In this episode of Women in Retail Talks, Women in Retail Leadership Circle Co-Founder Melissa Campanelli interviews Nina Barjesteh, senior vice president of product development and design at DICK’S Sporting Goods. Barjesteh discusses her career background in retail merchandising (0:54), what drew her to join DICK’S, and how the sporting goods brand forecasts new product demand based on consumer habits (2:03). She shares how the many consumer behavior changes during the COVID-19 pandemic are impacting DICK’S merchandise strategy (6:23), why the company is launching new store formats (8:48), and why women’s advancement in the workplace is so important to her (11:56).

In addition, Barjesteh discusses the support for women that exists within DICK’S (15:36), the authentic culture at the company lead by CEO Lauren Hobart (16:41), and why she’s most proud of her team’s growth (18:03). Lastly, she shares what she’s looking forward to in the second half of 2021 and beyond (19:40).

Nina Barjesteh currently serves as senior vice president, product development, a role she has held since joining DICK’S Sporting Goods in March 2018. In this role, Nina is responsible for leading the strategy, management and execution of the company’s product development organization. Prior to joining DICK’S, she served as chief merchant of Rue 21. Nina also spent 20 years at Target Corporation in various roles, including vice president, GMM, women’s apparel; vice president, DMM, kid’s apparel; and vice president, apparel and accessories, branding.

Date: July 6, 2021

Credits: Nina Barjesteh

Duration: 21:24