Retailing and Merchandising in Textiles and Appare

Retailing and Merchandising in Textiles and Appare 3(2+1)

Lesson 06: Chain Organizations

Fashion Coordination

Larger department and specialty store chains may employ the services of a fashion coordinator or director. This person is an experienced fashion professional who searches both domestic and foreign markets for new fashion trends and for unusual styling that can be adapted or incorporated into their private-label merchandise offerings. In the largest chains, a fashion coordinator has a staff of assistants. Each assistant is made responsible for a specific type of fashion apparel, such as dresses, sportswear, menswear, or children's wear. The fashion coordinator of a chain, working closely with the central buying and merchandising staffs, is also responsible for periodic fashion reports to the managers and staff of each unit. These highlight current fashion ends and coordination possibilities in apparel and accessories for the coming season.