Lori Hirshleifer, co-owner of Hirshleifer's, shares her insights as a fashion buyer. Topics include her must-have closet items, current designer favorites, and love for in-person shopping. They also discuss the importance of listening to customers, discovering what people want, and merchandising outfits. Don't miss their favorite fashion items, advice for aspiring fashion buyers, and the power of a good outfit.
The success of Hershleifers lies in their ability to adapt and change quickly, prioritize building relationships with designers, and listen to customers' preferences and demands.
Being a successful fashion buyer requires staying updated on the latest collections, trends, and industry knowledge, building relationships with brands, and being open to change and adaptation in the constantly evolving fashion industry.
Deep dives
Success of Hershleifers as a department store
Hershleifers, a department store co-owned by Lori Hershleifer and her sisters, has become one of the most popular department stores in the country. With a reputation for housing the best designers and specialty items from top fashion brands such as Chanel, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, and more, their success lies in their ability to adapt and change quickly. Being the owners, buyers, and operators of the store allows them the flexibility to increase their buy on collections they believe in, even if they don't sell well initially. They prioritize building relationships with designers, nurturing them, and sticking with them over multiple seasons, creating a strong support system. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of listening to their customers, spending time on the floor, and paying attention to their preferences and demands.
The influence of personal style and customer feedback
Lori's personal style and fashion choices, as showcased on her Instagram account, do have some influence on the selection of items in the store. Occasionally, items that she may not personally wear receive high engagement and likes on her social media, suggesting that customer preferences may differ. However, their team's main focus is on listening to their customers, understanding their needs, and meeting their expectations. They strive to strike a balance between offering fashion-forward choices and catering to their customer base. While social media plays a role in feedback, Lori believes that the in-store experience and personal interaction are essential in truly understanding and connecting with customers.
Keys to success as a fashion buyer
Being a successful fashion buyer requires thorough research and staying updated on the latest collections and trends. Lori emphasizes the importance of reading publications like The Cut, Business of Fashion, and WWD to stay informed. Building knowledge and expertise in the industry is crucial. She also advises aspiring buyers to take it slow and be patient in nurturing brands and designers. Building relationships, paying attention to customer feedback, and maintaining a balance between personal preferences and market demands are essential skills. Recognizing that fashion is a constantly evolving industry, being open to change and willing to adapt is also vital for success.
The rewards and fulfillment of a career in fashion buying
Lori expresses that being a fashion buyer is a fulfilling and rewarding career choice. The love and passion for fashion, the excitement of waking up every day to go to work, and the ability to make a direct impact in shaping collections and trends contribute to the enjoyment of the job. While it requires hard work and facing challenges, the ability to connect with brands, witness their growth, and be a part of an industry that influences people's daily lives is what makes it worthwhile. Lori encourages aspiring buyers to follow their passion and slowly navigate the path to success, recognizing that the satisfaction and joy derived from the job are profound.
If there's anyone's closet I want to lock myself in and never come out of, it's Lori Hirshleifer's. As the Co-Owner and Buyer of New York's famous speciality store, Hirshleifer's, Lori knows good style and how to share it, too. In today's episode, Lori gives us a look into the life of a buyer and her best tips to entering the business. We also talk about her must-have closet items, what designers she's loving today, and her love for IRL shopping.
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