Hollister: From California Vibes to All-inclusive Global Fashion Brand
8 Social Casinos to pass your time and socialize
Associate Principal, Head of Product Development for Financial Markets
eClerx
MARKETING COORDINATOR (APAC)
Suchita P.
PR & MARKETING COORDINATOR
James H.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE
Utkarsha P.
CREATIVE CONTENT EDITOR
Shalmali W.
CREATIVE DESIGN HEAD
Sankalp K.
Ashwini D. GRAPHIC DESIGNER
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Narendra S.
DIGITAL CIRCULATION MANAGER
Amanda V.
The Rise of a Female Titan! DearReaders,
Thebusinesslandscapeisevolvingatarapidpace,drivenbyinnovation,disruption,anda relentlesspursuitofexcellence.Attheheartofthistransformationareextraordinaryleaderswho areredefiningindustrynorms,inspiringteams,andcreatingenduringvalue.
Thisissueof The Enterprise World shinesaspotlightontheremarkablewomenwhoareshaping thebusinessworldoftomorrow.Ourcarefullycuratedlistof "The Most Iconic Women Leaders To Watch In 2024" celebratestheachievementsoftheseexceptionalindividualswhoarenot onlybreakingglassceilingsbutsettingnewstandardsofleadership.
Thesewomenarepioneers,visionaries,andcatalystsforchange.Theyareleadingfromthe front,navigatingcomplexchallengeswithresilienceanddetermination,andinspiringanew generationofbusinessleaders.Theirstoriesareatestamenttothepowerofambition,grit,anda relentlesspursuitofexcellence.
Asyoudelveintothepagesofthisissue,youwillencounterwomenwhoaretransforming industries,drivingsocialimpact,andfosteringacultureofinnovation.Theirinsights, experiences,andperspectivesofferinvaluablelessonsforbusinessleadersatalllevels.
Onthecoverofthisissue,wehavefeaturedAshwiniBhole(AssociatePrincipalandHeadof ProductDevelopmentforFinancialMarkets . ateClerx) Before2000whenmostpeople consideredInformationTechnology(IT)anunknownfieldwithanuncertainfutureascompared toComputerScience,Ashwinihadotherambitions.Fascinatedbyallthingstechnology,she decidedtopursuestudiesinInformationTechnologytoleverageitstransformativepower, makingheroneofthemosticonictechleaders.
Webelievethatbyshowcasingtheachievementsoftheseextraordinarywomen,wecaninspire andempowerotherstoreachtheirfullpotential.Wehopethisissuewillserveasacatalystfor positivechangeandacelebrationoftheremarkablewomenwhoaremakingadifferenceinthe world.
Have a great read!
Shalmali W. halmaliS
Forthecoverreadabout- Onthecoverofthisissue,wehavefeaturedAshwiniBhole (AssociatePrincipalandHeadofProductDevelopmentfor FinancialMarketsateClerx).Before2000whenmostpeople consideredInformationTechnology(IT)anunknownfieldwithan uncertainfutureascomparedtoComputerScience,Ashwinihad otherambitions.Fascinatedbyallthingstechnology,shedecidedto pursuestudiesinInformationTechnologytoleverageits transformativepower,makingheroneofthemosticonictech leaders.
Earlyexposuretocomputersandprogrammingfurtherboosted Ashwini’sinterestintechnology.Ontheotherhand,thethrillof writingherfirstlinesofcodelaidthefoundationforhercareer Inspiredbysomeofherprofessors,shetookspecialinterestin learningaboutencryptionandapplicationsecurity Thelearningthat shecarriedhelpshereventodaywhendesigningthearchitecturefor applicationsthathandlethemostsensitivePIIdata.
Inthelonghaul,mentorshipfromexperiencedleadersinthetech industry,whoofferedtheirguidance,support,andinsightsproved valuableintacklingindustrychallengesandhelpedAshwini capitalizeonopportunities.Rightinherearlycareer,shedeveloped anappreciationthatallthepoweroftechnologyisinconsequential, untilitsolvesaproblem,whetherforbusinessorbroadlyfor humanity.Theseexperiencescollectivelyreinforcedher commitmenttothetechindustry—drivenbyapassionforcreating technology-drivensolutions.
AdegreeinInformationTechnologyprovidedAshwiniwithastrong technicalfoundationandhelpedherunderstandthetruepotentialof technology.Herfirstjobinatechstartupmadeherfamiliarwiththe fast-paced,dynamicenvironmentofthetechworld.
Transitioningtoawell-establishedtechcompany,shewassoon promotedtoaleadershippositionthattestedherleadershipacumen andstrategicthinking.Thisexperiencegaveheropportunitiesto workonlarge-scaleprojectsandlearnfromexperienced professionals.
Ashwini Bhole
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British Columbia: A Land of Natural Wonders and Cultural Diversity
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8 Social Casinos to pass your time and socialize
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Hollister: From California Vibes to All-inclusive Global Fashion Brand
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Common Pitfalls Your Business Partner Agreement Must Avoid
Ashwini Bhole SOLVING REAL WORLD CHALLENGES THROUGH TRANSFORMATIVE TECH SOLUTIONS The decision to go against the tide requires courage and can often be what separates good leaders from the greats. The leadership journey of Ashwini Bhole, Associate Principal and Head of Product Development for Financial Markets at eClerx, is a prime example of such exceptional leadership.
Before 2000 when most people considered Information Technology (IT) an unknown eld with an uncertain future as compared to Computer Science, Ashwini had other ambitions. Fascinated by all things technology, she decided to pursue studies in Information Technology to leverage its transformative power, making her one of the most iconic tech leaders to watch in 2024.
Associate Principal, Head of Product Development for Financial Markets | eClerx
Cover Story LayingtheCareerFoundation EarlyexposuretocomputersandprogrammingfurtherboostedAshwini’sinterestintechnology.Ontheotherhand,thethrill ofwritingherfirstlinesofcodelaidthefoundationforhercareer.Inspiredbysomeofherprofessors,shetookspecial interestinlearningaboutencryptionandapplicationsecurity Thelearningthatshecarriedhelpshereventodaywhen designingthearchitectureforapplicationsthathandlethemostsensitivePIIdata.
Inthelonghaul,mentorshipfromexperiencedleadersinthetechindustry,whoofferedtheirguidance,support,andinsights provedvaluableintacklingindustrychallengesandhelpedAshwinicapitalizeonopportunities.Rightinherearlycareer,she developedanappreciationthatallthepoweroftechnologyisinconsequential,untilitsolvesaproblem,whetherforbusiness orbroadlyforhumanity Theseexperiencescollectivelyreinforcedhercommitmenttothetechindustry—drivenbyapassion forcreatingtechnology-drivensolutions.
Fast-PacedTechWorld AdegreeinInformationTechnologyprovidedAshwiniwithastrongtechnicalfoundationandhelpedherunderstandthetrue potentialoftechnology.Herfirstjobinatechstartupmadeherfamiliarwiththefast-paced,dynamicenvironmentofthetech world.
Transitioningtoawell-establishedtechcompany,shewassoonpromotedtoaleadershippositionthattestedherleadership acumenandstrategicthinking.Thisexperiencegaveheropportunitiestoworkonlarge-scaleprojectsandlearnfrom experiencedprofessionals.
Stayingupdatedwiththeindustrytrendsisespeciallyimportantinthetechworld.Tostayaheadofthecurve,Ashwini attendedvariousindustryconferences,enrolledinadvancedcourses,andcompletedaPost-graduateExecutiveManagement ProgrammefollowedbyaPost-graduationinMachineLearningandArtificialIntelligence.
CoreLeadershipValues IntegrityandcommunicationareatthecoreofAshwini’sleadershipphilosophy Ashwiniencouragesindividualstoshare differentperspectivesandhavehealthydebates,ensuringeveryvoiceisvalued.Thisapproachnotonlyfostersacollaborative environmentbutalsostrengthenstheteam’ssynergy.
Leaders Who Inspire Ashwini Steve Jobs Visionary leader, who revolutionized products (iPhone, iPad). Inspired by his design & user-centric approach, innovation drive.
Sheryl Sandberg
COO of Facebook, a champion for women leaders & diversity. Inspired by her advocacy for empowerment, resilience, and work-life balance.
Andrew Ng
Co-founder of Coursera, AI leader. Inspired by his passion for education, AI knowledge sharing, and practical applications.
Empowerment,innovation,andagrowthmindsetare equallyvitaltoherleadership.Ashwinistrivestocreatea culturewherepeoplefeelempoweredtotakeownership, makedecisions,andcontributetheirtalents—investingin theirgrowththroughopportunitiesforlearningand development.
Committedtofosteringcreativityandcontinuous improvement,Ashwiniembracesexperimentsandnew ideastostayaheadintheAIanddatasciencefield.By supportingongoingeducation,professionaldevelopment, andpersonalgrowth,shehelpsindividualsreachtheirfull potential—drivingbothpersonalandorganizational success.
TacklingChallengesthroughDetermination Managingchangeandmaintainingteammoraleis challenging,particularlyduringorganizational restructuringortheimplementationofnewtechnologies, saysAshwini.Totackleindividualconcerns,shepromotes ownershipandcollaborationbyactivelyinvolvingteam membersduringthetransitionperiod.
Whilenatural,resistancetochangeacrosstheorganization cancreateanxietyanddisruptproductivity.Prioritizing clearcommunicationandexplainingthereasonsbehindthe changesandtheirlong-termbenefitsiscrucialinsuch situations.
Especiallyduringsuchtoughtimes,Ashwiniacknowledges andcelebratessuccesses—bigandsmall.Regularone-ononemeetingsandteam-buildingactivitieskeepeveryone alignedandmotivated.Moreover,showinggenuine appreciationforhardworkandofferingprofessional developmentopportunitiesleadstoasupportive environment.
AccordingtoAshwini,balancingimmediateresultswith long-termstrategicgoalsiscrucialtoorganizational success.Tomanagethis,sheestablishesclearprioritiesand communicatesthemeffectivelytoensureteamalignment. AteClerx,thisbalanceisachievedthroughregular progressreviewsandadjustingstrategiesasneeded.
Whenconflictsarisewithintheteamorwithexternal stakeholders,Ashwinirecommendsapproachingthe situationwithamindsetofunderstandingandresolution. Accordingtoher,activelylisteningtoallpartiesinvolved andfacilitatingopen,respectfuldiscussionshelpsidentify rootcausesandfindmutuallyagreeablesolutions.
AdrivingforcebehindAshwini’sleadershipisher constantpursuitofinnovation.Apassionfortechnology compelshertopushboundariesanddevelopsolutions thataddressreal-worldchallenges.This,coupledwitha clearvisionandacommitmenttopositivesocietal impact,fuelsmymotivationduringbothtriumphsand setbacks.
Shemotivatesherteamtopursueambitiousgoalswith herleadershipandasperHRpartners360-degree feedback,herteammembersadmireherandherpeers respectherknowledge.Herseniormanagersappreciate herroleincreatinginnovativesolutionsthatsetthe companyapartintheindustry.Sheisalsoatrusted advisortoherclosefamily-theyaskforheradviceon importantdecisionsinlife,suchaseducationforthe childrenortoughchoicesforhersiblings.
Ashwinivaluesthetrustthathercompanyandcolleagues haveinherleadership,isthankfulfortheenvironment thattheyhavecreatedtohelpherexcel.Ashwinialso cherishestheunwaveringsupportthatherfamilyhas providedallthroughhercareer–herparents,in-laws, siblings,husbandandtheirteenagerson.
“I nd fulllment in knowing our work improves customer lives and fosters longterm success for the company and its stakeholders.” Cover Story Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Growth mindset: Embrace learning, see challenges as growth opportunities, and failures as lessons. Adapt, overcome, and innovate!
Customer focus: Understand their needs, gather feedback, and create solutions that exceed expectations. Put them rst!
Strong team: Surround yourself with talented, passionate people who share your vision. Invest in them, empower them!
Focus & exibility: Have a vision, and set goals, but be adaptable. Balance is key in a changing world.
Continuous innovation: Encourage creativity, experiment, stay informed about trends, and take calculated risks to stay ahead.
Strong relationships: Network with entrepreneurs, leaders, and partners. Build meaningful connections based on mutual respect and value.
LeadershipLessonsandAccolades DevelopingthefirstRoboticsandAI-driven productfromconcepttomarketlaunchwasa pivotalachievementforeClerx.Itwasastrong marketfitandthetimingwasprecise,earning positivefeedbackfromearlyadoptersand impressivetractioninthemarket.Thissuccess ledtoamajorrevenueboost,includinga100% year-over-yearrevenuegrowthrateforthe productwithinthefirstthreeyears,underscoring themarketdemandforeClerx’ssolutions.
Tosuccessfullyexecutesuchprojects, assemblingahigh-performanceteamwas essentialforeClerx.Attractingtoptalentin Microsoftstack,AI,datascience,andbusiness developmentallowedthecompanytofostera collaborativeyetinnovativeworkculturethat drovehighperformanceandemployee satisfaction.
Foritsinnovativecontributionstothetech world,eClerxwasrecognizedwithprestigious awardssuchasthe “A-Team Innovation Awards 2023” and “NASSCOM AI Game Changer.”
Moreover,Ashwiniwashonoredwiththe “Women to Watch Out for in AI & Analytics (2022)” awardby3AI.
ExcitingMarketDynamics Thedynamicnatureofthemarketiswhat excitesAshwiniandkeepsherengaged. Innovativeproductdevelopmentallowsherto createcutting-edgesolutionsusingAI,machine learning,andbigdataanalytics–transforming ideasintomarket-leadingproducts.Furthermore, collaboratingwithengineering,design, marketing,andsalesteamsfosterscreativityand innovation.
Beyondthat,sheenjoysanalyzingtrends, understandingcustomerneeds,andcrafting strategiesthatdifferentiateeClerx’sproducts. Understandingthevitalityofcustomercentricity,Ashwinifindsengagingwith customerstotranslatetheirpainpointsinto impactfulfeaturesrewarding.
Ashwini’s Tips to Achieve Work-Life Balance • Boundaries: Set work hours, communicate them, and use tools to schedule focused work and personal time.
• Prioritize: Focus on high-impact tasks, delegate, and use the Eisenhower Matrix for efcient time management.
• Mindfulness: Practice meditation or deep breathing to manage stress and improve focus. Apps like Headspace can help.
• Hobbies: Schedule time for activities outside of work that bring you joy and reduce stress.
• Social Connections: Nurture relationships with loved ones and colleagues. Plan regular social activities.
• Goals: Set realistic goals for work and personal life. Break down big goals and celebrate progress.
Journey of Patience and Resilience Ashwini highlights "Leaders Eat Last," a book by Simon Sinek, where he encourages leaders to redene leadership, highlighting how leadership is not about personal gain, but fostering a trusting environment where people excel. This resonates with Ashwini’s belief in servant leadership, prioritizing team growth and well-being.
Additionally, Ashwini highlights a Steve Jobs quote, "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower" as inspiring words that motivate her to constantly push boundaries.
"Embrace the journey with patience and resilience, and don't be afraid to take calculated risks.” British Colum A Land of Natural Wonders & Cultural Diversity mbia Have you ever heard of the city of British Columbia? It is one of the provinces with natural landscapes, vibrant cities, economic productivity, and rich cultural heritage. Located in the western part of Canada, British Columbia is known for its coasts, mountains, and forests. It is dedicated to sustainable living and environmental preservation. British Columbia is home to various animals and a special place for tourists to visit. Join us on a journey where we will learn about rich cultural heritage and some interesting facts about this fascinating place.
British Columbia Culture of Thetraditionofthiscityismulticulturalanddiverse owingtoprimaryterritoriesofIndigenouspeoples, Europeanstylesofcolonization,andimmigrant populationsfromaroundtheglobe.Thisdiversity manifestsitselfinthepresenceofnumerousfoods,art, andeveneverydaylifeintheregion.Thus,Original cultureremainsanimportantcomponentofBritish Columbia’sculturalstructure.Theprovinceisa dwellingofnumerousIndigenouspeoplewhohavetheir ownculture,language,andart.Thecraftsmanshipof indigenouspeoples,suchasthecharmpoles,carved works,andwearablearts,isembracedandlinkedinto society’slifeandinfrastructure.
CelebrationslikeNationalIndigenousPeoplesDayand VancouverIndigenousFashionWeekhelpin progressivelypresentingtheculturalessenceofthe NativepeopleinCanada,particularlyinBritish Columbia.Mosttownsandcities,forinstance,provide culturaltourismandtouchwithtraditionallifestylesfor thepeoplewhowanttohaveafeelofthenative Americanlife
ClimateofBritishColumbia BritishColumbia'sclimatevariesgreatlyduetoitsdiversegeographyandproximitytothePacificOcean.Vancouverand Victoriaenjoythecoastalregion'stemperatemarineclimatewithmild,wintersandcool,drysummers.Inthesouthareas, includingKelownaandKamloops,thetemperatureisasemi-aridclimatewithhotsummersandcold,snowywinters.Inthe NorthareassuchasPrinceGeorgehaveasubarcticclimatewithtoughwintersandshort,warmsummers.Themountainous regions,includingtheRockies,haveaclimatewithcoolertemperaturesandheavysnowfall,idealforwintersports.This climateofBritishColumbiasupportsarichbiodiversityandawiderangeofoutdooractivitiesyear-round.
FestivalandEventsofBritishColumbia Itisrichincelebratingdiversityaswellasculturesthroughfestivalsaswellasspecialoccasionsthatareobservedthroughout asociety.ThesearefestivalssuchastheVancouverInternationalFilmFestivalandfireworkscompetition‘Celebrationof Light’,andthefestivalofmusicandculture,theVancouverFolkMusicFestival.Suchoccasionsinvolvepeoplefrom differentpartsoftheglobeasparticipantsaswellasonlookers.Besidesthelarge-scaleculturalfests,certainorganizedfests areparticularfestivalsorseasonalfestslikefarmersmarkets,craftfairs,orculturalfests.Sucheventshelpinbringingthe peopletogetherandalsosupportthetalentofthelocalitywithlocalproduce.
BritishColumbia Iconic foods to try in It offers a delightful fusion of traditional modern-day dining experiences that reect its enthusiastic history and cultural diversity. Here, we are sharing some of the foods you should never miss:
Dugnesscrabs:Itisthemostpopularcrustaceanin BritishColumbia.TheDungenesscrabisknown foritslovely,mouthwateringtasteanddelicious texture.
WhiteSturgeoncaviar:Thetasteofthisiconic foodisnutty,andbutteryundertones,andthedrops areusuallyhardandmediumintexture.
C.Rolls:Thecommoningredientsinthesushiroll aregrilledsalmonwithsauceandcucumberand bakedwiththeskinon,whichmakesitdelicious.
SpotPrawns:TheBritishColumbiaprawnsare namedspotprawnsbecauseofthewhitehorizontal barsontheirshellandwhitespotsontheirtail.
SushiandSashimi:Withitsrichseafood,itoffers someofthefreshestsushiandsashimioutsideof Japan.Trythelocals'favoriteslikeBCRollwith salmonandavocado.
Poutine:Thisisaverypopularmealof Frenchfrieswithcheesecurdsandcovered inaheartygravy;thereareseveral variationsfromthebasic,includingmeat suchasmushroomsandseafood.
Nanaimobars:Thisno-bakedessertbar hasacoconut-chocolatecrustanda custard-stylemiddlelayerandistopped withchocolateganache.They recommendedittheseafoodpaella,garlic, shrimp,andOzunapotatoes.
GameMeat:Someofthegamemeats commoninBCarevenison,elk,andbison duetotheregions’geographical differences.Includefoodssuchasstews, sausages,andgrilledsteaksastheseare typesofmealswithenhancedandintensely flavoredmeats.
InterestingFactsAbout BRITISH COLUMBIA YouDidn’tKnow HomegrownpeoplewalkedacrosstheBeringiafromSiberiatoNorthAmerica20000yearsago.Manyoftheoldest archaeologicalsitesareunderwater.
Indigenouspeoplewerelivinginpermanentsettlementsandstarteddoingagriculturearound5000yearsago.
In1843VancouverIsland,FortVictoriawasbuiltandtheBritishlaidclaimtotheislandandsmallerGulfIsland.
IntheNootkaConventionsofthe1790s,thelandnorthofJuandeFucaStraitwasofficiallyacquiredbyBritain.
In1775,SpanishexplorerssailedtheBritishColumbiaandclaimedtheareaforSpain.
Tipsfor Travelers CostsandpricesinthecityarerelativelyinexpensivecomparedtoothercitiesinCanada.
Youcanvisitthecityonfoot,butifyouprefernottowalk,publictransportisavailableliketheMetro,Train,Tram, Bus,Funicular,Trolleybus,andTaxis.
ThecurrencyinthecityisCanadiandollars($).Creditcardsareacceptedeverywhere,butmakesuretokeepsome cashforemergencies.
OverallBCisfairlysafe,butalwaysbecarefulandextracarefulwheninthewilderness.Getthedigitsforthe emergencylearntheemergencynumbertheplaceyouareinusewhichis911forinstance,bealert,andmakesureyour propertyissafeguarded.
Ensureyoutakeatravelinsurancepolicy,especiallyhealthinsurance,accidents,andanyothercancellationinsurance policy.HealthcostsinCanadacanbeveryhighforminors,andatleastbecauseofthis,insuranceisarelief.
Conclusion British Columbia stands out as a fascinating destination blending natural wonders, cultural diversity, and a rich historical culture. From its stunning coastal landscapes and majestic mountains to vibrant cities like Vancouver and Victoria, this province offers a wealth of experiences for travelers. The province's commitment to environmental sustainability and conservation adds another layer of appeal, making it a sanctuary for nature lovers and eco-conscious tourists alike. Whether exploring the craftsmanship of Indigenous peoples, enjoying local delicacies like Dungeness crab and sushi, or participating in cultural celebrations such as the Vancouver International Film Festival, visitors are immersed in a unique blend of traditions and modernity.
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FROM CALIFORNIA VIBES TO ALL- INCLUSIVE GLOBAL FASHION BRAND Since sustainable and conscious fashion was
introduced in the fashion industry, many brands have taken the initiative to develop conscious fashion lines. While we see a lot of brands complying with this, there have been brands that have been in controversy regarding their nonsustainable products. One of those brands has been Hollister, a fast fashion retail brand that is known for its California vibes. In this article, we will learn more about the retail brand, its history, global presence, and marketing strategies.
TheFictionalBeginning Hollister,oftenknownasHCo.isaretailbrandownedbyAbercrombie&FitchCo.Itsellsapparel,accessories, andfragrances.ItopeneditsfirststoreonJuly27,2000,attheEastonTownCenterinColumbus,Ohio. Abercrombie&FitchlaunchedHollistertotargetayoungerdemographic,specificallyconsumersaged14-18, withitsSoCal-inspiredimageandcasualwear.Despiteitstargetagegroup,theappealofthebrandextends beyondteenagersandhasgainedpopularityamongawideraudience.
MikeJeffries,theformerCEOofAbercrombie&Fitch,createdafictionalbackgroundstorytoformtheconcept ofHollisterandprovideauniqueatmosphereforitsshoppers.Accordingtothefictionalstory-J.M.Hollister foundedthebrandin1922asaPacificmerchantshopinSouthernCalifornia.Thisfictionalbackstorywas designedtoattractconsumersandcreatealifestylebrandthatconsumerscouldengagewith.
Thebrandquicklygainedpopularityandexpandeditspresenceglobally.By2013,therewere587stores worldwide,generatingovertwobilliondollarsinsales.Thebrand'ssuccesscanbeattributedtoAbercrombie& Fitch'seffectivebrandpenetrationstrategies.
IsHollisterSustainable&Ethical? Hollisterhasbeeninquestionaboutitsethicalpracticesbecauseofitsfabricchoices.Itusesfabricslikemixed polyester,wool,down,leather,andotheranimal-basedmaterials.Ithasreceivedaratingof‘notgoodenough’in termsofsustainabilityon‘GoodOnYou’,aplatformthatevaluatesbrandsbasedontheirsustainabilitypractices.
Onitswebsite,thebrandhasmentionedthatitpracticessustainability,butthereisnoevidencethatitistaking meaningfulaction.Neithertoreduceoreliminatehazardouschemicalsinitsmanufacturingprocessesnortoprotect biodiversityinitssupplychain.Itreceivedalowratingfromexpertsforitslackofsupplychaintransparencyand useofsustainablematerials.Peoplehavecriticizedthebrandfornotbeingtransparentaboutworkingconditionsin itssupplychain.
Itfallsshortwhenitcomestotakingcareofitsworkers.Noneofitssupplychainiscertifiedtoensureworkerhealth, safety,andlaborrights.Accordingtothe2023FashionTransparencyIndex,Hollisterreceivedascoreof31-40%, whichisaslightimprovementfrombefore,butthere'sstillalongwaytogo.There'snoproofthatthebrand promotesdiversityandinclusioninitssupplychain.Italsousesfewlower-impactmaterials,andwhileitaimsto source25%ofitscottonsustainablyby2025,thisisstillasmallpercentageofitsoverallcottonusage.Despitethis, thebrandhasshownintentionsofintroducingmoresustainablematerials.
Hollister Challenges Faced by Hollister Hollister has faced several challenges, be it legal issues or controversies. Here are some challenges the brand went through.
The Trademark Battle
An article from the Los Angeles Times in April 2009 mentioned that Abercrombie & Fitch issued threats to the people of Hollister, California, who wanted to use the name "Hollister" on their clothing. It also shared a story from 2006 when Stacey Crummett, the CEO of Rag City Blues, added the word "Hollister" to the label of her vintage blue jeans. When Crummett applied to register this trademark, Abercrombie & Fitch's lawyers sent her a letter claiming she was infringing on their trademark and threatened to sue her. As a result, Crummett withdrew her application.
Morrisvs.Abercrombie&FitchCo.
In2007,therewasalawsuitcalledMorrisvs.Abercrombie&FitchCo.,anditwaseventuallysettled.Abercrombie&Fitch Co.admittedthattheymadeamistakebyaskingtheircustomersinCaliforniaforpersonalidentificationinformationwhen theyweregettingrefundsusingtheircreditcards.CustomerswhowereaskedforthisinformationbetweenJuly9,2005,and May31,2007,wereeligibletoreceivegiftcardsascompensation.Sincethesettlement,Abercrombie&FitchCo.stores havestoppedaskingforthisinformationwhencustomersreturnitemstheyboughtwithacreditcard.
WheelchairAccessibility InAugust2011,ajudgenamedWileyDanielruledthattwoHollisterstoresinColoradowerenotfollowingtheAmericans withDisabilitiesAct(ADA).Thiswasbecausethestoreshadentranceswithsteps,makingitdifficultforcustomersin wheelchairstoenter.Instead,theyhadtouseautomaticsidedoors.Thecaseexpandedintoanationwideclass-actionlawsuit in2012.InMarch2013,JudgeDanielruledinfavorofthepeoplewhofiledthelawsuit.Hefoundthatoutof483stores acrossthecountry,248ofthemhadentrancesthatviolatedtheADA.Itcametolightthatallofthesestoreswerebuiltafter theADAwasestablished.InAugust2013,ajudgeinColoradoruledthatHollisterCo.anditsparentcompany,Abercrombie &Fitch,hadtoredesign248storeswiththe"porchentrance"tomakethemwheelchairaccessible.
Religious Discrimination Claims A&Ffacedchargesofdiscriminationagainstan employeeataHollisterCo.storeinCalifornia.The employeeclaimedthattheywerecriticizedforwearing ahijabwhileworkingthere.Theemployeehadworn thehijabduringtheinterviewandwashiredthatway Duringtheconversation,theinterviewermentionedthat thehijabcouldonlybewornincertaincolors,likegray, navy,andwhite.However,aDistrictManagerlatertold theemployeetoremovethehijabwhileworking.
OnFebruary23,theCouncilonAmerican-IslamicRelations filedacomplaintagainstAbercrombie&Fitchwiththe federalEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommission.This wasnotthefirsttimeA&Ffacedsuchacomplaint.They hadreceivedasimilarcomplaintinSeptember2009, involvingasimilarcircumstanceinOklahoma.
MarketingStrategiesForSuccess Hollisterisknownforitslaid-back,California-inspiredstyle andstrongmarketingstrategiesthathelpeditreachsuccess. Hereareafewstrategiesitincorporatedtomakeaglobal name.
FocusedTargetAudienceReach ThetargetaudienceofHollisterprimarilyconsistsof teenagersandyoungadultswhoareinterestedinsurfing, skateboarding,andotheroutdooractivities.Itsfashionline appealstothetargetcustomer’sloveforcasual, comfortable,andfunctionalattire.Toeffectivelyreachand connectwithitsintendedaudience,thebrandusesdifferent marketingstrategies.
Itpartnerswithpopularsocialmediainfluencersand supportseventsandactivitiesthatmatchtheirbrandimage. Thiscreatesexcitementaroundthebrandandgivesvaluable insightsintowhatcustomerslike.Recently,thebrandmade changestobecomemoreinclusive.Theyintroducedaplussizerangeandexpandedtheirsizeoptionsforbothmenand women.
SocialMediaMarketing Hollisterusessocialmediaalottoengagewithits customers.TheyhaveaccountsonInstagram,Facebook, Snapchat,Twitter,TikTok,LinkedIn,andGlassdoortoreach awiderangeofpeople.Itpostsshortvideoseverydayto keepupwiththelatesttrendsonsocialmediaandhasrealtimeconversationswithitsfollowers.Thishelpsthebrand connectwithdifferenttypesofpeoplewhohavedifferent interests.
Oneimportantpartofitssocialmediastrategyisworking withinfluencers.Theyformlong-termpartnershipswith popularcontentcreatorsliketheD'Ameliosisterson TikTok.Thishelpsincreasethebrand'svisibilityandbuild trust,especiallyamonghighschoolstudentswhoarethe maintargetaudienceforHollister.
ExperimentalMarketing Thebrandbelievesincreatingmemorableand engagingexperiencesforitsaudiencethrough experientialmarketing.Itsmainaimistotransport customersintotheCalifornialifestyle,givingthema tasteoftheWestCoast.Itsstoresaredesignedto resemblecozybeachhouses,completewithwooden boardwalks,beach-themeddecorations,andeven lifeguardstands.Thebrandalsoorganizesin-store eventslikeconcerts,movienights,andsurfboard demonstrations.
Toenhancetheshoppingexperience,ithasalso introducedaugmentedreality(AR)features.This allowscustomerstovirtuallytryclothesonandsee howtheywouldlookindifferentsettings.Theyhave alsoimplementedinteractivefittingrooms,where customerscanrequestdifferentsizesandcolorsof clotheswithoutleavingthedressingroom.
RetailPartnerships Hollisterhasformedasignificantpartnershipwith GillyHicks,asubsidiaryofAbercrombie&Fitch.This collaborationallowsthebrandtoofferawiderrangeof productsandreachalargeraudiencebysharinga brandidentity Tomaintainastrongconnectionwithits targetaudience,ithasestablishedthe‘HollisterCreator Collective’.Thiscollectiveconsistsofmanymid-sized influencerswhocollaboratewiththebrandthroughout theyear.Byworkingwithadiversegroupof influencers,itensuresaconsistentpresenceand connectionwithitsaudience.
LatestSalesRevenue In2023,Hollistermadeanetsaleofovertwobillion U.S.dollars.AfteritsrebrandingandaTikTok campaign,ithasseenagrowthinitsin-storetrafficand revenue.InFebruaryandMarch,itsengagementrates weremorethan136%highercomparedtothesummer of2022,reachingall-timehighs.Inthefourthquarter oflastyear,itssalesgrewby9%,reaching$698 million.Thismarksthethirdconsecutivequarterof growthforthebrandandshowsthattheyare successfullyreconnectingwiththeirteenage customers.
Common Pitfalls Your Business Partner Agreement Must Avoid Goingintobusinesswithsomeoneelseisanexcitingopportunity,butstillposesplentyofrisks.Abusinesscontractbetween partnershastobeairtight,orelsetheentirejointenterprisemayfallapart.Inthisguide,wesetoutsevencommonbusiness partneragreementpitfallsandhowyoucanavoidthem.
Herearethe7commonpitfallsyourbusinesspartneragreementmustavoid
1.UnclearPartnershipDefinitions
Youragreementshouldclarifythepartnership'spreciseterms.Thisincludeswhereeachparty'sdutiesstartandend — and willformthebackboneofanysuccessfuljointventure.Yourcontractmustbeasspecificaspossibleacrosseveryclause. Otherwise,theremaybeseriousdelaysordeadlocksinkeydecisions.
Youcanavoidtheseissuesbydefiningeachpartner'stitle,position,andresponsibilities.Ontopofthis,thedocumentshould establishaclearreportingstructureandnotethetypesofdecisionseitherofyoumightmake.Theremustbesomeflexibility, however,includinganannualreviewofthisdynamic.
2.NoSharedVision Manypeoplerushintobusinesspartnershipsasameansof makingmoney.However,thesearesuretofailifyoudon't shareavisionorkeycompanyvalues.Yourbusinesspartner agreementmightevenreflectthesedifferentgoals.However, youshouldinsteadagreeuponamissionstatementthatfits yourpartnership.
Thisstatementcanactuallybeapartofyourbusiness partneragreement.Youcouldevenreferbacktoitatevery opportunitytomakesureyou'restillfollowingthesame vision.Whenplacingyoursharedvaluesintheagreement, outlineanypossibleconsequencesapartnermightfaceif theybreakthem.
3.UnequalProfits Justasmoneycancreatepartnerships,itmayevenbring themtoanearlyend.Youragreementmustspecifyif partnersshareequalprofits.Ifnot,itshouldalsosetoutthe reasonsforthis.Forexample,apartnerwithmore responsibilitiesmightcreatemorevalueforthebusiness.
Addeachparty'spercentagestaketothebusinesspartner agreement;thishastoaccountfortheirmaincontributions. Ifactivepartnersmakethesameamountaspassive investors,however,theycanendupfeelingundervalued. Thisresentmentthenleadstoarguments;aswellasthe possibilityofalegalchallenge.
4.UsingtheWrongStructure Ageneralpartnershipisthemostcommonformatfor businessarrangements.Thisisarelativelysimplestructure thatiseasytoestablish,butitmightnotfityourunique needs.Ifyou'dbenefitfrompassiveinvestors,limited partnershipsletthemjoinwithouttakingcontrolawayfrom activepartners.
Youandyourpartner(orpartners)mustcomparelimitedand generalsetupsbeforedefiningthearrangementonewayor another.Onceyoubothagreeonastructurethatworks,write thisintoyouragreement.Allpartiesshouldalsobeopento thepossibilityofthebeststructurechangingovertime.
5.PoorConflictResolution Youragreementneedstodetailhowyourpartnershipwill handledisputes.Theseformapartofvirtuallyanybusiness deal,buthowyourespondtoitcandefineitssuccessor failure.Withoutamechanismtoresolvetheseproblems, theywilllikelycontinuetoescalateuntilyourpartnership ends.
Youcanfixthisbyaddingthoroughconflictresolution processestoyourbusinesspartneragreement.Thisshould includeroutesforarbitrationandmediation,preferably withhelpfromathirdparty.Ifyoucannotreacha compromise,thebusinesswillsuffer; andmaybeunable tomakecriticaldecisions.
6.ForegoinganExitStrategy Youmightwanttoholdoffonimplementinganexit strategyincasethissuggestsyouaren'tverycommittedto thepartnership.However,you'resimplybeing realistic — theagreementwilllikelyneedtoendoneday. Whenitdoes,youhavetomakesureit'saseamless transition.
Leavingtheexitstrategytothefuturewilljustmakeit hardertoagreeoncethatdaycomes.Youandyourpartner mustdecideuponthisfromthestart.Inmanycases,the exitstrategychangesovertime,whichisentirelynormal; butyoumustupdatetheagreement.
7.NoLegalAid Evenwhengoingintobusinesswithsomeoneyoutrust implicitly,getalawyertolookoveryouragreement.A legalprofessionalwillhelpguaranteethecontractisfairto youateverystage.It'sparamountthatyouhaveafullidea ofyourlegalobligationsbeforethepartnershipbegins.
Thismightseemlikeanirrelevantinvestmentifyouand yourpartnerbothhaveaclearideaofyourgoals. However,gettingthecontracttothehighestpossible standardfromthestartwillonlymakeeverythingeasier foryou.Forthisreasonalone,alwaysconsulta professional.
Conclusion
Nomatterthestepsyoutake,there'salwaysriskina businesspartnership.Astrongagreementthatremainsfair throughout,however,couldsaveeveryonealotofstress. Withthehelpofanonlinetemplate,youcanbuilda legally-sounddocumentthatletsyoumakethemostof yourarrangement.
