Eric Lane, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Men's Wearhouse.
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Eric Lane, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Men's Wearhouse, recently became a new member of the RMI Advisory Board. He has been involved in the retail industry since his college graduation. Lane was raised in the San Fernando Valley in Southern California. After graduating from UC-Santa Barbara in 1984 with an Economics degree, he was chosen to participate in the Executive Development Program at Macy’s. During his four and a half years there, Lane filled various roles and had a variety of responsibilities, including Junior Assistant Buyer of Jewelry, Men’s Department Manager, Senior Assistant of Knits and Wovens, and Group Manager of Men’s and Juniors. By the time he left Macy’s, his talents had been readily recognized and commended.
In 1989, Lane continued his career path, joining The Men’s Wearhouse. At that time, the company started to open stores in Southern California and Lane was actively involved with this ambitious expansion project. After a year, he became the Vice-President of Stores at The Men’s Wearhouse. This was just the first of his vital Executive roles within the company. He would later play a significant role in the Merchandising group, which further prepared him for his next key position as Chief Operating Officer. This job entailed managing various departments, including Distribution, Stores, and Operations. One year ago, Lane was chosen to lead the enterprise as President of The Men’s Wearhouse.
Lane believes The Men’s Wearhouse, a men’s clothier, is a unique retailer because of the “tenure of people.” He enthusiastically commented, “We promote from within and we place emphasis on training and spirit building.” One significant and practical way that The Men’s Wearhouse sustains a healthy work environment is by hosting “Suits University”, which is an event that is held 25-30 times per year for all selling and management personal. Meetings and activities are held over a three-day period. Not only does this event include meetings to promote selling strategies and other parts of the business, but these gatherings incorporate recreational activities, such as friendly sports competition. This type of activity allows co-workers to become acquainted and to build a community, which is central to the philosophy and success of the dedicated employees at The Men’s Wearhouse.
The Men’s Wearhouse has 490 stores, with convenient in-house tailor shops, across the United States and in Canada. They also own K&G, a women’s clothing retailer, which is based in Atlanta, as well as Moore’s, a men’s clothing chain in Canada. After many productive years in the retail industry, Lane continues to find challenge and satisfaction in the retail business because, “I experience immediate feedback and with this information I have the ability to see results and tweak them.” This process is extremely exciting, stimulating and satisfying for him. Lane advises students interested in retail to “get into the industry and stay with it if you love it. But if you are not willing to put in your time by working in stores and you do not enjoy your job, find another trade.” These words are spoken by a dedicated professional who has participated in many facets of the retail world. Obviously, his passion for his work and his outstanding leadership abilities have been heralded by his colleagues. The RMI Board is fortunate to have Eric Lane as a representative of The Men’s Wearhouse and appreciate his support of the program at Santa Clara University.
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