S
skyclad
Guest
Or, maybe Target is trying to elevate the employee profile and will eliminate some of the smaller positions in order to capitalize on the experience that us externally hired new VML's are going to be bringing to the table. It isn't a "pet project" It is an investment in upscaling the experience that Target guest have while shopping.
Just like Target pairs with some of the best designers in the industry to do the Collaborative capsule collections, they want that type of employee in house to reflect the same sense of style. I wouldn't be so negative about the position, it puts us down.
I don't think this is very thoughtful response. I don't think it is about eliminating positions, it is about enhancing others. As I said earlier, many SL/TM/Departments have been stretched thin with workloads. It is definitely an investment as it would be with any full-time position, but it is dependent on the many members who make up the non-leader roles. The goal is to have VML's specialize in an area that not only contributes the most sales, but also has the highest profit margin. Having VML's train, follow-up and respond in commercial ways will increase sales, which does have a trickle down effect for other areas. The role is absolutely much more than 'making things look pretty'. Our Visual Merchandising Market Leaders will be putting us to work very soon and you can bet your paycheck that it won't be about fluff, it is going to be about substance: reaction/branding/results.
In my past positions, I have always fought for attention/observation of management performance first, since it is the largest payroll sink in under-performing locations. The problem has never (in my experience) started with the part-time members. If the location isn't doing well, it is due to management. The many members of the 'smaller' positions are only as effective as they are trained, coached and motivated to be. I would rather have 4 part-time members who are trained and motivated to work, than another 40 hour payroll sink that is stretched thin from workloads and cannot finish any directives.