The Workshop at Macy’s Finalists Selection Underway

The selection process for the first Workshop at Macy’s is well underway; hundreds of up and coming vendors applied for the program's 20 open spots, and the selection team has been reviewing each and every one.

"The response has been tremendous, and we're delighted to have so many wonderful applicants for this new program,” says Group Vice President of Multicultural Merchandising & Vendor Development Shawn Outler. "We've been impressed with the wide range of categories, as well–we've received applications for womenswear, menswear, children's clothing, jewelry, even a chocolate vendor!”

Macy’s partnered with Babson College to evaluate the applicants' businesses; the internationally recognized entrepreneurial leadership institute evaluated financials to determine viability and scalability of each business to help identify the most promising finalists. "We're delighted to partner with this great school to evaluate our applications for the Workshop,” says Outler. "Working with another organization of this caliber gives the program an increased depth that helps build it into a strong business development program."

The Workshop at Macy’s team has narrowed the field to 50 semi-finalists, and is conducting in-person interviews at Macy’s New York City headquarters. "The top 50 are meeting with a team of Macy’s merchandising experts as well as with the Multicultural Merchandising and Vendor Development team,” says Outler. Following the interviews, the team will make final selections and notify the chosen 20 candidates that they've made the final cut.

The top 20 candidates will participate in the inaugural Workshop at Macy’s in May 2011; this intensive 4 ½ day course, which is offered free to chosen participants, covers a wide range of topics focused on helping companies grow into a relationship with a major retailer. Topics include how to build and present a strategic plan, understanding EDI and Certification, and the building blocks of a successful relationship with the merchant team. Participants will also have an opportunity to present their product lines, and will participate in guided hands-on workshops and activities throughout the week.

Outler says the high level of interest and strong response to the Workshop bodes well for the future of the program, not only for next year and beyond, but for what the program has the potential to evolve into. "We've already got some new ideas for next year, and are coming up with more every day,” she says.

Find out how the interview process goes–check back for the latest news and updates!