RMS is celebrating its 2nd in-person event since COVID with our RMS Holiday Party hosted by the accounting firm Forvis Mazars. Here are the details:
 
Host: Forvis Mazars
Date: Tuesday, December 16
Time: 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Location: 135 West 50th Street, 18th Floor (Between 6th and 7th Ave.)
Refreshments: Drinks and Light Fare will be served
Guest Speaker: Millard "Mickey" Drexler
 
To help usher in the return to in-person gatherings, we want to thank our host Forvis Mazars and our special guest Mickey Drexler, Chairman of clothing brand Alex Mill, founded and run by his son Alex. Mickey started his career in the 1970's at several NYC-based department stores (including Bloomingdales and Macy's), followed by a 3-year stint as CEO of Ann Taylor. Drexler joined Gap Inc. in 1983 and led its portfolio of brands for nearly 20 years, during which time he founded Old Navy. He joined J. Crew in 2002 and led its brand portfolio for over 15 years during which time he founded Madewell. Drexler has served on the boards of Apple, Warby Parker and Outdoor Voices, bringing his extensive experience and expertise to both established and emerging retail and consumer brands.
 
As many of you know, Mickey pulls no punches when it comes to sharing his views on the state of retail today and where it is heading in the future. Here are just a few of the issues Mickey will address with our interviewers Richard Baum and Marie Driscoll, Chairman and President, respectively of the Retail Marketing Society. We will leave plenty of time for Q&A by our members and guests. 
 
Can a fashion brand be successful without a merchant CEO?
Has the luxury sector shot itself in the foot?
Why does the off-price sector consistently flourish?
How important is the balance between art and science in retailing?
Have venture capital and private equity been the saviors or destroyers of retail businesses? 
 
While the invitations are being sent to RMS members, we want to encourage our members to bring up to 2 guests each. We request all our members and their guests to register for this event on our RMS website, as Forvis Mazars will need a list of all attendees to grant them entry into the building. Note that this event is FREE to all our members and their invited guests. Space is limited, so you and your guests should register early!