AboutJames E. Dion Expertise Most questions about trends in specialty retail, how customers are changing both in the US and Europe. Demographics for all countries as they relate to retail trends and issues. Store Operations, Buying and Merchandising.
Experience
Past/Present clients Microsoft, Harley-Davidson, Ritz-Carlton, Hummer, Ace Hardware, Coleman Spas, Aldo, Intel, Dell, Safeway, New Balance, IBM, Kodak, Bata International, Nortel Networks, Honey Baked Ham Co., Man Alive, Highsmith
B.S Chicago State University
M.S. Chicago State University
PhD (abd) Illinois Institute of Technology
Expert: James E. Dion Date: 12/13/2007 Subject: Diversity in Fashion Merchandising
Question Mr Dion,
I am currently a Fashion Merchandising student and I am working on a project trying to find diversity in fashion merchandising. My idea was the diverse interations between businesses in different countries including the language barrier, different currency and business laws. If you could give me an idea of what really goes on in the business world that would be great!!
Thank You,
Cassie
Answer Cassie,
The concept of diversity in fashion is more around inclusion of people of color or race and not language. The fashion industry is mainly Caucasian and does not have many black, Hispanic or oriental designers or merchandisers. There are many reasons for this and your research should look at the underlying causes such as education in the fashion industry, apprenticeships, fashion users etc. Interestingly Japanese designers have made great inroads in the past few years.
