MARIA HARB
Allocator for the Men’s Apparel Division at Hibbett Sporting Goods, Inc.
Merchandise Marketing ’16
Describe a typical work day:
One of the best parts about my job is that each day is different; bringing about new opportunities and challenges. An Allocator position is all about the numbers. I am constantly analyzing sales and inventory reports in order to determine how product is performing for the company. We look at controllable factors such as product placement within the country and inventory levels within the store. On a weekly basis, I attend various vendor meetings with the Men’s Apparel Buyer to view product for the upcoming season’s assortment of Men’s Branded and Fashion Apparel. Once the buyer writes an order, it is up to me, in tandem with the Assortment Planner, to distribute the product throughout Hibbett Sports’ 1000+ stores!
How did education at Wade College help prepare you for your career?
Wade College’s “real world” approach to the curriculum has been instrumental in preparing me for my career. Not only did the teachers provide me with the textbook knowledge I needed to understand important elements of the industry; but also, they provided practical guidance in professionalism. Most importantly, the internships and volunteer opportunities that were made available to me through Wade College were vital towards my development and understanding of where I best see myself working within the industry.
What advice do you have for students beginning their careers in your profession?
Working hard is not an option; it is a requirement. Know that today’s world of instant gratification is false in a work environment. Your dream job will not be handed to you; you have to earn it and work hard to retain it. The “little stuff” matters and your boss will notice if you go the extra mile – so keep doing it! Lastly, on a practical note: Learn Excel. Love Excel. It will become your best friend.
What opportunities, decisions, and events have shaped your professional life?
The journey towards my career path has been full of taking chances, working hard, and taking one day at a time. I decided to move to Dallas and attend Wade College because I knew I wanted to be exposed to the wholesale side of the industry; something that Birmingham could not offer me. While at Wade, I worked part-time at Anthropologie, volunteered for as many events as I could, and worked every market in Dallas, Las Vegas, and Atlanta that fit into my schedule. After graduation, I landed what I thought was my dream job with a showroom in the Dallas Market Center. Unfortunately, I quickly realized that my skill-set would be better utilized elsewhere. A few weeks later, a management position at Anthropologie opened up and I jumped at the opportunity. The decision to leave one role and take on another within a month was overwhelming and somewhat discouraging because it meant that my “dream job” had not worked out. For me, the risk was worth it. During my time on the management team with Anthropologie, I held the Manager-in-Training position and later the Apparel Supervisor position at the Highland Park Village and North Park Center locations in North Texas. After almost 2 years on management, I knew I wanted to work in a corporate environment (my ultimate goal in attending Wade). Ultimately, my job search brought me to Hibbett Sportings Goods, Inc. and product allocation. This position would provide me with everything I craved – a great work environment, the opportunity to affect a business at its core, and the chance to move home to be with family again. My professional life has been shaped by enjoying the successes, owning the failures and having the courage to embrace new opportunities. I would not change anything about my professional journey because each experience was a stepping stone towards where I am now; and for that I am thankful.
Motto that you live by:
Fail Up.