SCOPE
Before any product is produced, it flows through a dynamic design process that involves a whole army of designers, fit technicians, and production associates. My role as a merchant in this whole process is to facilitate, driving forward as the hub of the wheel. Whether it is swapping out the fabric of a jacket to reduce cost or designing in a new jumpsuit to diversify a collection, every step of this workflow requires harmony among a diverse group of individuals. The following describes challenges and achievements of a typical journey I had experienced at the Gymboree.
THE MEAT OF THE PROJECT
It all starts with the concept and line edit meetings where designers share their vision for the new season. Here are the first instances where merchant and design visions fuse into one. Between several exchanges of ideas, we ensure the commercial viability while protecting the desirability of the proposed color stories, key products, and outfit styling. After we further refine our concepts, we then prototype a set of samples that we use for cost negotiation meetings set the following week.
Partnership here is crucial. It is this collaboration of designers, production associates, and much more where we achieve set goals like cutting cost of goods by 20%. We brainstorm, discuss and pitch ideas to one another, of which include: reducing the number of colors on certain prints, suggesting high-value design element options, simplifying construction to ease fit, and grouping similar fabrics to benefit from bulk pricing.
OUTCOME & DE-BRIEF
By the end of it all, we create a collection that is presented to C level executives for final approval. I, along with the team, walk through the big ideas, key product initiatives, and opportunities for revenue growth. We make final tweaks and pass orders to our vendors to start the mass production process.
Having experienced several of these meetings [not just at the Gymboree], I've learned;
- The art of storytelling and importance of repetition and evoking emotion in speech.
- The greatest solutions come from teams who are motivated and engaged to share ideas.
