I can’t believe this was my last study tour trip of the semester! This semester flown by. Saving the best for last, our visit to Randa Menswear Accessories was my favorite trip by far.

Founded in 1910 in NYC, Randa produces accessories including neckwear, jewelry, leather goods, luggage and seasonal footwear. The largest accessories provider in the world, the company handles licenses for several notable menswear designers, such as Chaps, Nautica, Ben Sherman, Dockers, Geoffery Beene, Vince Camuto, Jonathan Adler, Levi’s, Kenneth Cole, Ted Baker, Tommy Bahama and so many more.

We were at the showroom at a very exciting time, as our presentation room was set up for a buying meeting with Macy’s, and introduced their new brand with Ryan Seacrest. An exclusive line to Macy’s, Distinction will launch in July in 150 Macy’s stores. Our presenters explained that celebrity brands are very hot right now, and Ryan was a good choice for a line because he is very image conscious, and takes pride in knowing he is his brand. They further explained how the product will be displayed in store, with a shop in shop approach as well as outer fixtures for double exposure. In my planning and buying class last week we had talked about jack robbers, or people who oversaw specific product in retailers but were employees of the brand itself, and that’s what Randa uses for its brands, which was really cool to learn about. These employees make sure to keep the brands Randa produces visually appealing and organized in large retailers like Macy’s, because their own employees can give the best attention to their products, whereas a Macy’s employee may oversee it.

After their very informative presentation the Randa team treated us to a gift, which was so thoughtful! My brother has some great Jonathan Adler ties coming his way for his high school graduation next week!