Alumni
FIDM Grad at Leading Activewear Company Makes Virtual Visit to the Premier Group
Students in the Merchandise Product Development and Merchandising & Marketing Premier Groups were recently joined by FIDM Grad Kelsey Trummel, Merchandising Manager at a leading activewear company, who shared industry insights and an overview of the ins and outs of merchandising. Her region is North America (U.S. and Canada), and she manages 550 store locations as well as the dot com. Where she works, she said, “It begins and ends with the consumer.”
Kelsey, a 2012 graduate of FIDM’s Merchandise Product Development Professional Designation Program, shared with the students her definition of merchandising. “It’s about creating the flow of goods,” she said. “You storytell, week by week. As merchants, we’re responsible for creating the right product mix at the right price.” She said she always knew she wanted a career in buying. “I love getting into the reporting and seeing where everything is.”
She told the students how she got her start. Through the FIDM Career Center, she secured her first internship in the buying department at Bebe, and after 6 months she was hired on as Assistant Merchandiser. From there she moved on to an opportunity at Sole Society where she “wore many hats” over a 4 and a half year period.
She was raised in Portland, Oregon, and wanted to return after college and the launch of her career, so she set up an informational interview with a leading activewear company based there and grew her network. She was eager to learn and figure out how to get a job there, so she checked their job site daily. Her perseverance landed her an interview, and her experience, background, and education made her a great fit. In her group interview, she presented a project. “FIDM really prepared me for that,” she told the students.
The students were curious how the pandemic has changed things where she works. She told them that it’s definitely accelerated digital, and “digital merchants” are a thing. They are seeing consumers get more familiar with shopping online. They are experiencing “connected inventory,” where consumers are buying online and picking up curbside. Also, athleisure and loungewear have skyrocketed. She also talked about the future of brick and mortar and new tech such as virtual try-ons.
When asked how FIDM prepared her, she said, “Honestly, I can’t imagine doing anything else. I believe in going after your passion. At FIDM, I got out of my comfort zone.” She said the group projects, collaboration, and hands-on experience at FIDM was great preparation for the working world. “Networking, connecting with instructors, being willing to ask questions -- all things I learned at FIDM that I took with me.”
“My merchandising acumen has made me stand out. My fashion experience is definitely valued and that’s something I’m so grateful for.”
Her advice for the students? “Be kind and collaborative. Be open. Network. Keep going. Don’t let anyone stop you from pursuing your passion. Don’t say no. Don’t be above a task; it shows you are willing to do anything. It’s OK to ask questions and learn. Make sure to have a point of view and a voice. Find mentors and people you can trust.”
She left the students with one last thought; she is very proud to work for her employer, especially now. She said they’ve been so supportive of their employees during the pandemic and everything they're doing with Black Lives Matter. “They are planning things for the future that will make a difference.”
Categories: Merchandise Product Development Merchandising & Marketing Alumni
