In episode 467 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Emily Erusha-Hilleque, senior vice president of private brand, and Sam Archibald, general merchandise manager of apparel at Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. and the style source for generations of customers. Listen in as Erusha-Hilleque and Archibald share why the retailer is launching new menswear assortments (1:10), what consumers can expect from its Mode of One label and other new collections (4:50), and the influence of consumer feedback on its new menswear apparel (8:00).
In addition, Erusha-Hilleque and Archibald discuss staying competitive in the fast-paced fashion retail landscape (13:05) and Macy's social-first marketing approach to drive awareness and conversion for its new menswear collection (16:25).
Emily Erusha-Hilleque joined Macy’s in March 2022 to lead the Private Brand Design, Trend, Textile, and Brand Management Team. In this role, she is responsible for leading the nameplate’s private brand portfolio, including the Apparel, Shoes, Jewelry, Handbags, and Home design teams, the trend research and forecasting team, as well as drive the private brands strategy and brand innovation function in partnership with Macy’s Merchandising and Sourcing teams. Over the past two years, Emily and her team have built a foundation for growth in private brands, industry-leading teams of experts across functions, and have successfully reimagined, refreshed and created over 25 brand DNA’s and original design principles. Prior to joining Macy’s, Erusha-Hilleque held various positions at Target Corporation, most recently serving as the leader of Design for Ready-to-Wear’s Young Contemporary Private Label Division, and all of Design Partnerships/Collaborations. Emily also held various leadership positions in merchandising, design, and technical design in apparel, handbags, shoes, jewelry, intimates, sleepwear, and hosiery.
Sam Archibald was appointed senior vice president/general manager for apparel at Macy’s in July 2021. In this role, he is responsible for leading the nameplate’s strategic direction of apparel for men, women, and kids, and driving initiatives that enhance brand presence and market share. Archibald has successfully elevated fashion and quality in Macy’s heritage brands and expanded the apparel business with new brands and in-store experiences, including Donna Karan, Hugo Boss, Karl Lagerfeld, Avec Les Filles, French Connection and more. Prior to joining Macy’s, Archibald was the president of retail North America for Calvin Klein, where he was responsible for the merchandising, planning, allocation, marketing, visual, and retail store operations for both full-price and outlet stores across the U.S. and Canada, establishing a clear strategic vision that elevated the brand’s performance. Archibald’s retail journey began at Macy's, where he spent over 11 years in various roles including tailored clothing, furnishings, and shoes. He advanced from an Executive Development Trainee in 2007 to group vice president and divisional merchandise manager.
