Careers! Professional Development for Retailing and Apparel Merchandising

Julie L. Hillery is a Professor in the Department of Fashion Studies at Columbia College Chicago. She has received numerous teaching awards and specializes in the professional development of entry-level employees. Particular areas of interests include consumer behavior, internship experiences, and work environment. She is also a member of the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) and the American Collegiate Retailing Association (ACRA). Hillery is also the Managing Editor of Retail Minded magazine, a trade publication aimed at independent retailers.

V. Ann Paulins , PhD, is a Professor and Chairperson of Retail Merchandising of the School of Human and Consumer Sciences at Ohio University. She specializes in professional development for retail merchandising careers and focuses her research on leadership and decision making processes of industry professionals. Particular areas of exploration include customer service, work environment, and managerial leadership styles. She is a member if the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) and the American Collegiate Retailing Association (ACRA).