Basically we get confused a bit about what retail is. It is really just buying things, putting them on a floor and selling them.
If I ran a retail store, which I have done in my life, I would go into it from a place of "I am thrilled to be here, and I am honored to be able to serve other people."
Having some retail experience is key. It really is where the battle is won or lost.
I got two stores, two streetwear stores, at home. Have to tend to those. Play Cloths. Have to tend to that business.
My first job was in retail at the age of 14, and I have worked in the industry ever since.
The key to success is to get out into the store and listen to what the associates have to say.
The product supply chain, from source material to store, is an organizing map for delivering human rights.
I worked at a Books-a-Million in Louisville for several years.
I worked at Big 5 Sporting Goods, selling shoes and stuff like that, for a couple of summers.
I've done retail before.
I worked at a school supply store as a cashier.
Brick and mortar stores will ultimately mark down between 50 to 60% of its merchandise because they don't know who's walking in the door on any day, so they lose control.
Spending time on the floor is really important. It's great to work out of an office, but working the store gives you contact with the customer.
There were around 1,000 stores when I was made president.
