Women may be overrepresented on the retail frontlines, (and female customers dominate spending), but they are underrepresented in positions of leadership. That’s why it is so crucial to lift up the women in the industry around us.
So in honor of Women’s History Month, we partnered with RetailToday to recognize women changing the retail landscape and laying the foundation for the next generation of female leaders. 50 incredible women were recognized on this list, and they are writing the next chapter of history for retail, with women at every level.
These are just a few of the incredible female leaders on this list that we (and history) have our eyes on! Check out these amazing ladies we admire, and the reason why:
Michelle Gass, CEO of Kohl’s
Michelle Gass is bringing a sustainable brand vision to life before our eyes… all while overseeing 1,160 stores, growing eCommerce, and 100k+ associates across the nation. Michelle is showing the retail world that it’s not enough to sit back and rest on our laurels, we have to change the way things have always been done.
Read more about Michelle Gass, Kohl’s pragmatic leader
Laura Alber, CEO & President, Williams-Sonoma
“A driving force in the growth of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., Laura Alber has served as the company’s president and chief executive officer, as well as a member of its Board of Directors since 2010,” says Retail Today. And Laura has been a part of the DNA of WSI for 27 years even before her 12 years at the helm.
Learn more about WSI’s instinctive leader
Lauren Hobart, President and CEO, DICK’S Sporting Goods
Lauren has taken the reins of a historically family-owned retailer and defined what a good leader can be. After guiding the company through a pandemic and expanding omnichannel efforts, she’s overseen testing the latest experiential prototype, Dick’s House of Sport, and the growth of the incredible Sports Matter Initiative which enables children to have access to sports.
Read more about Dick’s Sporting Goods’ forward-thinking leader
Emily Taylor, EVP, Chief Merchandising Officer, Dollar General
Dollar General is a rapidly growing brand, (even despite the massive disruption in retail in previous years) with over 17,000 locations in the US alone. Serving communities of every demographic, population, and region, Dollar General is wide-reaching and rapidly growing. Before stepping into the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer, she has worked her way to the top in the company since 1998.
Read more about Emily Taylor’s incredible climb through the ranks
Anu Gupta, Executive Vice President, Chief Growth Officer, Bed Bath & Beyond
Anu has 30+ years of experience leading in retail, driving strategy, operations, and growth. At Bed Bath & Beyond, she brings that experience to her role at a brand that is rapidly modernizing. With new technology partners, thanks to Anu, a deep sense of customer service, and ensuring that employees have the tools they need to drive store execution Bed, Bath & Beyond’s reinvention is just beginning.
Learn more about how Anu serves at transformational Bed Bath & Beyond
Nata Dvir, Chief Merchandising Officer, Macy’s
From her first role as an executive trainee at Macy’s to CMO, Nata’s career has been momentous. Now, she has oversight of all of Macy’s merchandising and private brands.
“A strong collaborator with both internal and external partners Nata has a rich omnichannel experience in merchandising, inventory, and financial planning in varied categories under her belt,” says Retail Today.
Learn more about Macy’s curious leader
These are just a few of the incredible leaders we admire from the list. Read more about a few of the women who lead brands that are part of the Zipline family.
For retail brands, and the women who fuel them, to thrive, it is crucial to set up effective systems of communication and enable store teams to achieve consistent store execution and implement brand strategies, ultimately empowering workers, and promoting consistent, safe shopping experiences. If stores can consistently change and adapt to consumer preferences and shopper patterns in real-time, the brands that are the most agile will win.
Inspired to learn more? If you need a better way to communicate changes to the fleet and keep everyone aligned, let’s chat.
