Workshop Applications for 2012
Now Being Accepted

The Workshop at Macy’s is now accepting applications for the 2012 class! Described as “life-changing” by 2011 participants, this intensive 4 ½ day program is designed to give minority and women-owned retail-oriented lines the tools they need to grow into a relationship with a major retailer.

With more than 840 stores across the US, Macy’s certainly fits that category, though the vendors going through the program are not guaranteed a spot in Macy’s stores. “It's a chance for us to identify potential partners and help them understand the requirements of taking their business to the next level,” says Group Vice President of Multicultural Merchandising and Vendor Development Shawn Outler.

The 2011 Workshop succeeded beyond all expectations, with 40 participants from 22 companies taking part in an intense week of training filled with breakthrough moments in how to run, grow, and develop their businesses in a sustainable way.

Outler describes the Workshop and Macy’s commitment to diversifying its vendor mix as a win-win, saying “We find talented new vendors with quality, well-priced merchandise that satisfies our customers and in turn those vendors see their businesses grow, thereby allowing us to foster business development in the growing communities we serve.”

When asked about goals for the 2012 Workshop, Outler says “We're expecting even greater things as the Workshop continues to grow and develop; there's a lot of promise here.” To give even more potential vendors an opportunity, Macy’s is accepting applications earlier, beginning in late September and running through Sunday, January 22, 2012.

Though the program received applications from a wide range of business types, not all are a good fit for the program. Final participants' product lines must be something that works in the department store retail environment, such as fashion, jewelry, shoes, swimwear, or even high-end food products such as chocolate or coffee. “It's frustrating for would-be vendors to go through the application process and find their product line isn't a fit, “says Outler. “We strongly encourage potential applicants to review the eligibility requirements before completing an application.”