Aritzia
BackAritzia is a leading Canadian fashion brand renowned for its contemporary and sophisticated clothing and accessories. Founded in Vancouver in 1984, Aritzia has become synonymous with high-quality, on-trend fashion pieces that cater to modern women. With a focus on timeless elegance and effortless style, Aritzia offers a diverse range of apparel, from chic dresses and tailored blazers to cozy knitwear and versatile basics. Known for its commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail, Aritzia continuously strives to inspire confidence and empower women through fashion. With a strong presence both online and in retail stores across North America, Aritzia remains a go-to destination for fashion-forward individuals seeking elevated wardrobe essentials and statement pieces alike.
Aritzia Internship
My Role:
As an intern with the Strategy and Operations department, I supported the team's initiatives to enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness. My responsibilities encompassed a wide range of tasks, including conducting market research and analysis to identify industry trends and competitive insights, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting findings to senior leaders. I collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop strategic recommendations and actionable plans to drive business growth and optimize operational processes. Through my contributions, I gained valuable hands-on experience in strategic planning, project management, and data analysis, while also fostering strong relationships with colleagues across the organization. My internship provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between strategy and operations, preparing me for future endeavors in the field.
Time Frame:
May 2023-August 2023
Highlights
Sample Circulation Strategy Project
Problem
I led an urgent overhaul of the sample circulation and archive system, under tight deadlines set by the CEO. Collaborating with my manager, we swiftly devised a plan to meet the accelerated timeline.
Solution
Encountering initial challenges in accessing benchmarking data, I adopted innovative approaches, tapping into unconventional resources for insights. Leveraging perspectives from related industries and internal expertise, we enriched our understanding and proposed actionable solutions. To address the project's complexity, I recommended splitting the focus into distinct deliverables: sample disposal and circulation. This strategic decision streamlined our efforts, resulting in robust and pragmatic recommendations that effectively addressed immediate concerns within the tight timeframe.
Supply Chain
Problem
I led an individual capstone project in supply chain and technology. Tasked with untangling the complexities of missing packages, delayed shipments, and exploring tracking solutions amidst the vast landscape of 5G and IoT technology, I navigated through ambiguity with openness and curiosity. Conducting internal interviews and extensive external research, I meticulously documented supply chain operations, identifying pain points and inefficiencies. Armed with insights and a newfound fluency in supply chain logistics and technology, I collaborated with stakeholders to establish objectives and construct a MECE framework for evaluating solutions.
Solution
Recognizing the need for clarity in communication, I strategically simplified industry jargon and granular details, emphasizing a corporate-wide framework to convey our recommendations effectively. By aligning solutions with stakeholders' objectives and utilizing visual aids to illustrate complex concepts, we fostered a mutual understanding of the problem and proposed solutions. Our efforts were met with acclaim as we presented our well-received business proposal to senior executives. By distilling complex information into digestible insights and fostering dialogue, we laid the groundwork for actionable solutions and garnered interest for further discussions.
eCommerce
Problem
As Aritzia ventured into ecommerce in 2012, I contributed to shaping its strategy and operational framework in this evolving landscape alongside my manager, the head of eCommerce within Strategy and Operations. Collaborating closely with the Ecom department and engaging with stakeholders across Data & Analytics, Technology, Product, Merchandising, and Marketing, I navigated the complexities of cross-functional teamwork in the digital realm. I observed how the digitization process blurred traditional role boundaries, leading to nuanced challenges and conflicts between departments.
Solution
Recognizing the need for alignment among stakeholders with divergent goals and priorities, I worked alongside my manager to foster collaboration and understanding. We facilitated workshops and established communication protocols to ensure cohesion and proactive conflict resolution. In particular, I led a project to map out the merchandising algorithms utilized on the website, providing clarity on decision-making processes and facilitating cross-departmental understanding. This initiative enhanced collaboration and contributed to a more cohesive ecommerce strategy.
Sales Associate
My Role:
As a Sales Associate at Aritzia, I served as a brand ambassador, providing exceptional customer service and fostering positive shopping experiences for our clientele. My role involved greeting and assisting customers, offering personalized styling advice, and recommending products tailored to their preferences and needs. I maintained a deep understanding of our product offerings, including fabrics, fits, and styles, to effectively communicate their features and benefits to customers. Additionally, I ensured the visual presentation of the store was immaculate, contributing to an inviting and aesthetically pleasing environment for shoppers. Through my dedication to exceeding customer expectations and my passion for fashion, I played a key role in driving sales and building long-lasting relationships with our valued customers. My time at Aritzia not only honed my retail and customer service skills but also instilled in me a strong sense of teamwork, professionalism, and a commitment to delivering excellence in every interaction.
Time Frame:
May 2022-August 2022
Acheivements:
I ascended to a top-three sales position within just two months, consistently surpassing my daily sales per hour KPI targets, and in my first summer I won a competition achieving the highest net sales across all of Aritzia’s North American stores during the annual summer sale.