I am pretty sure by now I don't have to tell you ladies how much I loooove Forever 21. Whenever I am looking for that certain accessory, or newest trend at a reasonable price, I know I can always rely on my friends at Forever to have exactly what I need.
Not only do I love Forever 21 because of the hundreds of styles available in every store, their constant re-merchandising of the newest trends, and their amazingly low prices, but I also love them for the story behind the scenes.
Forever 21 was started in 1984 in Highland Park, California by Korean immigrants Don and Jin Sook Chang. Don, while working at a local gas station, noticed that the people who drove the nicest cars, were those who worked in the fashion industry, and that was all the inspiration he needed. The couple soon opened their first store, initially selling cheaply made knockoffs of popular styles, and gradually built that single store into the multi-million dollar empire that it is today. They have worked hard, and give much of the credit of their success to their deep belief in their Christian faith. (They even printed the bottom of their shopping bags with a reference to a Bible verse. John 3:16)
Don and Jin Sook's most recent and successful introductions in their business are not new styles at all, but are their two daughters. Both are Ivy League graduates, and have worked their way up in the company as any other employee, starting out by tagging merchandise with price-guns. Today Linda Chang heads the marketing department, while her sister Esther oversees the all visual operations.
With the help of their two daughters, and the devotion of their adoring customers, Don and Jin Sook have recently opened an 86,000 square foot store in Cerritos, and have plans to open many more similar super-sized stores in locations that were once Mervyns department stores. They are also planning the grand opening of a 96,000 square foot Times Square location in New York City in June 2010.
To me, Forever 21 is such a huge success story. Just the other day I made a post about the husband-wife team behind Prada and how their devotion to eachother and their product have helped them succeed even during the most trying times. Although Forever 21 is a much different product, at the opposite end of the price spectrum, in both cases their dedication to hard work, to their product, and to each other is what made them successful. This kind of relentless determination should be an inspiration to each and every one of us, no matter what industry we want to succeed in.
Ma'Salaama and May All Your Ventures Be Successful!
Fashionably Yours,
The (totally inspired) Mujahada in Prada
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1 comment:
wa Alaikum asSalaam habibti! MashaAllah! This was an interesting post! I learned a lot from it. Jazaki Allahu khairun for posting it. <3 xxx
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