Kirna Zabete
.
Kirna Zabete .
BUSINESS OPERATION & MERCHANDISING INTERN
Bryn Mawr, PA
My experience at Kirna Zabete gave me an inside look at the operational and merchandising side of a multi-brand luxury retailer. Working across inventory, e-commerce, order fulfillment, and day-to-day store operations allowed me to better understand the work that happens behind the scenes to keep merchandise moving efficently and create a seamless experience across both physical a digital channels.
Behind the Business
From processing purchase orders and tracking inventory to coordinating inter-store transfers and supporting Shopify and Farfetch fulfillment, my role gave me hands-on exposure to the many moving pieces behind a luxury retail business. Each responsibility required accuracy, organization, and close attention to detail, particularly when managing product information and ensuring merchandise moved efficiently between locations and sales channels. I also contributed to weekly reporting and participated in team and corporate meetings, which gave me greater visibility into the conversations and decisions that supported day-to-day operations. Working across these different areas helped me understand how merchandising, e-commerce, inventory, and store operations depend on one another, and how strong coordination behind the scenes ultimately supports both the business and the customer experience.
Working closely with merchandise gave me a stronger understanding of the product lifecycle beyond what the customer sees on the sales floor. Managing inventory information, supporting order fulfillment, and helping move product between locations showed me how accuracy, organization, and timing influence both the customer experience and overall business performance. I gained a greater appreciation for the level of coordination required to ensure the right product is available in the right place and that information remains accurate across different channels. This experience also allowed me to see how product movement, inventory decisions, and customer demand are interconnected within a multi-brand retailer. Being involved in these processes strengthened my attention to detail and multi-tasking skills while giving me a more complete understanding of the operational decisions that support merchandising and ultimately bring product from the business to the customer.From Product to Customer
The Perspective I Gained
Kirna Zabête strengthened my ability to work with detail, manage multiple priorities, and adapt within a fast-moving retail environment. I developed hands-on experience with Shopify, Farfetch, inventory management, purchase orders, reporting, and fulfillment while gaining a greater understanding of how merchandising and operations work together behind the scenes. The role also strengthened my problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills, as I learned to balance different responsibilities while maintaining accuracy across each task. Being exposed to both the operational and merchandising sides of the business helped me become more confident working with product, interpreting information, and understanding how individual processes contribute to larger business objectives. It also taught me the importance of being proactive, dependable, and flexible in an environment where priorities can quickly shift. Ultimately, the experience strengthened my interest in the business side of fashion and provided a valuable foundation that continues to shape the way I approach merchandising, buying, and other product-focused opportunities.