Alyssa Best

Major: Apparel, Merchandising, and Design
Minor/option/emphasis: AMD-Merchandising
Company/Organization: The Gymboree Group
Company/Organization website: https://www.gymboree.com/about-gymboree.html
Destination: San Francisco, California
Timeframe: Summer
Advisor/Coordinator Email: annthye@iastate.edu

Responsibilities

Assisted in creation of seasonal floor sets and window presentations to ensure we are relevant in the competitive landscape while continuing to push the brand(s) forward, Performed analysis of selling of items by placement with data from merchant/ planning teams, Prepared presentations of the competitive landscape in visual merchandising through comp shopping or pulling swipe to drive more innovation in floor sets and window presentations, Research trend and store experience in relation to the next season’s floor set, Performed basic photo shop work for brand presentation books, Worked closely with mentor to build skill sets to encompass a mix of creative and operational skills, Maintained and organize samples prior to floor set prep and post book production, Maintain tracking of current trends in the market place, Participated in team meetings and store working sessions.

Accomplishments

In my last week with Gymboree, I got to plan and execute a full floor set and Visual Guide for Janie and Jack's Holiday 1 collection. I did everything myself from checking in the samples, laying out the merchandise, and presenting it to my Manager and Director.

What advice would you give?

My advice would be to look at every possible opportunity and that not considering something just because it's not exactly what you want to do, is a mistake. I already had a lot of visual merchandising experience and I really wanted a merchandising internship, so I almost didn't apply for this internship with Gymboree. However, it was invaluable to me because I learned so much, spent time with many different cross-functional teams other than merchandising, and made many great connections that could lead to a future job. Look at every possible opportunity and make the most of what you are offered, because there is value in every experience!

Career Connections