“
The most important part of building the
Ashley Stewart merchandising team
started with people. Every person
that touches the merchandise must
understand who our customer is and
what she wants. It was critical for us to
build a team of merchants who could
work together, help each other out, and
be strong enough to give and receive
constructive criticism about their
assortments. Our customer deserves to
be celebrated every day and we do that
by giving her the right fashion in the
right colors at the right time.
After his first few months as President, Rhee was
concerned that the company did not have the
runway necessary to execute on the rebirth. They
prepared for bankruptcy, filing on March 9, 2014.
“
Kristen Gaskins,
Chief Merchandising Officer
The entire team remained intact and determined.
Fortunately, Clearlake Capital stepped in and
backed Rhee’s vision. And the rebirth of Ashley
Stewart was underway.
Rhee believes that Ashley Stewart, whether online or in one of the 89 stores across the country,
Reflecting
the
company’s
antiquated
provides customers a community where women
approach when he became President, the
can shop with their family members and friends in
office did not even have Wi-Fi. He made sure
a supportive setting. He truly feels strongly about
a state-of-the-art e-commerce platform and
heritage and authenticity through generations of
“
digital marketing strategy were put in place.
customers. “Ashley Stewart is a global fashion
He also restructured the senior management
versus hiring from the outside. Long-time
GMM Kristen Gaskins returned to assume
the role of Chief Merchandising Officer.
The company is now attracting top-flight
talent.
I’ve been with Ashley Stewart for 2 years
and working here has been a dream come
true! I’m working with top influencers in
the fashion industry, recognized for my
hard work by my colleagues, and a part of a
company that is empow