Archived VM TL

[Bryantpp]

VML and SFTL are not the same thing at all. For one, they have many more team members and more store coverage. My store has a SLTL and a HLTL. HL is over electronics, Pfresh, plus the rest of hardlines. SL is responsible for all of SL and infant hardlines. Each of these TLs sets their own salesplanners (except a TM in electronics will do those) and SLTL does her own POGs and adjacency with one more TM. They both push Cafs, zone, do reshop, etc.

ASANTS, as different stores have different TLs. VML is completely different, in my opinion.

I guess I was talking about the Soft Lines Team Leader, It seems to me that her job and mine (VMTL) are overlapping quite a bit, We are already starting to get in each other's way, I just started last week so I don't know how well this is going to work out if we are doing the same things. Doesn't make sense to me...

 

[YourPPTL]

Why shouldn't this be well compensated, I was an outside hire,I have a BFA from Parsons school of design, never worked in retail before, and I am busy all day elevating our store and the merchandise in it. Having a good eye for design and being able to discuss it properly with the clients is invaluable; I was hired for my taste and style and if anything I feel like I should be making more.

im glad for you. My point is the PPTL position should be a higher level pay grade. We are responsible for setting, pricing and signing the entire store. Including softlines..not to mention all the planning and. Pre work We are doing. And in my store my team sets all planos, revisions, softlines and salesplaners included. We push our clearance and discontinued.

 

[Nauzhror]

My store has a VML, as of this week. He's not really started yet though, we've still not got the mannequins or other necessary props.

He was not a new hire though. He was a Sr. TL when I started working here nearly 3 years ago. He has bounced around a lot since then. He didn't like LOD shifts because they didn't allow him to focus as much on his area(s) so stepped down to a normal TL. He was a GSTL for a while, didn't like that - he said he felt caged and needed more freedom to roam the entire store, so requested to change roles again. He was most recently in charge of consumables and home/domestics.

 

[Bryantpp]

My store has a VML, as of this week. He's not really started yet though, we've still not got the mannequins or other necessary props.

He was not a new hire though. He was a Sr. TL when I started working here nearly 3 years ago. He has bounced around a lot since then. He didn't like LOD shifts because they didn't allow him to focus as much on his area(s) so stepped down to a normal TL. He was a GSTL for a while, didn't like that - he said he felt caged and needed more freedom to roam the entire store, so requested to change roles again. He was most recently in charge of consumables and home/domestics.

Its very confusing to me, nobody really knows whatI'm supposed to be doing, like I said in some previous comments I feel like I'm going to be doing the same thing as the Soft lines team leader and the Home Decor team leader, like my job is a mix of both but without the logistical planning and paperwork, I dunno, my boss said its like the store's "Style Leader".

 

[Bryantpp]

im glad for you. My point is the PPTL position should be a higher level pay grade. We are responsible for setting, pricing and signing the entire store. Including softlines..not to mention all the planning and. Pre work We are doing. And in my store my team sets all planos, revisions, softlines and salesplaners included. We push our clearance and discontinued.

Well as a PPTL could you tell me how you would think the VML position would work alongside of yours? What did they tell you at your store?

 

[Bryantpp]

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.

How is it going? I'm still having a hard time figuring out how my VML role is going to work with the PPTL and SLTL, what is the dynamic in your store? All the VML's in ou state district are having a conference call next week with the VMML as everyone is really confused about daily routine etc. Any insight you have would be really helpful!

 

[sher]

I guess I was talking about the Soft Lines Team Leader, It seems to me that her job and mine (VMTL) are overlapping quite a bit, We are already starting to get in each other's way, I just started last week so I don't know how well this is going to work out if we are doing the same things. Doesn't make sense to me...

I heard sltls (I have 2. One is a senior) will be losing some responsibilities in my store. For the time being, though, they are still doing adjacencies and such. One brand tm still does the mannequins from the book.

The vml has been around almost 1 month. She's still learning, I guess. Only change she's effected is making us hide the reshop better so it's not in the way of guests. I have no problems with this directive, btw. But that's the extent of what she's done. She's also not in any one area for enough days in a row to get a good feel for it, but that's another story.

 

[Bryantpp]

I heard sltls (I have 2. One is a senior) will be losing some responsibilities in my store. For the time being, though, they are still doing adjacencies and such. One brand tm still does the mannequins from the book.

The vml has been around almost 1 month. She's still learning, I guess. Only change she's effected is making us hide the reshop better so it's not in the way of guests. I have no problems with this directive, btw. But that's the extent of what she's done. She's also not in any one area for enough days in a row to get a good feel for it, but that's another story.

Whats a "re-shop"? Thanks for letting me know whats happening with your VML, I'm trying to get a feel for as many store VML's and what they do as possible.

 

[Bryantpp]

Whats a "re-shop"? Thanks for letting me know whats happening with your VML, I'm trying to get a feel for as many store VML's and what they do as possible.

Also, I tend to focus on home and fashion. Does your VML do that? I walk the floor each morning and pick out the displays that need work, even if I re-worked it the night before and just want to switch out the location of prints vs. solids, I try to keep it consistently different every day so if the same customer walked in every day they would see something new.

 

[sher]

Umm, some stores call it "go-backs" but it's the stuff from returns, abandons, and the fitting room rejects that have to be put back on the floor. Our hours are low, so lately we have too much to keep it all in the hidden area of the fitting room.

 

[sher]

Also, I tend to focus on home and fashion. Does your VML do that? I walk the floor each morning and pick out the displays that need work, even if I re-worked it the night before and just want to switch out the location of prints vs. solids, I try to keep it consistently different every day so if the same customer walked in every day they would see something new.

Lol, no. My vml has done nothing of the sort. Today I saw her in domestics, but she wasn't working on a display. Looked like she was setting something. The time I personally witnessed her in softlines, she did some rtw reshop, folded tables, ave critiqued us. All the mannequins are still wearing outfits from the book.

 

[VMLwhatsthat]

Its very confusing to me, nobody really knows whatI'm supposed to be doing, like I said in some previous comments I feel like I'm going to be doing the same thing as the Soft lines team leader and the Home Decor team leader, like my job is a mix of both but without the logistical planning and paperwork, I dunno, my boss said its like the store's "Style Leader".

First off, please admit you are not sure of the title before belittling other positions in the store. Secondly, go to workbench and search VML routines and core roles for your job. It says own home, own mannequins own PTM then after that is whatever the needs of your store are. Remember that fancy education you should be paid higher for? Use it and fill in the blanks. They hired externally for just that reason for experienced and educated individuals to help define this role.

 

[Bryantpp]

First off, please admit you are not sure of the title before belittling other positions in the store. Secondly, go to workbench and search VML routines and core roles for your job. It says own home, own mannequins own PTM then after that is whatever the needs of your store are. Remember that fancy education you should be paid higher for? Use it and fill in the blanks. They hired externally for just that reason for experienced and educated individuals to help define this role.

Um excuse me, but I did NOT belittle anyone, don't accuse me of that.

 

[Bryantpp]

Um excuse me, but I did NOT belittle anyone, don't accuse me of that.

I'm honestly SO sick of you people being so defensive WHERE did I "Belittle" ANYONE in that post?? I said I DIDN"T UNDERSTAND the position IN PRACTICE, yes yes, it says what it says in workbench but it is VERY different than REALITY. Stop belittling ME because I' a college graduate. SO SICK of it.

 

[sher]

I'm assuming based on that person's post that they're not a fan of you because of past posts (one where you said college= higher pay, one where you said tgt probably doesn't have stylish internals. I paraphrased so pardon if I got anything wrong).

But, no one is belittling you because you're a college grad. Multiple people here have gone... Or are in college now.

I don't mind answering questions on things I'm qualified to answer questions about, but we're not gonna do this intermittent caps lock thing. Have a good one.

 

[squirrely]

Nobody can really answer these questions for you @Bryantpp, as this position is very new. I would suggest partnering with the SLTL and discuss this with her. Somebody had to train you somewhat on setting POGs, flexing in PTM, reading an adjacency and showing you the fixtures you'll be using. You should also talk to the HLTL & PPTL on setting focal and trend runs and where they are located in your store.

As for the mannequins, dress them as the adjacency says. Change them only when product is low. This is every your visual merchandising will come on handy. Same for the racks, set them the way Target wants. There's a rhyme to their reason.

You may or may not have "Brand TM's" in shoes, accessories, and cosmetics. I am a brand TM, but was told my TL would not change to the VML. If you do, set goals you'd like them to achieve when they are scheduled in your area.

 

[Bryantpp]

Nobody can really answer these questions for you @Bryantpp, as this position is very new. I would suggest partnering with the SLTL and discuss this with her. Somebody had to train you somewhat on setting POGs, flexing in PTM, reading an adjacency and showing you the fixtures you'll be using. You should also talk to the HLTL & PPTL on setting focal and trend runs and where they are located in your store.

As for the mannequins, dress them as the adjacency says. Change them only when product is low. This is every your visual merchandising will come on handy. Same for the racks, set them the way Target wants. There's a rhyme to their reason.

You may or may not have "Brand TM's" in shoes, accessories, and cosmetics. I am a brand TM, but was told my TL would not change to the VML. If you do, set goals you'd like them to achieve when they are scheduled in your area.

OK, thank you!

 

[tellmeaboutatime]

I think that a step back will help us move forward here. The VMLs did not come to Target to fail. The current team members simply want some well deserved respect. Some of the early posts were very condescending and then it snowballed. The amount of knowledge on this forum is greater than workbench because have lived it, some of the ideas are great but practical application needs help.
So I will answer any question in the areas I am knowledgeable and I would love some insight on what I can do as a veteran team member to help new team members transition into the store. Welcome to Target

 

[LadyCynide]

For the love of all that is sacred, please at least learn the terms and lingo. My VMTL today, after saying that she'd never do cosmetics push because of how much work it is, asked me who half the executives were and what their jobs are. When I explained, she basically said she outranked all but HR and STL.

This woman, I swear...

 

[redeye58]

When I explained, she basically said she outranked all but HR and STL.
This woman, I swear...

Oh THAT'S rich...
I'd love to see your execs' faces when they hear that.

 

[VMLwhatsthat]

@LadyCynide What a peach! She sounds SO delightful!

 

[Digi_E]

Also, I tend to focus on home and fashion. Does your VML do that? I walk the floor each morning and pick out the displays that need work, even if I re-worked it the night before and just want to switch out the location of prints vs. solids, I try to keep it consistently different every day so if the same customer walked in every day they would see something new.

while its great to be creative however we are not allowed to merchandise this way unless you are working with a completely broken VA as in no outfits 1,2 and 3. A segmentation visit would murder us. Think of the VLM position as a HL/SL TL that has time to solely merchandise ptm. I know this because I was promoted from SFTL.

 

[Digi_E]

Lol, no. My vml has done nothing of the sort. Today I saw her in domestics, but she wasn't working on a display. Looked like she was setting something. The time I personally witnessed her in softlines, she did some rtw reshop, folded tables, ave critiqued us. All the mannequins are still wearing outfits from the book.

they are supposed to be wearing outfits from the book

 

[Bryantpp]

For the love of all that is sacred, please at least learn the terms and lingo. My VMTL today, after saying that she'd never do cosmetics push because of how much work it is, asked me who half the executives were and what their jobs are. When I explained, she basically said she outranked all but HR and STL.

This woman, I swear...

Well at least she keeps things lively I guess...

 

[jenna]

For the love of all that is sacred, please at least learn the terms and lingo. My VMTL today, after saying that she'd never do cosmetics push because of how much work it is, asked me who half the executives were and what their jobs are. When I explained, she basically said she outranked all but HR and STL.

This woman, I swear...

Hee hee. Send her to my store. My ETL Log would love to hear that, and he'd rip her a new one & put her in her place.