Archived VM TL

[Bryantpp]

Well ok then. Just be prepared for Target and what will come. Be ready to accept change. Being resilient and adaptable is the #1 expectation there.

So do you like the company? Do you think it is a good one to grow with?

 

[redeye58]

Target has a culture all its own.
Seriously, they put the 'cult' in culture & TMs won't take to someone who won't learn Target's way of doing things. Learning your store's culture shows that you want to be a part of the team.
When you've been there long enough to earn their trust & respect, you'll have more cred to show them what YOU have to offer.
People on this forum are all about helping others but only if you show a willingness to learn.
Upshot: when you find yourself in a hole, the first thing you need to do is STOP DIGGING.

 

[Hardlinesmaster]

Kinda interesting I thought that vmtl job was a mgt job. Based on some postings, I am seeing some unpro comments.
This thread is here to help find solutions about a new job.& how some stores handle it. Every store is different.
Please be respectful in all postings from different viewpoints.

 

[3LetterDevil]

I've got you guys all riled up again!

Not really, you were the one whining because we were "belittling you." I was just pointing out the obvious flaw in your logic. My how quickly you change your tune when you're calle doubt on your "woe is me" bullshit.

 

[3LetterDevil]

Target has a culture all its own.
Seriously, they put the 'cult' in culture & TMs won't take to someone who won't learn Target's way of doing things. Learning your store's culture shows that you want to be a part of the team.
When you've been there long enough to earn their trust & respect, you'll have more cred to show them what YOU have to offer.
People on this forum are all about helping others but only if you show a willingness to learn.
Upshot: when you find yourself in a hole, the first thing you need to do is STOP DIGGING.

Or get a bigger shovel and start throwing dirt on others

 

[LadyCynide]

Sure, don't get me wrong I know what is trending and cool and what people want to buy, I spent 7 years working in fashion and marketing but I just don't follow a printed out "report" and base my opinion of how to dress a mannequin or which purse to stick in the front of the aisle vs. the back, I think that as long as your area/store looks compelling and you can speak to why you played things out the way you did, keeping brands and categories together and you can engage the guests and upset multiple products to them its all good. I mean if a DTL comes in and is unhappy with it then thats something that I will gladly address but from what I gather they want me to get as creative as I can within the scope of the customer base. I meant the training was "necessary" because I was being trained for EVERYTHING, operating the heavy equipment, HR techniques, Even things from the grocery and electronics dept. I just didn't see the connection to the position I was going to be doing, but I did learn how everyone else does their jobs so in that sense it was good.

But what's trending and cool in general may not sell based on your own store's demographic. For example, if your store is in a more suburban type environment, you won't be selling much urban clothing. Your sale reports show you exactly what sells in your region.

Also, you NEED all of that training. As VMTL, your position covers the entire store. You have to be able to use the heavy equipment to get your merch down, you need to know HR because you will be heading your own team and will need to understand how to communicate effectively, you need grocery and electronics because those are high-selling areas that will need to be designed as well, etc. The "TL" in your title means that you have to be well-rounded and have a basic understanding of every department.

But thanks for the insight. I feel like this is exactly the way my VMTL is thinking, so it's something that will have to be addressed rather quickly.

 

[3LetterDevil]

never worked retail before.

No, really?

 

[3LetterDevil]

But what's trending and cool in general may not sell based on your own store's demographic. For example, if your store is in a more suburban type environment, you won't be selling much urban clothing. Your sale reports show you exactly what sells in your region.

Also, you NEED all of that training. As VMTL, your position covers the entire store. You have to be able to use the heavy equipment to get your merch down, you need to know HR because you will be heading your own team and will need to understand how to communicate effectively, you need grocery and electronics because those are high-selling areas that will need to be designed as well, etc. The "TL" in your title means that you have to be well-rounded and have a basic understanding of every department.

But thanks for the insight. I feel like this is exactly the way my VMTL is thinking, so it's something that will have to be addressed rather quickly.

Nah....as long as things "look pretty," that college degree was $$ well spent

 

[Bryantpp]

Not really, you were the one whining because we were "belittling you." I was just pointing out the obvious flaw in your logic. My how quickly you change your tune when you're calle doubt on your "woe is me" bullshit.

Look you have a problem with what I say and I have a problem with what you say so please feel free to stop reading my comments and we can say goodbye right now. thanks and best,

 

[Digi_E]

So do you like the company? Do you think it is a good one to grow with?

The company is like any other it has its screw ups and crapy corp directors but at the core its still a good place and better than other retailers we compete with. You just have to be able to be a jack of all trades, heck i sometimes help cover cashier shifts when the store cant find anyone.

 

[LadyCynide]

Nah....as long as things "look pretty," that college degree was $$ well spent

I don't know why, but I love that little emoticon. It's just so gosh-darn cute!

 

[Hardlinesmaster]

I always feel guilty asking the other leader's team members to help me, I feel like I'm stealing them and they talk shit behind my back, maybe they are some of the people talking shit to my cyber-face on this site now...

Asking for help at my store not a problem, because the stl wants all mgrs to be out on the floor to drive sales, support the teams & help guests. But, every store is different.

 

[Bryantpp]

But what's trending and cool in general may not sell based on your own store's demographic. For example, if your store is in a more suburban type environment, you won't be selling much urban clothing. Your sale reports show you exactly what sells in your region.

Also, you NEED all of that training. As VMTL, your position covers the entire store. You have to be able to use the heavy equipment to get your merch down, you need to know HR because you will be heading your own team and will need to understand how to communicate effectively, you need grocery and electronics because those are high-selling areas that will need to be designed as well, etc. The "TL" in your title means that you have to be well-rounded and have a basic understanding of every department.

But thanks for the insight. I feel like this is exactly the way my VMTL is thinking, so it's something that will have to be addressed rather quickly.

Ok, I hear you but I don't know that that is fair to say we need to be "Addressed" like we are a Problem. That really wasn't very nice. We were hired for a reason, I personally am doing what I think is best and if that is not what the store needs or wants then so be it but that is not fair to downplay the way I do my job, I haven't said anything about the way you do yours. I get that a lot of you have biased opinions on the new position but you cannot just dismiss us it is kind of ...I want to say the "I" word but I won't.

 

[Digi_E]

4

Ok, I hear you but I don't know that that is fair to say we need to be "Addressed" like we are a Problem. That really wasn't very nice. We were hired for a reason, I personally am doing what I think is best and if that is not what the store needs or wants then so be it but that is not fair to downplay the way I do my job, I haven't said anything about the way you do yours. I get that a lot of you have biased opinions on the new position but you cannot just dismiss us it is kind of ...I want to say the "I" word but I won't.

It was meant in the sense that your job role and responsibilities where not explained well and it is affecting how you function.

 

[sher]

they are supposed to be wearing outfits from the book

Not when the mannequin is wearing the last one. There's like a secondary and third outfit that should come when the items run out then if all the suggestions are gone, whoever does mannequins (brand tm or vml) should be winging it as far as I know.

 

[Hardlinesmaster]

Ok, I hear you but I don't know that that is fair to say we need to be "Addressed" like we are a Problem. That really wasn't very nice. We were hired for a reason, I personally am doing what I think is best and if that is not what the store needs or wants then so be it but that is not fair to downplay the way I do my job, I haven't said anything about the way you do yours. I get that a lot of you have biased opinions on the new position but you cannot just dismiss us it is kind of ...I want to say the "I" word but I won't.

What has your stl said about your areas? Spot policy needs to be followed to a certain point. So that support teams get the products to right locations from truck.

 

[LadyCynide]

Ok, I hear you but I don't know that that is fair to say we need to be "Addressed" like we are a Problem. That really wasn't very nice. We were hired for a reason, I personally am doing what I think is best and if that is not what the store needs or wants then so be it but that is not fair to downplay the way I do my job, I haven't said anything about the way you do yours. I get that a lot of you have biased opinions on the new position but you cannot just dismiss us it is kind of ...I want to say the "I" word but I won't.

Well, to be fair, this way of thinking DOES need to be addressed. If you don't see how every department matters when it comes to your position, a position that is global, then it needs to be figured out. Also, if you are basing your designs on your own personal style, and not what is actually depicted in a sales report, it is an issue that needs to be handled. No one is demeaning your job. What I'm saying is that a good VMTL will be able to work globally and follow a sales report to accurately shift and adjust designs as sales change. Which is a skill I feel my VMTL is lacking, hence the "addressed" comment.

Also, please refrain from acting like a victim. About 3 out of 10 posts from you demean and belittle other positions, including managers above you. I never said, "Uh, hey, you're not supposed to be changing the mannequins daily when you need to be making changes globally." Which is an accurate statement. But I didn't because I'm not critiquing your work, I'm critiquing the way of thinking behind it.

 

[Digi_E]

I dunno, it seems like very dismissive, just like that tgcthp asshole who keeps posting about me, I work hard and so what if I make things "pretty", people like buying "pretty" things.

what is pretty to you is not pretty to everyone else. You assume you know whats hot, you speak of target hand picking you when its more of them creating the role in general to drive sales. Target spends tons of money analyzing markets to see what sells, our job is to keep their strategy flowing. I personally love the color red I find it attractive, but you wont see me slapping red all over the mannequins in say...the fall. And for the record if all you do is dress the mannequins daily, you do not work hard on a comparative level.

 

[Bryantpp]

Well, to be fair, this way of thinking DOES need to be addressed. If you don't see how every department matters when it comes to your position, a position that is global, then it needs to be figured out. Also, if you are basing your designs on your own personal style, and not what is actually depicted in a sales report, it is an issue that needs to be handled. No one is demeaning your job. What I'm saying is that a good VMTL will be able to work globally and follow a sales report to accurately shift and adjust designs as sales change. Which is a skill I feel my VMTL is lacking, hence the "addressed" comment.

Also, please refrain from acting like a victim. About 3 out of 10 posts from you demean and belittle other positions, including managers above you. I never said, "Uh, hey, you're not supposed to be changing the mannequins daily when you need to be making changes globally." Which is an accurate statement. But I didn't because I'm not critiquing your work, I'm critiquing the way of thinking behind it.

I actually like debating this point with you. I really do believe that my personal "Style" was one of the main reasons I was hired, I brought in my portfolio to my 4th interview with the DTL. I think the BUYER for my store is the one who is currently taking charge of the major SKU and sales numbers, its just like during fashion week the designers design all the clothing but they hire the stylist for the show to edit and put the key looks together. If I was the buyer then of course that would be a diff. conversation. And who knows, the position is still green so we'll see where it goes.

 

[Bryantpp]

what is pretty to you is not pretty to everyone else. You assume you know whats hot, you speak of target hand picking you when its more of them creating the role in general to drive sales. Target spends tons of money analyzing markets to see what sells, our job is to keep their strategy flowing. I personally love the color red I find it attractive, but you wont see me slapping red all over the mannequins in say...the fall. And for the record if all you do is dress the mannequins daily, you do not work hard on a comparative level.

OH my goodness, I am NOT making it seem like I'm God's gift to target, I'm just saying that yes, everyone has their own taste but of course in the end there has to be a cohesive presentation to the customer and I was hired at MY ONE little store to edit the clothes that go on a mannequin because they liked what I showed them in my interview. Whats wrong with that?

 

[Digi_E]

I actually like debating this point with you. I really do believe that my personal "Style" was one of the main reasons I was hired, I brought in my portfolio to my 4th interview with the DTL. I think the BUYER for my store is the one who is currently taking charge of the major SKU and sales numbers, its just like during fashion week the designers design all the clothing but they hire the stylist for the show to edit and put the key looks together. If I was the buyer then of course that would be a diff. conversation. And who knows, the position is still green so we'll see where it goes.

send a mysupport up for all your ideas and styles you have in mind, and prepare to be blown away by the response! be prepared to have sales figures and trends ready as well as the sales mix for the departments.

 

[Hardlinesmaster]

Buyers don't work at store unless it's hq test store, btw.

 

[LadyCynide]

I actually like debating this point with you. I really do believe that my personal "Style" was one of the main reasons I was hired, I brought in my portfolio to my 4th interview with the DTL. I think the BUYER for my store is the one who is currently taking charge of the major SKU and sales numbers, its just like during fashion week the designers design all the clothing but they hire the stylist for the show to edit and put the key looks together. If I was the buyer then of course that would be a diff. conversation. And who knows, the position is still green so we'll see where it goes.

Personal style is absolutely ok to bring to the table (ie. a certain scarf with a certain top or something), but overall, the numbers are what matters. Like, you'll read the sales report and see that Denizen flared jeans are high sellers, and so are these 4 different styles of top, along with a handful of accessories. Now, from THAT pool, you draw out whatever catches your eye (hence your own style) and put it together. But your options should be coming from sales reports and statistical evidence. How you put the mannequin together, or which shirt goes with which pants, is up to you. But your options should stay limited to top-selling items, as reflected on the report.

 

[Digi_E]

Personal style is absolutely ok to bring to the table (ie. a certain scarf with a certain top or something), but overall, the numbers are what matters. Like, you'll read the sales report and see that Denizen flared jeans are high sellers, and so are these 4 different styles of top, along with a handful of accessories. Now, from THAT pool, you draw out whatever catches your eye (hence your own style) and put it together. But your options should be coming from sales reports and statistical evidence. How you put the mannequin together, or which shirt goes with which pants, is up to you. But your options should stay limited to top-selling items, as reflected on the report.

also just because something looks pretty doesn't mean it will sell if your in a lower income area and your pushing $30 dollar tops lol. I think VML should be expanded to try and merchandise clearance in softlines, now THAT would be something.

 

[Bryantpp]

Personal style is absolutely ok to bring to the table (ie. a certain scarf with a certain top or something), but overall, the numbers are what matters. Like, you'll read the sales report and see that Denizen flared jeans are high sellers, and so are these 4 different styles of top, along with a handful of accessories. Now, from THAT pool, you draw out whatever catches your eye (hence your own style) and put it together. But your options should be coming from sales reports and statistical evidence. How you put the mannequin together, or which shirt goes with which pants, is up to you. But your options should stay limited to top-selling items, as reflected on the report.

Believe me, I have to work with TONS of hideous clothing that I would never wear So I totally cover and address all the bases represented within the store.