SCU Retail Management Institute

? Reflecting on an Unforgettable Week in New York City! ? From stepping into the headquarters of Apple, Google, Tiffany & Co., Nordstrom, and Louis Vuitton to immersing ourselves in NRF 2025, this trip was nothing short of inspiring. We explored the future of retail, connected with industry leaders, and gained invaluable insights into innovation, strategy, and career opportunities. But what truly made this experience exceptional was the unwavering support and leadership of Ann Waldo, our incredible President of Agency R. From coordinating every detail to ensuring each moment was meaningful, Ann played a pivotal role in making this trip a success. Thank you, Ann, and the entire Agency R team for your support and dedication in making this journey so smooth. Your hard work and leadership embody what Agency R is all about—creating opportunities, fostering connections, and elevating the student experience. Here’s to more incredible experiences ahead! ?? #RetailManagementInstitute #NRF2025 #RetailStudiesMinor #AgencyR #Gratitute

A huge thank you to all RMI alumni Sydney Olson Grace Mathews Berkley Stenson Marielle Casey Lucy Robbins & Kennedy Brown for taking the time to mentor and guide our current undergraduate students during this visit. Your willingness to share your knowledge and experiences, despite your busy schedules, truly reflects your kindness and dedication to the next generation of retail leaders. Special thanks to Casey Hill for bringing together such a wonderful group of alumni. Your efforts made this experience even more meaningful for everyone involved. Thank you to everyone who showed up and made this event a success—your support and presence make all the difference! ??

Google ?? Our New York City visit with the Retail Management Institute included a fascinating and inspiring tour of Google’s retail space and corporate office in Chelsea this week. This visit gave our students an opportunity to explore how a tech giant like Google approaches retail, blending state-of-the-art technology with customer engagement. We had the unique experience of exploring both Google’s innovative corporate office and its interactive retail space, where creativity and technology come together to leave a lasting impression on customers. From product showcases to hands-on experiences, our students saw firsthand how Google integrates its unique values and vision into its retail strategy. A big thank you to Varun Ponnuru and Emily Douglas for giving us a tour and sharing your insights, and to John McAteer and Liza Hoyne for making this incredible experience possible. Your expertise and hospitality have truly inspired our students! Looking forward to sharing more about our NYC adventures soon! #Google #RetailInnovation #TechAndRetail #RMIStudents #Gratitude #StoreTour

Nordstrom ??? As part of our New York City visit with the Retail Management Institute, we had the opportunity to tour the renowned Nordstrom store and host a special reception event for our students and alumni. During the tour, our students gained an in-depth understanding of how Nordstrom has maintained its reputation for outstanding customer service and operational excellence. From exploring their approach to creating a seamless omnichannel experience to understanding how they foster personalized interactions with every shopper, this visit highlighted what makes Nordstrom a leader in the retail industry. A huge thank you to Jamie Nordstrom, Chris Wanlass, John Seery, and Taylor Britton for hosting us and offering valuable insights into your business practices and customer-focused strategies. The reception event also provided a wonderful opportunity for students and alumni to connect, share experiences, and deepen their understanding of the retail world. This experience was a perfect blend of classroom learning and real-world application, offering our students tools and inspiration to shape their future careers in retail. Excited to share more highlights from our NYC trip soon! #Nordstrom #RetailInnovation #CustomerExperience #RMIStudents #Gratitude #StoreTour #AlumniConnections

Louis Vuitton ?? During our New York City visit with the Retail Management Institute, we had the privilege of touring the iconic Louis Vuitton store. This visit was a deep dive into the world of luxury retail, where artistry, innovation, and a commitment to excellence come together to create one of the most recognizable global brands. Our students had the opportunity to explore how Louis Vuitton maintains its rich heritage while pushing the boundaries of design and customer experience. The tour highlighted the intricate craftsmanship behind their products and the strategic decisions that sustain Louis Vuitton's leadership in the luxury retail industry. A heartfelt thank you to Francois for coordinating and to Drew Moxley and Courtney Sheehan for giving us an exclusive tour and sharing their insights. We’d also like to extend our gratitude to Michael Schriver for his connections, which made this opportunity possible. We’re excited to continue sharing highlights from our NYC trip and the valuable lessons learned along the way! #LouisVuitton #LuxuryRetail #RetailExcellence #RMIStudents #Gratitude #StoreTour

?? Incredible Experience at Tiffany & Co. with the Retail Management Institute Students! ?? Last week, our students had the incredible opportunity to tour the iconic Tiffany & Co. flagship store in New York City. This visit provided invaluable insights into the world of luxury retail, where timeless heritage seamlessly meets modern innovation to create unforgettable customer experiences. ?? We had the privilege of exploring Tiffany’s unique approach to brand storytelling, craftsmanship, and its unwavering commitment to excellence in every detail. The experience was truly inspiring, offering a deeper understanding of the luxury retail landscape and the strategies behind maintaining a globally recognized brand. A heartfelt thank you to Cyril Arpin, who expertly coordinated and organized this tour, ensuring that the experience went off without a hitch. Your attention to detail and dedication behind the scenes made this visit truly special. We’d also like to express our sincere gratitude to Soraya Crawford Gomez and Adam Ward for welcoming us so graciously and sharing their deep expertise. Your passion for Tiffany’s legacy and customer experience was palpable, and we couldn’t have asked for better hosts. Finally, a special thank you to Michael Schriver, whose connections and efforts put us in touch with the right team at Tiffany & Co. to make this experience a reality. We appreciate your support in bringing everything together. We are excited to take the insights gained from this remarkable visit as we continue our journey to explore the future of retail! ?? #TiffanyAndCo #RetailLeadership #LuxuryRetail #RMIStudents #Gratitude #StoreTour #BrandExcellence

Greetings from New York City! ?? ?? I've had the pleasure as part of the Retail Studies minor to visit New York City for the annual NRF Foundation Student Program 2025. As organized on behalf of Santa Clara University and the SCU Retail Management Institute, we toured five major flagship stores including the Apple, Tiffany & Co., Nordstrom, Google and Louis Vuitton flagship stores all in the heart of Manhattan. Visiting these iconic retail destinations provided invaluable insights into the critical role of retail strategy, merchandising, and brand image. Each of these flagship stores serves as a direct reflection of their respective legacy brands, showcasing their rich history, core values, and global influence. It was an inspiring experience to witness firsthand how these brands continue to shape and redefine the retail landscape. An incredibly big thanks to Amy Courtright, Soraya Gomez Crawford and Courtney Sheehan for taking such good care of us and making our tours so memorable! Many thanks also to Vinita Shah and Kirthi Kalyanam for organizing the tours!

***Gratitude for an Unforgettable Experience at Apple’s Flagship Store!*** We are incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to organize an unforgettable store tour for our Retail Management Institute students at the iconic Apple Flagship Store on 5th Avenue. This experience far exceeded expectations, providing our students with invaluable insights into Apple's innovative approach to retail and leadership. A huge thank you to the entire Apple team for your generosity and willingness to share your expertise. The discussions on leadership, customer experience, and design were inspiring and will undoubtedly shape the careers of our students in the retail industry. We’d also like to extend a special shout-out to the following individuals for their pivotal roles in making this experience a reality: Paul Felcher, Market Director Maggie Watson, Flag Leader Julissa Rodriguez, Apple People Team Kiersten Runnels, Visual Merchandising Manager Amy Courtright, Apple People Team Kris Bazan, for coordinating this amazing opportunity Thank you for helping us bridge classroom learning with real-world experiences and for empowering the next generation of retail leaders. Your time and effort are deeply appreciated! #Apple #Leadership #Innovation #RetailExcellence #RMIStudents #StoreTour #Gratitude