A Second Look Back

Worst advice? Favorite retailer? Influences and memories? Every year of Checking Out is an opportunity to look past the names and titles in our industry and get a sense of the people within – tastes, preferences, life stories, humorous moments.

In this second of a two-part series, we’ve again compiled some of the most interesting answers to the questions these professionals don’t get asked every day.

What is the meaning of Christmas?

To me: family, friends, work, windows and wonder. To Saks: snowflakes, snowflakes, snowflakes – and oh, yeah – did I say snowflakes? — Tim Wisgerhof, window director, Saks Fifth Avenue

In the days of Best & Co. and the original FAO Schwarz, the toys in the stores were a child’s fantasy and not some marketing department’s ploy. — Ed Calabrese, creative director, Mancini Duffy

What gives you the most stress?

Numbers. It was always a major challenge for me since we must stay within budget and at the same time create spectacular events. — Manoel Renha, divisional vp, visual merchandising, fashion, special events, Lord & Taylor

How do you relax?

Anywhere warm where I can be with good friends and sip a dirty martini…extra olives, please. — Jennifer Farris, senior designer, Design Compendium Inc.

Especially after the holidays, I try to rest and take time off, but I find myself preparing all the windows that we will need to replace the holiday ones. — Harry Medina, window display director, Bloomingdale’s

Where is your favorite place to shop?

Right now, American Apparel has captured my attention and my credit card more than others. Deep V T’s! I must get some today. — Joe Baer, founder, ZenGenius

In New York, antique shops and flea markets. In London, Harvey Nichols and in Brazil, Daslu in São Paulo – that store is amazing! — Manoel Renha, Lord & Taylor

How did your upbringing influence you today?

My sister and I hoed beets one summer for 50 cents a row. It taught us a great lesson on hard work and skills and how money is made. — Solveig Anderson, national account manager, M. Lavine Design Workshop

What do you sing when you are alone?

“Sound & Visions” by The Sea and Cake, “Pass” by Songs: Ohia, “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John, “So Much Beauty in Dirt” by Modest Mouse and “Encore” by JayZ.
— Jennifer Farris, Design Compendium

Adelaide’s lament, from “Guys and Dolls.” — Tim Wisgerhof, Saks Fifth Avenue

“I’ve Got A Life,” by the Eurythmics. — Harry Medina, Bloomingdale’s

What is your first thought in the morning? Your last thought at night?

Pretty much the same: What a great trip this is. How lucky I am. And how I wish I could sleep just an hour longer. — Martin Beck, ceo, CloverLeaf Group

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t have a Plan B – live your life believing Plan A will work. — Martin Beck, CloverLeaf Group

That even the smallest bit of New York City real estate will always be valuable. — Ed Calabrese, Mancini Duffy

If you ignore it, it will go away. — Lynn Knutson, visual merchandising program manager, Harley-Davidson Motor Co.

Is visual merchandising as viable as ever in today’s retail world?

Especially today, when everything is starting to look the same. The stores that remain innovative and fresh will remain strong. — Joe Baer, ZenGenius

What’s a sign that the future looks good for retail?

The American consumer. — Tom Cole, vice chair, Federated Department Stores