January is always an exciting time for the Retail Management Institute, and this year was no exception. We had the privilege of taking 35 students on an enriching journey, offering them experiences they will treasure for years to come. The early January 2025 trip to New York City was a remarkable opportunity for students to connect with industry leaders, explore flagship stores, and participate in the NRF Student Program. Throughout five days, they engaged in interactive sessions that deepened their understanding of the retail industry.
Day 1: Store Tour Day
The first official day of the trip started off with a visit to some of the most iconic retail locations in New York City.
Apple Store Tour
Students kicked off their day at the Apple Store on 5th Avenue, gaining valuable insights into store operations, recruitment strategies, and customer experience. Arranged with Apple’s leadership team, the visit offered an inside look at innovative retail design, leadership, and customer engagement. Students were particularly impressed by the store’s intentional design, from its architecture to strategic layout, creating an immersive and inclusive shopping experience. They found it eye-opening to see how Apple’s retail strategy fosters long-term customer connections. A highlight of the visit was the panel discussion and Q&A, where Apple employees shared their career journeys and perspectives on company culture, leadership, and professional growth. The smaller tour groups allowed for interactive discussions and hands-on learning, including exploring the latest Apple technology, iPhone features, and Vision Pro demos.
A huge thank you to Paul Felcher, Maggie Watson, Julissa Rodriguez, Kiersten Runnels, Amy Courtright, and Kris Bazan for making this opportunity possible. The visit was a standout moment of the trip, leaving students inspired and eager to apply their learnings to their future careers.
Tiffany & Co. Store Tour
The group’s visit to Tiffany & Co. provided an in-depth look into luxury retail, where tradition meets modernity to create an immersive customer experience. Students explored brand storytelling, craftsmanship, and the artistry behind Tiffany’s globally recognized identity. Each floor of the store was intentionally designed, showcasing historical artifacts, artistic collaborations, and iconic collections that reflect Tiffany’s dedication to excellence. The tour highlighted the thoughtful integration of architecture, visual merchandising, and customer engagement strategies. A standout moment was the visit to the jewelry workshop, where students gained insight into the design process, materials, and the expertise required to create Tiffany’s signature pieces.
A special thank you to Cyril Arpin for coordinating this seamless experience, Soraya Crawford Gomez and Adam Ward for their hospitality and expert insights, and our board member, Michael Schriver for facilitating this opportunity. This visit offered an inspiring perspective on heritage, craftsmanship, and the evolving world of luxury retail, leaving a lasting impact on students.
Nordstrom Store Tour & RMI Alumni Reception
The day concluded with a visit to Nordstrom, where students gained valuable insights into how the company has maintained its reputation for exceptional customer service and operational excellence. The tour highlighted Nordstrom’s strategic store design, and commitment to personalized interactions, offering a deeper understanding of what sets the retailer apart.
We were honored to see Blake Nordstrom's Footprint in the Nordstrom NYC store, a tribute to his lasting legacy in the company and the retail industry.
Students explored the intentional layout of each floor, learning how merchandising decisions, branding, and customer engagement strategies shape the overall shopping experience. They were particularly intrigued by Nordstrom’s commitment to inclusivity, such as plus-size mannequins and personalized services like bra fittings for breast cancer survivors, as well as community-driven initiatives that support local organizations. The visit also shed light on why the 57th Street location was chosen rather than somewhere else in the city.
Beyond the store tour, students found the RMI Alumni Meetup to be one of the most memorable aspects of the day. Connecting with former students now working in the industry gave them valuable career insights, allowing for meaningful discussions on career paths, retail trends, and personal experiences in the workforce. Many appreciated the casual yet informative setting, which encouraged open dialogue and professional networking.The reception event provided a wonderful opportunity for students and alumni to connect, share experiences, and deepen their understanding of the retail world.
A huge thank you to Jamie Nordstrom, Chris Wanlass, John Seery, and Taylor Britton for hosting us and offering valuable insights into business practices and customer-focused strategies. This visit was a perfect conclusion to an enriching day, reinforcing the importance of innovation, customer experience, and community engagement in modern retail.
Day 2: Store Tour Day & Exclusive Retail Experiences
Students continued their retail explorations on day two with visits to premier stores.
Google Store Tour
Our New York City visit included a fascinating and inspiring tour of Google’s retail space and corporate office in Chelsea. The visit began with a structured presentation, providing key insights into Google’s brick-and-mortar vision, marketing strategies, and product ecosystem. This format enriched the tour, making it more immersive and interactive. Students particularly enjoyed the Google Bingo activity, which encouraged hands-on exploration of store features. Inside the store, students tested Pixel devices, Nest products, and smart home integrations, while learning about Google’s thoughtful approach to store design. The subway-themed interactive room stood out as an innovative way to showcase the brand’s connection to New York City. Discussions also highlighted Google’s selective retail expansion strategy, deepening students’ understanding of physical retail in a digital-driven company.
A big thank you to Varun Ponnuru and Emily Douglas for the insightful tour, and to John McAteer and Liza Hoyne for making this experience possible.
Louis Vuitton Store Tour
Students had the exceptional opportunity to visit Louis Vuitton, where they explored how the brand seamlessly blends tradition, artistry, and modern design to maintain its status as a leader in luxury retail. The tour provided insight into Louis Vuitton’s meticulous craftsmanship, strategic collaborations, and the thought process behind creating an immersive shopping experience. Each floor of the store offered a distinct atmosphere, with intentional design elements influencing the look, feel, and even scent of the space. Students were particularly fascinated by how the brand curates collections to reflect both heritage and contemporary trends, ensuring a dynamic yet timeless appeal. A highlight of the visit was gaining access to the exclusive upper level, where rare couture pieces, including celebrity-worn garments, were displayed. Seeing these unique designs up close made the experience unforgettable.
Beyond the aesthetics, students learned about Louis Vuitton’s approach to customer engagement, the significance of its collaborations, and the strategies behind maintaining its prestige in a competitive luxury market. The visit deepened their understanding of how storytelling, exclusivity, and innovation contribute to the brand’s enduring influence.
A heartfelt thank you to Francois for coordinating, and to Drew Moxley and Courtney Sheehan for leading a remarkable tour and sharing their expertise. We’d also like to extend our gratitude to Michael Schriver for his invaluable connections in making this experience possible.
Day 3: NRF Conference Begins
The core of the trip was the NRF Student Program, held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel. Known for bringing together the brightest minds in retail, the program featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Industry leaders shared valuable insights on the evolving retail landscape, offering students an exclusive glimpse into the future of the industry. The structured sessions allowed students to engage with top executives, ask questions, and participate in interactive discussions.
Day 4: NRF Conference & Career Fair
The second day of the NRF Student Program continued to provide students with enriching experiences. Students attended keynote speeches and executive mentoring sessions, where they connected with experienced professionals who offered career guidance and industry insights. This session proved to be a defining moment for many, as they gained personalized advice from seasoned mentors. The Career Fair, featuring over 40 employers, allowed students to interact with recruiters and industry professionals.
Day 5: Exclusive Interviews & Industry Insights
The final day of the NRF Student Program was dedicated to invite-only interviews, where students selected from the NRF career fair had the opportunity to meet with employers for onsite interviews. Few of our Retail Management Institute students were invited to interview, with some receiving multiple opportunities to connect with potential employers.
Additionally, some students took advantage of their NRF Big Show free pass, exploring the industry’s largest retail conference, gaining insights from top executives, and discovering the latest innovations shaping the future of retail.
Conclusion
The New York City Trip 2025 was an invaluable opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of the retail industry. Through store tours, industry panels, and networking events, they experienced firsthand the challenges and opportunities within the field. From visiting the Apple Store and engaging in interactive discussions at Google and Louis Vuitton to connecting with alumni and attending the NRF Student Program, students returned home inspired, motivated, and equipped with new knowledge and connections. This trip not only broadened their academic and professional horizons but also prepared them to thrive in the ever-evolving world of retail.