How did you get to where you are now?
I completed a degree in fashion design in 2008 from the Canberra Institute of Technology and I applied for a job as a visual merchandiser at Myer in Canberra. I was quickly moved to work on the selling floor in womenswear, and within three months I had been promoted to sales manager. I managed a team of about 40 people that encompassed the womenswear, menswear and youth fashion departments. After being in that role for just over a year, I was successful in applying for the Myer Graduate Program. I relocated to Melbourne in January 2011 for the program, where I completed rotations in the womenswear buying, store concepts & design, and business administration departments. I also spent a month shadowing Myer CEO Bernie Brookes to learn about the higher-level management of the business. At the conclusion of the graduate program, I was successful in applying for the role that I am currently in and I’ve been working in this position for the last three months.
What do you believe made you a stand-out candidate for the Myer Graduate Program?
I think it was a combination of the skills that I learnt as a sales manager in the store and the practical learning from my degree. As I had managed such a large team in store, I had also learnt the skills of conflict resolution and communication, which can be applied to a number of roles. The skills I learnt in my fashion design degree gave me greater understanding of the fashion industry and clothing production.
What is your biggest achievement in retail?
Being a finalist in the NRA Young Retailer of the Year Award in 2011 was a great honour. I really enjoyed being able to write about my experiences and thoughts on a topic that I am passionate about, and being recognised for this was fantastic. Another standout that needs mentioning was being able to spend a month shadowing Bernie Brookes. This experience gave me first-hand insights into the life of a CEO, his decision making processes and how he goes about running the company.
What has been your biggest challenge in retail?
I think my biggest challenge in retail has been the difficult trading conditions over the last year. It has been hard to stay positive when sales results aren’t on our side. When I worked in the store and sales weren’t going well, it was so important to keep my team motivated to achieve targets, which was challenging when trading was so tough.
What keeps you motivated?
The first time I worked the December stocktake sale at Myer as a sales manager, I remember thinking to myself that things would settle down and get back to normal when the sale was over – but they never did! The great thing about retail is that it is always changing, and something new and exciting is always happening. I stay motivated by constantly learning new things. I go to work everyday and never know what to expect, which certainly means I don’t get bored!
What are your responsibilities in your current role?
My role is split into two areas – buying, and product development. The buying side covers all of our national brands and involves maintaining relationships with the brand suppliers, attending seasonal buys with the buyer, reporting on sales and productivity, organising items for seasonal advertising and promotions and ensuring all deliveries are on time. The product development side involves our Myer Exclusive brands. My main responsibilities are assisting the product developer to build the seasonal ranges, researching trends, attending fit sessions with quality assurance, approving lab-dips and print strike-offs, communicating with our sourcing offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong throughout the manufacture process, organising samples for advertising and marketing, and reporting on sales as productivity.
What is your ultimate career goal?
My short-term goal is to become a buyer/product developer at Myer, and beyond that my goal is to be an executive for a multi-national retailer.
What advice would you give to those who want a career in retail?
I think a great path is to do what I did and work on the selling floor first – having the experience of knowing the customers and knowing the in-store business has been so useful in my career so far. I think the thing to remember about retail is that it encompasses so many different careers – I work with lawyers, accountants, PR specialists, advertising specialists, graphic designers and architects.
Are you at all concerned about the future of retail?
It’s been a hard year to remain positive about retail with the number of companies in trouble, but I still see a strong future for retail. I believe there will always be a place for bricks and mortar retailers in Australia and internationally. I think the point to note is that retailers need to remain relevant to the customer. Having a flexible business plan is so important in this day and age. Keeping up with customer preferences and adapting to global trends and forecasts is how I see retailers growing their businesses today.
PROFILE
Name: Tegan Kennedy
Store: Myer support office, Docklands, VIC
Current position: Category buyer assistant/product development assistant – womenswear, Myer support office
Date of birth: 21/01/1988
Courses undertaken:
• Bachelor of design (fashion design), Canberra Institute of Technology
• Certificates I, II and III in clothing production, Canberra Institute of Technology
• ACRS Retail Futures, Monash University
• Negotiating skills training, Myer
• Leadership & managing change, Myer
• Myer graduate development program
Achievements:
• Canberra Designer of the Year award
• Successful applicant into Myer Graduate Program