Retail Management

A nine-month rotation to learn the critical aspects of the retail business. Program overview below.

Anouar


Samara
Education: Cornell University, BS, Textiles and Apparel Management
How started at Gap Inc.: Joined the Retail Management Program. Currently Senior Merchant for Old Navy Online, Women’s Plus.

What is the Retail Management Program?
It’s a 9-month, rotational program that gives you a chance to learn the foundation of the retail business in three critical areas: Inventory Management, Merchandising and Production.

When did you participate?
From September 2006 to June 2007. Immediately after graduating the program, I landed a full time position as the Old Navy Women’s Denim merchant. In my five years with the company, I have had the opportunity to work in a total of four brands (GID, Old Navy, Banana Republic & Outlet), three functions (Merchandising, Inventory Management & Production) and seven product categories so far.

What was the experience like?
It was AMAZING. It is the foundation to my career, upon which I can build a successful future. To me, RMP is a network of friends and mentors who offer support, guidance, and inspiration throughout the program and beyond. It's a think tank of creative minds driven to make a difference and future leaders passionate to drive the company forward. It was a great opportunity to learn the ins and outs of how to run a fashion company – truly one-of-a-kind, unmatched by other training programs offered in the industry.

Hands down the most memorable moment was seeing an idea that I had presented in a team innovation meeting come to life. I shared an idea for a new denim fit and wash, but as a trainee, I didn’t expect much -- and was thrilled when the style was produced, named after me, and sold in 1,000 Old Navy stores! Clearly, the job title “trainee” is only limited by your vision.

How did this program strengthen your skills?
The combination of classroom education, on the job training and work in store experience allowed me to build a strong, diverse skill set. I honed in on how to successfully lead a multi-million dollar fashion business, including understanding your customer, analyzing business, identifying trends, developing presentation skills, and leading a cross-functional team.

What advice might you share with someone considering applying?
My advice is: do it! It was the best decision I ever made. If you are someone with an entrepreneurial spirit who is passionate about retail, delighting customers, and leading a dynamic business, then RMP is for you!

About the Program

Our Retail Management Program is open to external and internal candidates who are dynamic, hard-working individuals with vision, initiative, leadership and excellent communication skills and are looking to dedicate themselves to best-in-industry training and development on the challenging and rewarding business of fashion retailing.

Based in San Francisco, this nine-month program immerses participants in the key pillars of retailing. The Program will focus on:

  • Developing entry-level talent and general management capabilities through 3 cross-brand rotations in Inventory Management, Merchandising, and Production, as well as an in-store experience prior to each rotation.
  • Providing hands-on experience in running our businesses and understanding the Gap Inc. culture - you'll learn while you work.  
  • Attending functional specific training classes and general education sessions to build foundational skills and capabilities.
  • Interacting with senior management and collaborating on special projects that directly influence the business.

After successfully completing the program, trainees will have an opportunity to work full time in one of the following jobs in our Bay Area offices: Inventory Management Analyst, Assistant Merchandiser, or Assistant Production Manager.

Thank you for your interest in the Retail Management Program. We are no longer accepting applications for the 2012 RMP class. We will begin recruiting for the next class in mid-August of 2012. Please check back with us then.

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