March 14, 2022
Breaking Into New Markets
Wade Laufenberg is the Vice President of Real Estate and Construction at Bealls Retail Group, where he leads the real estate and construction teams for Bealls Stores, Bealls Outlet, Burkes Outlet, and Home Centric. In the Retail Management Seminar this week, he introduced us to Bealls Family’s values, culture, and financial situation. Wade has a master’s degree in Retail Site Location Strategy from Miami University, and with his expertise and years of experience, he introduced us to the real estate responsibilities and explained the process of selecting a new store from top to bottom.
The speed of Bealls Family’s expansion is impressive, and Wade has shared with us the exciting news of welcoming a new addition to the Bealls Family — Rugged Earth Outfitters — which focuses on providing customers a one-stop location for outdoor equipment. During the pandemic, Bealls took comprehensive precautions for COVID-19 and made sure the customers felt safe and comfortable and the stores more “shoppable”.
Wade showed us that behind every product we see on the shelf, there is an extensive amount of analysis, hard work, and decision-making involved. Bealls Family strives to exceed expectations and has provided amazing goods and services for the public since 1915.
Retail Center Welcomes New Board Member
Gina Avila is Executive Vice President of Design and Merchandising for Perry Ellis International — a global leader in the design and distribution of men’s and women’s apparel and accessories. She is a fellow gator who graduated in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in Advertising and a minor in Business Administration. Then she started her journey in the retail industry through working for J. Byrons and Macy’s where she gained retail experience in-store management, buying, and planning roles.
During her 25 years with Perry Ellis, she has become an exceptional asset and integral part of the leadership team, in which she is trusted with senior management roles in sales, product development, design, merchandising, and recruitment. Being a key leader in change management, and establishing corporate processes, she has aided Perry Ellis in accomplishing new business development, implementation of 3D technology, and digital innovation.
Through the process of self-enhancement and accumulating experience, she has developed some valuable strengths including leadership, goal-focused strategies, fiscal management, strategic communications, talent management, and mentoring. At the same time, she never forgets to spend valuable time with her family, pursue her hobbies and strive to be a well-rounded team player.