In this episode of Women in Retail Talks, Women in Retail Leadership Circle Senior Editor Marie Albiges interviews Tricia Smith, global CEO at Anthropologie, an URBN lifestyle brand that imparts a sense of beauty, optimism and discovery to its customers. Smith discusses her current role (2:03), what drew her to join Anthropologie (3:23), and why she looks for career opportunities that allow her to always be learning and leading at the same time (5:12).

Furthermore, Smith shares her advice for how other women can chart a course for their career in retail (7:21), how to utilize mentors to work towards a new opportunity (11:42), and why women shouldn’t be afraid to ask for what they want (15:40). She discusses why she wants to be recognized as a successful leader, and not a successful female leader (17:16), and how she helped start the first employee resource group (ERG) for women at Nordstrom (20:08). Lastly, Smith offers advice for how to find the right mentor (22:34).

Tricia Smith joined the senior leadership team at URBN in April 2021 as the global chief executive officer of the Anthropologie Group. Her present responsibilities include the Anthropologie, Anthro Living, BHLDN, and Terrain brands across North America and international. Prior to URBN, she was the executive vice president and chief merchandising officer at Tillys, a California-based retailer, where she was responsible for all aspects of merchandising operations, including buying, planning and allocation, sourcing, and product development for stores as well as driving the overall digital experience. Tricia began her career on the sales floor of Nordstrom in Southern California that eventually led her to the role of executive vice president and general merchandise manager of women’s, young contemporary, designer, and specialized apparel, where she was an instrumental leader for a variety of significant merchandise management roles over her 25-year career.

Date: February 18, 2022

Credits: Tricia Smith

Duration: 26:10