Events

Janie Yu, Janie Yu is a dynamic business leader with a strong background in innovation, known for her strategic insights and dedication to fostering growth and transformation within the tech sector. She is currently a partner at LFX Venture Partners (formerly known as Fung Capital) where she is focused on…Read More

Doug Howe, Doug Howe is recognized for his significant contributions in the retail sector, notably for his leadership and strategic vision. His experience encompasses various executive roles, including being the CMO at Kohl’s and currently the CEO of Designer Brands who own Keds, Vince Camuto, Topo Athletic and DSW (Designer…Read More

Mark Yuan, Mark Yuan has been a leading expert in live stream e-commerce since 2016. He is co-founder and CEO of two fast-growing companies. And Luxe Inc was founded in 2009 in New York. Under Mark, and co-founder, Zoe Yu Zhang’s leadership, And Luxe Inc introduced live stream selling to 200 brands successfully and was…Read More

Sean Bruich is the VP of Global Consumer Science & Insights at Nike. As a senior executive, some of his roles include overseeing global consumer insights organization, bringing together Nike’s consumer data science, marketing science, and consumer research teams to power Nike’s product & merchandising, brand & digital marketing, digital…Read More

The recent Retail Excellence Award dinner, hosted by the Baker Retailing Center and the Retail Leaders Circle at the iconic Rainbow Room in NYC, was a high-profile event that honored Leonard A. Lauder, Chairman Emeritus of The Estée Lauder Companies. This prestigious event drew notable figures from the worlds of…Read More

Keith Spirgel is currently the Chief Operating Officer at Urban Outfitters Group, where he’s been at the helm for nearly seven years. In this role, he’s tasked with leading diverse departments such as Finance, Merchandise Planning & Allocation, and overseeing operations for their $1.2B North America business unit. Prior to…Read More

John Thompson is the former SVP & GM of BestBuy.com (CEO equivalent), the wholly owned Internet subsidiary of Best Buy Co., Inc., a multinational retailer of technology and entertainment products and services. Thompson joined Best Buy as SVP of supply chain and business systems for Best Buy stores in April…Read More

Oliver Chen, CFA, Cowen and Company Oliver Chen has joined Cowen and Company’s Equity Research department as a Managing Director and Senior Equity Research Analyst. He covers over 30 stocks in the Retail & Luxury Sectors. He is a graduate of Georgetown University, The Wharton School at the University of…Read More

Melissa Christian (WG14) currently serves as VP, Divisional Merchandise Manager, at Dick’s Sporting Goods. In this role, she oversees merchandising efforts and driving sales for all Kids’ apparel, including Athletic Apparel, Outdoor Apparel, Outerwear and Swim. Prior to, she spent most of her career at DICK’S within the marketing department,…Read More

How do you make the popular tween-oriented retailer Five Below even more crowd-pleasing, successful, and profitable? On September 22nd, some intrepid Penn students tried their hand at it, competing for a total of $30,000 in prize money at the third annual Baker Retailing Center Ideathon.  A Candy-Fueled Competition  The students…Read More