudson’s Bay-Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks Off 5TH

A Buyer at Saks Fifth Avenue, Sharmaine Harrison talks about the importance of developing fundamental skill-sets through training programs in the video, “How to be a Buyer.” If you are a current graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business or retail merchandising, you could qualify for The Merchant Development Program at Saks Off 5TH, a division of Hudson’s Bay.

In this program, participants will learn directly from Hudson’s Bay (HBC) leaders through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on work experience. You’ll be working with Store Managers, Planners and Buyers as the program aims to train its candidates to develop cross-functional expertise and customer-focused assortment (such as by identifying what goods will be bought and sold for what price). Mostly, the program allows time for trainees to hone their skills and adjust to Saks Fifth Avenue and HBC’s company culture at their own pace.

Neiman Marcus

Offered typically three times a year in Dallas, Texas-February, June and September-Neiman Marcus’s Executive Development Program is the leading career training program in luxury retailing. This program provides a fast track executive training for a career at Neiman Marcus. Candidates that are interested in applying should have strong communication, leadership, time management and analytical skills. Combining classroom instruction with buying-office rotations, it offers a comprehensive approach to store management, buying and merchandise planning. During this program, participants are full-time salaried associates and move on to become an assistant buyer at a Neiman Marcus retailer (Neiman Marcus Stores, Neiman Marcus Online, Last Call, Horchow, or CUSP) once they successfully complete the 10-week program.

Photo: Pexels.com