Wharton Stories: Retail

Three people are standing and conversing happily indoors, with two individuals facing one who is smiling and carrying a backpack.
“We have a read to admit philosophy, which means that in every application we are looking for reasons to admit you and not reasons to deny you. We are looking for your best day and not your worst.” – Blair Mannix, Director of Admissions

Application Tips from the MBA Admissions Committee

Three people posing near the Golden Gate Bridge with a large blue shape on the left side of the image.
An interest in consumer retail led Kaylee Tao, W’22, to opportunities and mentorships on campus and off.

This Wharton Senior Has Learned as Much Outside the Classroom as Within

Students working in a room with pop-art decorations and yoga balls on the ground.
The 24-hour competition pushed students of all backgrounds to practice teamwork, experimentation, and forward thinking as they brainstormed brand solutions for Ralph Lauren.

Creating Space for Creativity: Wharton’s IDEATHON 2020

Daymond John and a professor sitting in front of a backdrop of white balloons
The Shark Tank star spoke candidly with students competing at Wharton’s first 24-hour IDEATHON 2020.

Daymond John on Focus, Fashion, and Finding the Right Mentor

A person is speaking at a podium with a microphone during the MARC (Marketing Advertising and Retail Conference). A banner in the background displays conference details and illustrations of landmarks.
At this year’s MARC Conference, undergrads heard from Wharton alum and Christian Lacroix CEO Nicolas Topiol on how he helped revive the luxury fashion house post-bankruptcy.

4 Brand Strategies That Put Christian Lacroix Back on the Runway

Clothing rack filled with different items of clothing hanging on it.
Retailers today are battling for customers who are increasingly picky about their shopping experience. At the 2019 Wharton Women Annual Dinner, the SVP for Walmart Fashion and Wharton alum shared her 3 strategies for successful brand expansion.

Wharton Women Learn How Denise Incandela Transformed Fashion at Walmart

SoulCycle CEO Melanie Whelan
CEO of the wildly popular indoor cycling studio SoulCycle came to campus to talk specialty retail with Wharton undergrads and MBAs.

SoulCycle CEO Melanie Whelan Shares 5 Tips for Success in Specialty Retail with Wharton Marketing Class

Isabel Solares standing outside. She has long, brown hair and is wearing a white top.
Wharton undergrad Isabel Solares balances a French minor and membership on the Wharton Retail Club Board with her concentrations in finance and marketing.

How This Wharton Student Follows Her Interests in Fashion and Liberal Arts

Headshot of Jiyu Lin. She has long, dark hair and is looking to her right.
At Wharton Jiyu Lin had the chance to explore industries and find out what interests her most. “After taking several business classes, and applying my knowledge to two different internships, I’ve discovered that although I am very serious about my career, I also want to do something that is fun and exciting,” she said. “That’s why I’m now interested in managing a retail or fashion company.”

How Internships and Classes Helped This Undergrad Find Her Interests