Archived VM TL

[jenna]

Reminds me of PFresh. When it started there were 3 people over in the area on any given day. Now, we are lucky to have an opener and a closer. The mid shift (and the matching payroll) is long gone.

And it's all about the mighty dollar, looking good on paper, and golden parachutes.

Why pay for a day side sales floor team when you can have 20 people from Flow helping guests? In reality, that doesn't happen, and the store looks like shit because the flow team starts at 6am, and there are pallets of product all over the place once we are open.

 

[3LetterDevil]

Learn to read forum posts

3)Snarky is one thing, ignorant is completely another. The correct spelling is mannequin and anyone with/without a college degree would know this if they simply paid attention to spell check. @tanner6116 usage of manikin is also a correct spelling...it isn't used much in America, but in high end boutiques or French based companies, that is how most spell that word. Again, ignorance isn't the same as snarky. One requires that you probably know what you are talking about.

Except he wasn't spelling it "manikIn," he was spelling it "manikAn."

If you're going to call out for not reading, maybe you should make sure you are reading yourself.....

 

[3LetterDevil]

Wrong. You don't know what you are talking about at all. Also, I meant stores have more hours, I already corrected that. Payroll forwarding is something used quite a bit in retail, especially when it is something added (like a new initiative) when payroll budgets have been made in advance, which they usually are. You don't seem to have much retail experience in management.

What you YOU seem to understand about Target is that they have a history of "borrowing" hours for new positions/projects like this, then deciding down the road during the time from which they "borrowed" the hours that they can't really afford to increase the hours to "cover" those previously "forwarded" hours. That's why we are currently running on skeleton crews in almost every department in every store, because the hours were previously "forwarded" for something else and now that it's time for Target to "even up," they decided, "no, we really can't afford to give more payroll for those hours we TOLD you to go ahead and use earlier in the year, so you'll just have to make do with what you have left." They did the same thing to us in pharmacy....we were given additional training hours for the EPS transition, which were forwarded from Q1. Once Q1 hit, even stores with increased script counts (that actually were making a profit) LOST hours because Target decided NOT to "repay" the extra hours we used during the rollout.

And their "pilot" stores aren't representative of "most" Target stores. I've been in a few & where they are located, Target doesn't have much competition. The clientele also isn't representative of our "typical guest," due to their location.

We may be "ignorant" and not as "saavy" as you obviously are in the "ways of retail," but if there's one thing members on this forum (I'm excluding myself because I have limited knowledge, other than pharmacy) DO know, it's how Target operates. That is something you only learn after years of experience. So slam us all you want, call us ignorant, keep believing you're smarter than we are on how about Target's modus operandi, when the time comes, I'll try and keep them from saying "I told you so..."

 

[RetailMaven]

I just had my first day in my store and it went well. I trained in a store with a home innovation area and it's completely different from my store. The pricing and presentation ETL showed me what my areas will be in the home/decor areas and its manageable. When reviewing my job role it feels like VML are the eyes of the store and collaboration with the other leads is very important. Though our main focus is not soft lines, I noticed of problems in the soft lines areas. I worked as a merchandiser in 3 other stores so I know the basics of what most retailers expect. I spoke with the soft lines Sr and he seemed to be very nonchalant in his areas, and there are some major opportunities. I need advice on how to speak to him about soft lines merchandising, without coming off as a know it all or bitchy. Also is there a guide that gives the standards for soft lines merchandising? I want to get a better understanding of the merchandising process at Target.

 

[ClearanceMaster]

I just had my first day in my store and it went well. I trained in a store with a home innovation area and it's completely different from my store. The pricing and presentation ETL showed me what my areas will be in the home/decor areas and its manageable. When reviewing my job role it feels like VML are the eyes of the store and collaboration with the other leads is very important. Though our main focus is not soft lines, I noticed of problems in the soft lines areas. I worked as a merchandiser in 3 other stores so I know the basics of what most retailers expect. I spoke with the soft lines Sr and he seemed to be very nonchalant in his areas, and there are some major opportunities. I need advice on how to speak to him about soft lines merchandising, without coming off as a no it all or bitchy. Also is there a guide that gives the standards for soft lines merchandising? I want to get a better understanding of the merchandising process at Target.

Go on workbench and look for "apparel & accessories training and reference guide" this shows you all our fixtures, and how to merchandise/zone product. Also if you ask to see the "visual adjacency" for his departments it will show you a map of the department and how to merchandise areas. Your job is to identify problems like these and come up with a solution to make it better so he should understand you are trying to help

 

[Digi_E]

I just had my first day in my store and it went well. I trained in a store with a home innovation area and it's completely different from my store. The pricing and presentation ETL showed me what my areas will be in the home/decor areas and its manageable. When reviewing my job role it feels like VML are the eyes of the store and collaboration with the other leads is very important. Though our main focus is not soft lines, I noticed of problems in the soft lines areas. I worked as a merchandiser in 3 other stores so I know the basics of what most retailers expect. I spoke with the soft lines Sr and he seemed to be very nonchalant in his areas, and there are some major opportunities. I need advice on how to speak to him about soft lines merchandising, without coming off as a know it all or bitchy. Also is there a guide that gives the standards for soft lines merchandising? I want to get a better understanding of the merchandising process at Target.

It's simple just work with him on the visual adjacency as you see him veer off whats on the paper you talk to him about it. Never start off new in store or position giving comments or feedback, always work with them first so they do not think you have no idea what your talking about. I'm very knowledgeable in SL as my last position and PG15. There is also a branding guide that looks like an adjacency for Softlines that tells you the do's and don'ts. Spend 2 days setting with him to get the communication started.

 

[ClearanceMaster]

Definitely +1 the idea of setting with him a day or two to bring up the conversation

 

[redeye58]

I spoke with the soft lines Sr and he seemed to be very nonchalant in his areas, and there are some major opportunities. I need advice on how to speak to him about soft lines merchandising, without coming off as a know it all or bitchy. Also is there a guide that gives the standards for soft lines merchandising? I want to get a better understanding of the merchandising process at Target.

For an area that has the highest markup margin, you'd think those would get the highest attention but I've seen several stores where it's a wreck.
Even so, you're wise to temper your approach after going over the branding guide.
Sometimes it takes seeing your work in another area to convince them that you know what you're doing despite ample prior experience.

 

[Digi_E]

For an area that has the highest markup margin, you'd think those would get the highest attention but I've seen several stores where it's a wreck.
Even so, you're wise to temper your approach after going over the branding guide.
Sometimes it takes seeing your work in another area to convince them that you know what you're doing despite ample prior experience.

plus it would be a ackward situation if he were to point out soemthing is off only to find out the company direction states to do it this way lol

 

[redeye58]

...and there is NO method to Spot's madness.

 

[tellmeaboutatime]

Nobody on here is saying it will be like a high end boutique, but high volume and high standards is doable and actually is a trend in the retail industry right now. It has also already been tested in Target stores before the large roll-out. Surprise Surprise, it works. You don't seem to know much about what happens in retail, just with what is happening in your day-to-day experiences.

Do you process payroll in your store and know how the hours usable are calculated? This isn't a call-out, I am just curious, because the hours you are referring to do exist, but not where you seem to think they do as I mentioned above. They are not being taken from elsewhere, this is an additional expense the company has accepted for Q4 & 2016 and added to their budgets. The way you are responding indicates you don't know much about how this works. The hours for this year are actually more than last year (for the salesfloor) before even adding the VML "other" funded hours. Using or not using the MBTM hours doesn't affect payroll staying in the green unless you abuse it. Now, *not* using it does mean those areas don't get the attention that is funded for them (even if minimal) resulting in lost sales. Using the hours to 'pad' other payroll usage to stay green can actually be a performance documentation that can lead to termination (this is a fact btw).

Unfortunately, you don't know what you are talking about and by what you just stated again, your leadership team is actually not only lazy but negligent and won't lead them to success with this type of behavior. No amount of explanation on your part will prove it otherwise. By your logic, they can also cut out policies or even hand out discounts. I mean, if they are going to cherry pick what directives they are going to do for a company that pays them, why not? Heck, they can probably decide their own store hours and return policy!

The type of response you have is associated with the definition of insanity. Any store that keeps doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result...is insane.

We can certainly see that communication is one of your opportunities. As a leader at Target you will be expected to communicate effectively to all team members and leaders. This may be a difficult lesson for you to learn. You seem to rely on using the word ignorant for things you clearly do not understand or opinions that differ from yours. While I may not agree with you on most of your observations, I will not lower myself to insulting you. As a matter of fact I have processed payroll and forecasted sales weekly. (Telling me I don't know how it works makes me giggle.)I have also seen STLs tweek the return policy, give out additional discounts and close Food Cafe 2 hours early due to call offs (changing hours).These things happen at Target and many other retailers on a daily basis. More importantly I have learned many things from the people on this board. We all have areas of expertise and like to share the knowledge with others.
I don't need or want to "prove" anything to you. In this forum we have had disagreements but always treated each other with respect. If you are going to succeed at Target you will need to learn that.

 

[3LetterDevil]

^wish I could like this 1000x

 

[3LetterDevil]

...and there is NO method to Spot's madness.

Thanks for making me spit coffee all over my phone

 

[OffYaPhone]

I'm so happy that my store's VML was an internal hire -- and I love her!

 

[redeye58]

Thanks for making me spit coffee all over my phone

*me hands tgtcpht a napkin

Found out our VML is internal too, coming from the top team.
I have a little more hope now.

 

[sigma7]

It's a lot more work in a home innovation store. You can do a lot more actual merchandising.

And you're free to veer from the visual adjacencies in softlines as long as you can justify it. You have to veer from them since you'll get lots of product that isn't on the adjacency and you won't get product that is on the adjacency.

When I was a softlines Sr, I would set the tables, then mannequins, then any other strikepoints, then work the racks so they look appealing and make sense. Our focus was on trying to sell outfits, not just separate pieces. Mannequins really helped with that. But when you don't have options one or two for a mannequin, that's when you have to be creative and flex your merchandising skills. Or you notice your mannequin outfits aren't moving and you have to dress them to sell. Once I got over there my softlines sales started having positive comps.

 

[tellmeaboutatime]

VML gave notice today. Said she was not hired to be a cashier or work pulls......

 

[Produce Queen]

VML gave notice today. Said she was not hired to be a cashier or work pulls......

Hahahahaha! And so it begins.....

 

[redeye58]

VML gave notice today. Said she was not hired to be a cashier or work pulls......

Color me surprised......not.

 

[ClearanceMaster]

Called it.

 

[tanner6116]

Ok- can someone answer my wuestion simply then?i was hired with my 30 yrs experience in visual as vml here and have gotten the following so far:
* a much better salary than i had
*Have had my work tweeted on line here by store managment- with "likes "from it to boot
*Met my vmnl and corp. Folks who held our store up as example of standards to districr
*And now learned today they have asked me to " mentor"2 of the new vmls who are " struggling" a little- one who will be spending a day in my store nect week to " shadow" me
*Before i left work today my ETL said overall great 2 weeks so far and that he too was actually learning from me- then said " hows it feel to be a hot commodity here so far!
Please- can one of you tell me how my target experience so far- and this is just week 2!!- is such a bad thing???
l simply know what they hired me for- know whst im making$wise- and i refuse to be intimidated by any one or anythi g that tries!

 

[redeye58]

ASANTS - all stores are not the same.
It sounds like you landed in the set-up as it was MEANT to be.
I hope that your mentoring helps spot to see what it CAN & SHOULD be & helps your fellow VMTLs get their feet under them. Corp would do well to pay attention.
As I said earlier, this role could help pull Target back from the brink of becoming the 'Red Walmart'. I personally would LOVE to see the return of 'shabby chic' & the advent of 'fashionable frugal' but the last five years have seen many good concepts executed poorly before being yanked.

I simply know what they hired me for- know what im making $wise- and i refuse to be intimidated by any one or anything that tries!

And this is what it takes.

 

[ClearanceMaster]

Ok- can someone answer my wuestion simply then?i was hired with my 30 yrs experience in visual as vml here and have gotten the following so far:
* a much better salary than i had
*Have had my work tweeted on line here by store managment- with "likes "from it to boot
*Met my vmnl and corp. Folks who held our store up as example of standards to districr
*And now learned today they have asked me to " mentor"2 of the new vmls who are " struggling" a little- one who will be spending a day in my store nect week to " shadow" me
*Before i left work today my ETL said overall great 2 weeks so far and that he too was actually learning from me- then said " hows it feel to be a hot commodity here so far!
Please- can one of you tell me how my target experience so far- and this is just week 2!!- is such a bad thing???
l simply know what they hired me for- know whst im making$wise- and i refuse to be intimidated by any one or anythi g that tries!

Thats really great for you tanner. Nobody said your experience was bad.. i think the VML is doing good things.. Im just saying, target never gave us this kind of creative freedom, let alone the time to do anything like this. Its good that this is happening. I have read VMLs saying how bad our stores look and acting like they singlehandedly are going to fix the problem. I have also read a VML telling me how my company that ive worked at for 10 years is run, who has only been at target a month. Someone who tells me what hours a VML has to work even though i have a paper that clearly says recommended. THATS my problem. I completely understand what the VML is supposed to be doing. I also understand that every store is going to be different. As we all know, this is target.

And for the love of god A S A N T S

(Not my store. Found on twitter searching VML.. pretty cool stuff)

VMLs are doing an amazing job. My trend run has never looked like this unless it was just set. If they gave me 40 hours a week to do it though and creative freedom, im sure i could make it happen. I just know that this position is going to run at 100% for awhile, and then payroll crunches will happen and you will not have 40 hours to play around and decorate. And stating what other stores do does not change my mind. I know target and i sure as hell know retail. I may not know macys or some other "bougey" company and i admit that.

 

[redeye58]

Sounds like Macys is doing their own 'Target', hence the exodus of VM talent.

Those who survive the launch (Tanner6116 & other long-timers) will have a chance to strut their stuff & have a chance to show how they can impact/drive sales before Target says "GREAT JOB, GUYS!!!" then cuts their hours. Everyone will be all "But...but...THIS was driving SALES! WHY would you DO this?!"
And spot will say "Nothing personal, it's just business..."
Looking at our Home Reinvention & these pics, I hope I'm wrong.

 

[VML22]

this photo is a small portion of what I do as a (new) Vml. Yesterday I spent 6 hours on the RTW VA because they hard trouble with the POGs and progress was slow... and then about 30 minutes touching up end caps and focals in hardlines. Every shift is different and not usually what I expected for the day. But I just go with the flow and work my hardest, and get the store looking as best as I can!