Inside Berks Business:BOSCOV'S

A 5-day learning experience for

educators.

June 21-24, 2010

Linda Edmiston, Business Mentor

Stephanie Stamm, Intern/Art

Teacher

Description of the iBb Program:

For four days I had the fantastic opportunity to go behind-the-scenes and see all the preparation that

goes into making Boscov's department stores such wonderful shopping experiences.

Boscov's has 39 stores in the Mid-Atlantic states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland

and New York.

Boscov's Greatest Asset:

“Is the co-workers, and Mr. Boscov would say that also.”

-Linda Edmiston, Director Employment & Human Resource Services

Technology Utilized By Boscov's:- Everything starts and ends with computers.

- Faxes.- In house photography studio.- In house advertising agency.

- In house printing facility.

Boscov's Greatest Challenge and How it is Being Addressed:

Overcoming the recent difficult time was the greatest

challenge. They are achieving this through teamwork, and constant planning and monitoring of what they do. Mr. Boscov has a very hands-on attitude and he works

with everyone in the company. If he's not in the store, he is doing something for the benefit of the city of Reading.

Benefits for all Boscov's Co-Workers: Employee Discount Holiday Pay Personal Days Vacation Pay Health Insurance Dental Insurance Medical/Personal Leave of Absence Sick Pay Life Insurance Bereavement Leave Profit Sharing 401(k) Workers Compensation Credit Union Membership Service Awards Constant Opportunities for Advancement

Summary of Boscov's Experiences:

- New Co-Worker Training- Sales Experience in Fragrances and Cosmetics

- Public Relations- Internet Sales Shipping- Visual Merchandising

- Advertising- Buying: Furniture

- Buying: Small Appliances- Photography

Newly Hired Co-Workers in Sales:

Receive a minimum of 20 hours of training.

Start at minimum wage or better.

High school diploma needed.

Public Relations Enables Boscov's to serve and address the needs of the community

through fundraising and special events. Also promotes positive company morale.

College Degree Required Salary differs depending upon

experience and length of time with the company

Type of person for this job needs: to communicate effectively, have a positive attitude, be polite, computer skills, knowledge of the media, creative with events, love the community, be extroverted and friendly.

Charities and Promotions Boscov's Supports:

Habitat for HumanityBreast Cancer Research

Prostate Cancer ResearchEaster Seals

Olivet Boys and Girls ClubsCell Phone Recycling

Boy ScoutsNational and Local Child Abuse Centers

Friends Helping Friends DaysHalloween Candy Exchanges

Toys For TotsAngel Trees

Cards for TroopsSpecial Needs Shopping Days

Take a Friend Fishing (co-hosted with Carpenter Technology)

Internet Sales ShippingWhen a customer orders an item online, it is obtained and shipped to them from

this department.

High School Diploma $10 an hour Type of person for this

job needs: to be hard working, thorough, lift 100 pounds, self motivated, work quickly, stand all day, and like to be busy all the time.

Visual Merchandising Follows the plans for placement of displays, fixtures, signs, mannequins, etc. in

the store. Runs sales reports to see how each dept. is selling each week.

High school diploma, college degree in business or art helpful plus Boscov's Corporate Training Program.

Salary varies Type of person for this job:

very focuses, visual thinker, high attention to detail, able to follow directions, organized, high standards of quality, artistic, able to work alone.

AdvertisingThe Visual presentation of merchandise to the public to create

sales

Graphic Designers need a 2 year or 4 year degree

Copywriters need an English or Journalism Degree

Color Correctors need a 2 year degree

Type of person for this job: able to work fast under pressure, efficient, flexible, patient, able to make changes constantly, team player, able to work with others, excellent work ethic, able to follow directions, correct spelling/grammar needed.

BuyingChoosing the best items for your company. Every buyer must be an

expert in their area, be it furniture or small appliances, etc.

2 or 4-year College degree plus Boscov's Corporate Training. Salary: $40-50,000 annually Type of person: organized, good memory, retail math skills, art

skills, visual skills, be a people person, friendly, polite, well spoken, flexible, like to travel

PhotographyMaking products look as beautiful as possible so customers will

want to buy them.

Photography

Four full time photographers: fashion, domestics, internet and everything else

Also employs a full time studio manager, model stylist, and hair/ makeup person

Salary: Not given Education: 2 or 4 year art degree required. They like high school students to shadow them for

the day, and they offer summer internships for those interested.

Summary of Skills Students Need To be Successful in the Workplace:

- Positive Attitude- Good Work Ethic

- Able to Follow Directions- Detail Oriented

- Retail Math Skills- Creativity/Design Skills

- Organized- Able to Multi-Task

- Efficient-Polite/Well Spoken

Speaker Presentations:PA. Academic Standards 9.1.8, 9.2.8, 9.4.8

Career Reports (using Career Cruising software)PA. Academic Standards 9.1.5k, 9.3.8a, 9.3.8d

Curriculum Connections

A HUGE Thank You to:

Linda Edmiston, Director, Employment & Human Resource Services for being my Business Mentor, Joanne Barker, Store Manager of Boscov's East, Lori Lehr, Manager of Fragrances and Cosmetics, Esta Neugroschel, Director of Public Relations, Kristen Galazin, Public Relations Coordinator, Kurt German Director of Visual Merchandising, Chris Mills, Visual Manager, Ditlef Wergeland, Senior Buyer: Furniture, Bob Para, Buyer: Small Electrics and Mr. Albert Boscov.

Also thank you to the BCIU for coordinating the Inside Berks Business Program.