On October 10th, ABSA hosted a collaboration event with UNIQLO as we explored the world of retail management and customer experience from a leading global retail brand.
Meet the Speakers!
Albert Tran
West Coast College Relations Recruiter
Business Administration BA degree from UC Irvine
Previous Experience: College Recruiting with Blackberry and The Trade Desk
Camille Lactaoen
Assistant Store Manager in Bellevue, WA
Worked at 3 different UNIQLO store locations
Entrepreneurship BS degree from University of Illionois at Chicago
Raised in Guam
Questions:
How does UNIQLO differentiate itself from other global fashion retailers?
UNIQLO is unique in the way that they are not fast fashion. They have multiple initiatives to be a global sustainable brand such as reusable bags, donation bins for old clothes to be recycled, and RE.UNIQLO studio which is their apparel repair service. The Seattle UNIQLO locations also donate clothes to homeless shelters in the Seattle area.
What are some of the biggest challenges UNIQLO has faced in the fashion industry?
A challenge is loss prevention of UNIQLO goods. Another challenge is adjusting to the American market. Since UNIQLO is a Japanese brand, sizing and design of clothing can be challenging to ensure customer satisfaction.
Can you share a successful marketing campaign by UNIQLO and the strategy used behind it?
Some of UNIQLO’s marketing strategies include having brand ambassadors like Rodger Federer and various collabs to tap into different communities and promote the brand. They recently have done anime collabs which have increased sales. Some UNIQLO store locations also have live stations (ex: Bellevue) where there are people in-store presenting products live to the customers.
How does UNIQLO ensure a consistent customer experience across its global retail outlets?
Standardizing all the practices and services across different stores and making sure the staff are well trained and aligned with the practices in store.
What are the key strategies used by UNIQLO to manage customer relationships and feedback?
UNIQLO values feedback tremendously, they have ongoing survey to keep track of customer feedback. They believe the best way to be accommodating is to continually improve the shopping experience for customers.
What tactics does UNIQLO use during different sales seasons to boost performance?
They have strategies to display their inventory. For instance, fall/winter apparel will start selling near the end of summer to prepare them for the new season. New items are usually kept at front of the Fall/winter: start selling in the summer to prepare them for the new season --> then have the other inventory on sale
Can you walk us through a day in your life as a store manager?
Every day is different (ex: inventory management, planning sales, creating marketing strategies, discussing with store development team). Thursdays are for planning for the new week ahead, and weekends are the busiest.
What is the team dynamic like at UNIQLO store locations (relationship building, new employee onboarding process)?
UNIQLO has a very collaborative environment. Where Camille works they have an open-door policy in store where everyone is able to ask questions and feel supported to become leaders. They occasionally interact with the CEO, and he even came to the opening of the Tacoma store! UNIQLO also has mentorship program where UMCs can connect with other managers and expand their store management knowledge.
What was your experience like with the UMC (UNIQLO Manager Candidate) program?
Camille: The program guided her on how to become a store manager, and she was able to reach out to anyone if she had questions. It helped build her leadership skills and learn how to manage the various aspects of running a UNIQLO store.
General Advice for College Students?
Albert: Don’t be afraid to start at ground 0 and work your way up, attend different on-campus RSO events, and live your life! College is a one-time experience.
Camille: Be open-minded and try new things! Success will come your way soon.
What opportunities are available at UNIQLO for summer interns or graduates?
UNIQLO Manager Candidate (UMC) full-time job
Summer Store Management Internship
Thank you for reading this week’s blog post! Hope to see you at our event next Monday (10/14) with Foster Career Services 😊
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