Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

EOC Week 10: What are the Benefits vs Features

"When positioning a brand, the marketer should establish a mission for the brand and a vision of what the brand must be and do. A brand is the company’s promise to deliver a specific set of features, benefits, services, and experiences consistently to the buyers"(pg 40). The benefits of C'est La Vie Vodka is the adventure and experience that one gets when drinking our vodka. "People will react only if they believe that they will benefit from doing so. Thus, developing an effective message strategy begins with identifying customer benefits that can be used as advertising appeals"(pg 28). The experience offered in drinking C'est La Vie Vodka includes the sweetness of France's macaroons which makes our customer want to experience Paris all the more. Another benefit of the vodka is the price that it is set at, I consider it a benefit because that is what the customer will feel when she realizes that she purchased her money's worth of vodka at a not so bad price."Rather than cutting prices to match competitors, they attach value-added features and services to differentiate their offers and thus support higher prices"( pg 10). Features of  C'est La Vie Vodka include its unique bottle design inspired by the Eiffel Tower and its unique Macaroon Flavor.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Week 9 EOC: Three Great Mission Statements

I found the following mission statements unique, concise, and enticing to experience their vodkas.

1. "Gem, like any other Vodka, is not for the young and immature. It is for those who have a mature understanding of who they are, and where they want to go. Our customers are ambitious, and yet, they know how to savor the highlights of their lives. We, from Gem, provide our people 'Gems' to mark such occasion..."
Written by :The Randoming

2." Lanikai Hawaiian Vodka brings the true essence of Hawaii to awaken and invigorate your senses. As the name would suggest, Lanikai, or "Heavenly Sea," is a light, crisp vodka that is refreshing and rejuvenating, just as the well known beaches of Lanikai in Hawaii are known to be.  Lanikai Vodka is not only gentle and smooth, giving a sense of serenity and peace but also suggests liveliness and spirit through its special infusion of the island bounty..."     
Written by: Ladybugs & Beetles

3." Every Man’s Vodka is selling the experience of using this product with your buddies but getting a stronger, longer buzz than a beer without looking like a sissy drinking a mixed drink. With Every Man’s Vodka in hand at the next game you watch, you will have a more enjoyable experience with your friends. The game will literally come alive in your hand with an Every Man. We are selling the experience of the game with every bottle..."  
Written by: Live and On The Fly          

Implementation Evaluation Control

In order to succeed with our marketing strategies for C'est La Vie Vodka, implementing our objectives is the best way to start. "Marketing Implementation is the process that turns marketing strategies and plans into marketing actions in order to accomplish strategic marketing objectives"(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p33). As mentioned in C'est La Vie Vodka's marketing objectives, "The design concept allows the vodka to be different from its competitors by using a different shaped bottle unlike the usual vodka bottle. The bottle will appeal to its target market which consists of females ages 21 to 30 so much they may even want to keep the bottles as a collection." In order to accomplish this goal, the design of the vodka bottle must be chosen as well as the labeling. Other research must be done as well to ensure that their are no other bottles or labeling alike. "Control consists of measuring and evaluating the results of marketing activities and taking corrective action where needed"((Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p31). To keep control of our marketing activities, the change in bottle shape will only be drastic enough to be recognized as the unique vodka that C'est La Vie is.

Marketing Mix: Distribution

When it comes to distribution, C'est La Vie Vodka won't be sold just anywhere. The vodka will be sold using selective distribution to places and companies that share a part of our image. "By using selective distribution, they can develop good working relationships with selected channel members and expect a better-than-average selling effort"(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p26). An example of a place here in Las Vegas will be the famous Sugar Factory Restaurant located right below the Eiffel Tower which serves as a perfect distribution area because the Sugar Factory is known for its sweets just like our vodka, and another Paris experience is only a couple feet away. Certain night clubs in Las Vegas will also be part of distribution especially where our target market likes to go clubbing the most. "Selective distribution gives producers good market coverage with more control and less cost than does intensive"(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p26). This method of distribution fits the needs and image of C'est La Vie Vodka and will be the main method of distribution.

Marketing Mix: Price

Because our C'est La Vie Vodka's target market is a considerably younger crowd, we have taken into consideration their demographics, the brand, the product, the value, and the experience to determine our pricing. "More broadly, price is the sum of all the values that customers give up in order to gain the benefits of having or using a product or service"(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p4). Some target markets today consider quality over price as a means of purchasing a product. As a company we want our target market consumers to consider the quality of  C'est La Vie Vodka and the experience that comes with it. "Historically, price has been the major factor affecting buyer choice. In recent decades, non-price factors have gained increasing importance. However, price still remains one of the most important elements determining a firm’s market share and profitability"(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p4). As a consumer myself I take into consideration the worth of what I'm paying for and frequently ask if its worth it. I want my customers to know that its worth it and still be able to feel that they are benefitting more then the company because they can get a product with such value at a price they can afford. A sweet bottle of C'est La Vie Vodka will sell for $65.



Marketing Mix: Promotion

The promotion mix consists of "the specific blend of promotion tools that the company uses to persuasively communicate customer value and build customer relationships"(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition glossary). The promotional tools that are going to be used to promote C'est La Vie Vodka consists of advertisements in magazines, specifically fashion magazines. The majority of our target market is subscribed to fashion magazine such as Nylon and Elle, and will surely come across our ad. This ad will communicate what our vodka stands for and it will create an environment that our target market will wish to be in. "Competitors are using promotions to help differentiate their offers"(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p37). Because it is a fashion magazine, instead of just featuring a single advertisement, C'est La Vie can feature the party dresses that go along with our brand to help our target markets see themselves drinking our Vodka.

Marketing Mix: Product

Although C'est La Vie Vodka  is considered the main product, we believe the experience we offer along with the vodka serves as another product. It's not just a drink, but an adventure. "Products and services fall into two broad classes based on the types of consumers that use them—consumer products and industrial products. Broadly defined, products also include other marketable entities such as experiences, organizations, persons, places, and ideas"(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p6). As stated in the mission statement, "Our focus is to ensure that our drinkers experience the rush of adventure and the sweetness of living life to the fullest. When drinking our vodka, the saying C'est La Vie will become your personal philosophy."  This is the relationship we wish and want to build with our customers. "Product is a key element in the overall market offering. Marketing-mix planning begins with building an offering that brings value to target customers. This offering becomes the basis upon which the company builds profitable customer relationships"(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p4). After the first sip, our customers will know what our product can do for them and what the value of our vodka is as both a product and experience.

Target Market Strategy

Target Market Strategizing is "the process of evaluating each market segment’s attractiveness and selecting one or more segments to enter"(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p4). Because C'est La Vie Vodka appeals to the adventurous lovers of everything Paris, we've decided that our vodka would most appeal to young adult women ages 21 to 30 who dream of travel and have a sweet tooth for French pastries. They mostly likely live in suburban areas and are mostly likely still attending college if not established in their careers but don't have enough funds to travel the world specifically to Paris at a young age. We chose this market over any other market because men would not want to be seen drinking a feminine drink even if it tastes good and older women may find it childish and not to their liking. "Identifying market segments, selecting one or more of them, and developing products and marketing programs tailored to each. Instead of scattering their marketing efforts (the “shotgun” approach), firms are focusing on the buyers who have greater interest in the values they create best (the “rifle” approach)"(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p3). C'est La Vie Vodka as a company choses to use the rifle approach of target market strategizing simply because we know exactly who our vodka would most likely appeal to over other possible markets.

SWOT Analysis

"Strengths include internal capabilities, resources, positive situational factors that may help the company to serve its customers and achieve its objectives"(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p31). I believe C'est La Vie Vodka's strengths lie in its originality and the emotions that the vodka gives off to its target market. It may also be one of the first macaroon flavored vodkas dedicated to Paris, France. It mission also encourages its target markets to live their lives with excitement which may be what the drinker is looking for in a vodka. The casing of the vodka is unique as well as it chooses to take a different shape in bottle and design to create its appeal.  "Weaknesses include internal limitations and negative situational factors that may interfere with the company’s performance"(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p31). Weaknesses may include the dislike of a macaroon flavored vodka because of its distinct sweetness. A weakness may also be that it is targeted directly at the at the young adult female rather then males as well but of course their welcome to drink it as well. "Opportunities are favorable factors or trends in the external environment that the company may be able to exploit to its advantage"(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition). I believe that its flavor is a great opportunity to exploit because macaroons are not available everywhere in the United States but will be as a vodka flavor. Its packaging is also an opportunity to take advantage of to really set aside C'est La Vie from the rest of the vodkas out there. "And threats are unfavorable external factors or trends that may present challenges to performance"(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p31). Threats to C'est La Vie may  include competitors with similar pastry flavors and design concepts. Along with other French branded vodkas."It should analyze company strengths and weaknesses as well as current and possible marketing actions to determine which opportunities it can best pursue. The goal is to match the company’s strengths to attractive opportunities in the environment, while eliminating or overcoming the weaknesses and minimizing the threats"(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p32). This SWOT analysis will help C'est La Vie Vodka to reach its business and marketing goals while being aware of the weaknesses and threats that can be improved.

Marketing Objectives

"This broad mission leads to a hierarchy of objectives, including business objectives and marketing objectives"(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p9).Business objectives for C'est La Vie Vodka include making the brand a well recognized vodka amongst competitors and a significant amount of profit for each bottle not only for the company, but for the consumer as well. Business goals also include expansion to other countries for everyone to experience our vodka. Marketing objective "is to build profitable customer relationships by developing efficient yet beautiful products"(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p9). The company will ensure a beautiful product by being completely unique when it comes to marketing and promotion methods. The design concept allows the vodka to be different from its competitors by using a different shaped bottle unlike the usual vodka bottle. The bottle will appeal to its target market which consists of females ages 21 to 30 so much they may even want to keep the bottles as a collection. 

Business Mission Statement

"Mission statements should be meaningful and specific yet motivating. They should emphasize the company’s strengths in the marketplace. Too often, mission statements are written for public relations purposes and lack specific, workable guidelines"(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p6). Ever feel like escaping to Paris for the night? C'est La Vie Vodka can take you there with its sweet taste of macaroons you'll definitely be having desert before and after dinner. Our focus is to ensure that our drinkers experience the rush of adventure and the sweetness of living life to the fullest. When drinking our vodka, the saying C'est La Vie will become your personal philosophy. You'll enjoy its sweet taste so much no other vodka or dessert can compare. "A company’s mission should not be stated as making more sales or profits—profits are only a reward for creating value for customers. Instead, the mission should focus on customers and the customer experience the company seeks to create"(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p6). This is the experience we wish to fill every bottle with, each sip ensures an exciting adventure you'll never forget. Drinking our vodka is like laying your eyes for the first time on the Eiffel Tower, its breath taking and sweet for the soul. Such is Life.

Week 9 BOC: Cyber Shopping


Jeffrey Campbell Litas orginal price at $160 now on sale for 20% percent off at $128.00 on Urban Outfitters website.
 
These are the infamous Jeffrey Campbell Litas that every street styled fashionista wants to get their hands on. It is a five inched heel bootie that comes in various colors and textures and makes any outfit casual or dressed up even better. I am a lover of shoes and collect various Jeffrey Campbell shoes and need this to add to my collection. It is an accessory that can change an outfit completely and it looks simple but edgy. This is a good deal because these shoes on any website such as Nordstroms or Solestruck are the same price of $160 but on Urban Outfitters they have a 20% percent off the entire website excluding electronics till the 8th of December. I am currently saving up for them and hope to get them before the sale ends. They also have free shipping so I would only have to pay the additional tax on the shoes. Not only are they perfect for winter but they can be worn in any season even summer. Almost every street fashionista has a pair whether it is in suede, velvet, leather, or paint splatter print. This would go great with my previous purchases from Jeffrey Campbell and I consider myself a loyal to his brand and his shoes because of their quality, uniqueness, and how durable they really are. This is really a once in a lifetime deal for me and the perfect time to get these shoes for the upcoming holidays and winter season.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Week 7 EOC: The Pitch

C'est La Vie vodka meaning "such is life" is a 750ml bottle full of adventure and risk taking. Originating from France and all it's wonders. With a bottle designed after the Eiffel Tower itself, it entices one to go on an adventure and have the time of your life after one sip. It's the type of vodka that is smooth and sweet to the taste flavored after their famous french macaroons. 

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Week 6 EOC: Me x 3


The first product that I purchase religiously is Ralph Lauren’s Blue perfume for women. This is the only perfume I’ve ever worn for the past 7 years. It’s not that I haven’t tried any other perfume this just happens to be the only one that I feel suits my personality the best. When I smell different perfumes I tend to think of what kind of person would wear this or who amongst my friends would smell like this. I love this perfume because I feel that it describes me and people can get an idea of what I’m like by the smell of it when I walk passed them or they happened to be close enough to smell me. The perfume is a simplistic light weight smell that is somewhat addicting for me and what I think a perfume should smell like.
Another product that I happen to purchase and collect is film cameras. I feel like it defines my personal style and my taste for vintage and older things. Not just cameras, but lifestyles and morals that my generation just doesn’t have anymore. Whenever I come across an old film camera I get so excited and want to test it out immediately. I have a shelf full of film cameras some old some new and it has become a part of me. It’s somewhat of an identifier item. Those who know me automatically know I’m into cameras and know that I have more than 10 film cameras.

Nail polish has become a part of my daily outfit, there is not a week that goes by that my nails aren’t painted a different color or have a different design.  I have more than 20 bottles of different colors and different brand of nail polishes. I feel it defines me because I’m not into make-up or beauty products but I do love nail polish and I do love certain colors. I usually dress in very plain or simple outfits and my nails add style to that. They give my outfits more personality by showing what kind of colors I’m into that week. I usually pick a color from what mood I’m feeling as well.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Week 5 EOC: Social Networks and Job Hunting

Both articles relate in the way that they are getting in touch with the every day consumer whose opinion matters most. Companies are getting in touch with them through the simple and easy way of social networking sites such as Blogger and Facebook. "Brand ambassador programs leverage the power of peer-to-peer communication. Consumers hear about products and brand experiences from others just like themselves—people they trust—rather than from commercial marketing sources"(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p143)Marketing has evolved so much that companies themselves are searching for those who are loyal and brand ambassadors already to make their experience even greater by giving them products to review which becomes helpful for other people interested in the item. "Marketers select their brand ambassadors very carefully, based on customers’ devotion to a brand and the size of their social circles. They sometimes search blogs and online social networks to identify individuals who are already functioning as brand advocates. Once selected, the ambassadors are trained with real brand knowledge to go along with their passion for the brand. The ambassadors then tap into friends, family, groups, and broader audiences through personal conversations, blogs, live events, and online social media"(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p143) As for Facebook, companies are starting to post job opportunities on their Facebook pages instead of sending out the ads to job hiring companies. Why? Because it doesn't cost a thing and is still quite as effective. "Facebook's use as a job-recruitment tool remains small, but its appeal may be growing. Some recruiters say they have all but eliminated their spending on job boards, which can charge a few hundred dollars per job posting, depending on volume"(Wall Street Journal Joe Light). Companies would no longer have to pay the normal fees they pay on job hiring websites and will be able to get a quicker response knowing people are always on Facebook opposed to those job hiring websites. For example without having a Facebook myself I heard of a job opportunity to one of my favorite stores through a friend. I asked her how she even heard about the opening and she simply said Facebook. It became that easy to know whether your favorite retailer was hiring or not. 

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Week 4 EOC: There's An App For That

If I were to create an extraordinary app for Apple, my first thought is what do people need that they don’t already have? An idea that seems impossible but most likely a genius can figure out the details is a hair loss counter app, or a when will you go bald app. This app could be for laughs or for medical purposes. Loosing hair is important to many people especially older men and women who are entering the wig phase. A more useful app idea would be entitled Where’d you get that. You can ask her/ him any question about any fashion related product and it will tell you the nearest and cheapest places to purchase the specific item. I see people on blogs daily constantly asking fashion guru’s where to find the best things under their conditions. Now a consumer wouldn’t have to wait for an answer on the other person’s time they would know instantly. The first iphone was released on January 9, 2007 by Steve Jobs. The application software on the phone known as an app was designed to fulfill a user’s specific tasks. Today the app store carries a variety of apps that can be bought and downloaded directly on the iPhone or iPad. “Every app you download from the App Store makes your iPhone do even more. And with hundreds of thousands of apps to choose from, we mean a whole lot more”(apple.com). The categories of apps are Apple apps, Business, Travel, Sports and Fitness, Social Networking, News, Lifestyle, Games, Entertainment, Education, Family and Kids, and Music. To help the search for the perfect app for an apple product user, with just a tap, Genius gives you personalized recommendations for apps you might like based on apps you and others have downloaded. You can also read reviews from other app users and see their ratings, and even add your own”(apple.com). The makers and workers at iphone truly making having one of their products a full enjoyable experience, which increases their brand loyalty and makes them a must have piece of technology. 

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Week 3 EOC: My Demographics

I was born May 13, 1992 which puts me into the classification of being a millennial. "Both the baby boomers and Gen Xers will one day be passing the reins to the Millennials (also called Generation Y or the echo boomers). Born between 1977 and 2000, these children of the baby boomers number 83 million, dwarfing the Gen Xers and larger even than the baby boomer segment. This group includes several age cohorts: tweens (aged 9–12), teens (13–18), and young adults (19–32). With total purchasing power of more than $733 billion, the Millennials make up a huge and attractive market"(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p16). I agree that our generation is a huge and attractive market. Many retailers and companies market solely to our age group because they know we are more likely to spend money then any other age group. We are at the age where money is coming in slowly for us but we have enough to shop every now and then. Unlike the baby boomers or generation x who are reaching their points of no longer really needing to buy anything and everything. "One thing that all of the Millennials have in common is their utter fluency and comfort with digital technology. They don’t just embrace technology, it’s a way of life. The Millennials were the first generation to grow up in a world filled with computers, cellphones, satellite TV, iPods, and online social networks. A recent study found that 91 percent of Millennials are on the Web, making up 32 percent of all U.S. Internet users. According to another study, 77 percent of Millennials frequent social networking sites and 71 percent use instant messaging"(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p17). This is also another valid point where our generation has become the tech savy generation. We grew up having the internet and experiencing the boom of social networks and all types of new technologies that we are very dependent on today. 10 years ago no one knew what a fashion blogger was, or they did not take them serious at all to have an opinion about personal style. Presently blogging and other social media platforms are becoming a free way to make money, to have our voices heard which the industry is greatly interested in. People have started online boutiques, blogs, and vlogs and it will continue to grow.“Young people want to be in control of their relationship with a brand. They want to customize and personalize”(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p17). Our generation is also know for wanting to be unique, wanting to be our own person especially in fashion. Our time is known for anything goes in fashion, there are no more rules or guidelines as to how one dresses, everything is personal. Even our cars or technology almost anything can be customized to fit our needs and wants to be different. 

Week 3 EOC: Making Money for Good

       Livestrong, an organization that first started in 1997 as a small group of people trying to raise money to fight the disease that has become one of the leading causes of death, cancer. Live strong is apart of Lance Armstrong’s foundation. After Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer, he vowed to educate himself about his disease and desired to help others with the same situation as well. This program holds fundraisers through cycling races, and other means for people who really want to donate to help stop this disease. Lance Armstrong has inspired many cancer survivors and his foundation has grown more then ever over the past 10 years. They host several events for everyone who is experiencing this disease at any age. 
       Goodwill is a nonprofit organization who takes in whatever the community wants to donate from clothing to accessories to furniture and electronics. They then re-sell the donated items at a much cheaper price. The proceeds help fund job training, employment based services, and other community based programs that help people with disabilities, lack of education, or face employment challenges. The amounts of stores they have have increased greatly and now have locations both in the United States and Canada. Goodwill also does volunteer work for the community by mentoring the youth, and lending job experience and knowledge to those who are currently searching for careers.
      Falling Whistles is a campaign for peace in Congo. This effort helps children who are trying to escape the war region and children who were forced to the front lines of war only holding a whistle. Together the organization partners with local leaders to advocate and rehabilitate for those affected by war. Share their story and speak up for them. In Congo they are developing partnerships with community leaders who are rehabilitating these children through education, art, sports, music, human rights education, vocational skills training, medical treatment and nutritional services. Each organization is working to give children the tools to be whistleblowers and stand for peace within the war-region. To help these children, you can buy their symbol, the whistle that stands for speaking up and being heard or by donating to help the children.


Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Week 2 EOC: Boston Consulting Group - Video Games

A leading company that has been gaining popularity over some time now is Apple. Their video game apps which cost little to nothing are becoming stars."Stars are high-growth, high-share businesses or products. They often need heavy investments to finance their rapid growth. Eventually their growth will slow down, and they will turn into cash cows." (Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p11) For example the very popular game entitled Angry Birds has sky rocketed and can now be found on Google chrome as well as many other phone systems such as on Android. Besides the game other products of the game have been created such as plush toys and clothing which have also been selling. This app may eventually slow down, but mobile games are definitely more convenient and in demand then normal video games and video consoles. PS3 and Xbox 360 are both consoles that most people have, but the need to buy them have gone down and both company's are experiencing price cuts which puts them into a the Cash Cow category. "Cash cows are low-growth, high-share businesses or products. These established and successful SBUs need less investment to hold their market share. Thus, they produce a lot of cash that the company uses to pay its bills and to support other SBUs that need investment."(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p11)  The price of a PS3 console has already gone down from $300 to $250. Especially the demand for video games has slowed down because games can now be updated online without having to actually buy a new game.  Popular games that are released every so months are the only ones that people choose to wait in line for purchase. Even with a loyal following from a certain niche of people online gaming has been fading into the background and hasn't been heard of or made a great scene in any advertisements. These types of games belong in the Question Mark category. "Question marks are low-share business units in high-growth markets. They require a lot of cash to hold their share, let alone increase it. Management has to think hard about which question marks it should try to build into stars and which should be phased out."(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p11) Any decision re-guarding these games are crucial for the company or game. These decisions can be hits or misses and basically have a 50/50 chance of  becoming popular again or shutting down completely. Sadly a childhood gaming company system I feel has lost it's strengths and have become part of the Dogs category. "Dogs are low-growth, low-share businesses and products. They may generate enough cash to maintain themselves but do not promise to be large sources of cash."(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p11) The Nintendo DS was not doing so well with their regular products over an amount of time and has now come out with another handheld in 3D format.  If consumer's didn't want the product regularly, then I don't think a 3D feature will be enough to increase the demand for it. Anything 3D itself is coming to pass and offers nothing more then increased movie prices and headaches.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Week 1 EOC: Great Customer Service

After a long week of working in retail, I decided to switch roles on a Saturday afternoon.  I wanted to be the customer and shop at a place I knew I’d be happy to go.  A place where I could be treated nicely and be helped out immediately by the associates, a place where it was about marketing and not about advertising. "Broadly defined, marketing is a social and managerial process by which individuals and organizations obtain what they need and want through creating and exchanging value with others. In a narrower business context, marketing involves building profitable, value-laden exchange relationships with customers."(Marketing An Introduction 10th Edition p4) That store happened to be Francesca’s Collections Boutique, a small stylish boutique where I absolutely love everything from the clothing to jewelry, to the shoes and bags, I loved it all.  Upon entering the store I was greeted with a welcoming hello and they kindly let me know what sale was going on that day and gave me my space to shop.  Since the store’s square footage wasn’t so big they made sure to give enough room for people to shop without being that over bearing associate who can’t get a clue about personal space.  Once I needed something on a higher shelf they were by my side within seconds and we exchanged names. She did not hesitate to give my styling advice and show me other products the item went well with.  Being a sales associate, I know that clearance and sales racks are the last places you want a customer to see or go to, but this associate led right there showing me the perfect bag that would match the top I was getting. I wouldn’t have seen it without her help because it was on a higher shelf hidden. For that I thanked her very much and she was friendly enough to talk to me as an acquaintance without being too nosy. She led me to the cash wrap taking my items that I was going to purchase so I wouldn’t have to carry them either.  It was a nice gesture of her and really made me feel better then I already did. The transaction went smoothly and I thanked her for her help with my purchases and she didn’t even forget to say bye and to come back soon.

Week 1 EOC: About Me

It's not my whole life, it's not my obsession, and it’s certainly not just an average job, but it is my Love, and my form of expression without words. Fashion & personal style for me is my confidence, the one thing in my life that I know I can't fail. I considered myself part of this industry the day the clothes on my back started to matter, when I would not settle for just any pair of shoes, and when that Chanel quilted handbag became irresistible, I just knew I had to have some effect on this industry somehow someday. As of today, I specialize in observing the fashion trends for every season and apply them to my own wardrobe with a twist of vintage and modern pieces, buying the best quality products for prices unheard of, and as a personal stylist to those in need of help with their own closets. The photography aspect of fashion has really gotten a hold of me and I feel the need to capture and admire how beautiful a garment can look through a camera lens. I've experienced the life of retail and what good quality customer service stands for, along with having my own fashion blog. I'm making my way through this industry and I'd like to go from retail management, to being a visual merchandiser, and stylist, in hopes to one day become a fashion editor of a fashion magazine.