The latest edition of the Retail Data Collector blog series features Vanessa from Newark. Vanessa has been with gap for a long time and although she is technically our Newark collector, she also braves her way into the big NYC for us every week to collect at a few stores there.
Location: New Jersey (Jersey Shore)
Q: How long have you been working with gap?
A: 2 years, I was hired on my 25th birthday
Q: How did you get involved with gap?
A: gap was looking for a New York area collector to handle a special project and I had just finished my marketing internship with Sony’s Columbia/Epic Label Group when I applied and got the job.
Q: What is your favorite part of the job?
A: I love the people I’ve encountered while working at gap. The staff is so genuinely nice, and they are appreciative of the efforts I put forth. I’ve also made some great friends while collecting as well.
Q: What is your favorite product category to collect and why?
A: Whichever category lets me find a great deal on a product. I used to love finding digital photo frames on clearance for $20, they made great Christmas presents!
Q: What is your favorite store to visit and why?
A: B&H Photo because it’s like an electronic Toys R’ Us! Plus, it’s in New York City which is always an adventure. While collecting there I’ve watched the new World Trade Center construction, witnessed countless protests, and met Wycleff Jean walking on the street.
Q: What is something that you’ve learned about retail and consumer electronics through working with gap?
A: I’ve learned a lot about product pricing trends and it actually helped me purchase the Nikon J1 for $230 – which is about 60% less than its current selling price!
Q: What is the strangest incident to happen to you while collecting?
A: Oh gosh, I have stories for days. Collecting retail prices is always an adventure!
Q: Share something interesting about yourself: Hobbies? Family? Other Job? Kids? Pets? Anything!
A: I have a beautiful son named Dominic Anthony who is 7 months old and the light of my life! I am engaged to be married to a wonderful man named Daniel. On top of gap, I used to work for Grammy nominated artist RomAnthony, but with my son I can’t travel the way my position entailed. I still love everything music and have a concert addiction. Before my son was born I would attend two concerts a month. My favorite movie is Ted, and I’d choose the Simpsons over Family Guy. I love flip flops, think applesauce is a food group, and I Google everything :)
Vanessa has been a great collector for us for the past two years and is always willing to take on more collections if we need her to which is really helpful! We are glad that gap has been such a good fit for her and her growing family.
My blog series will be on hiatus shortly as I am going to be out on maternity leave in a week or so. That being said, I am going to try and get in as many as possible before I go so stay tuned, and hopefully we’ll be learning more about another collector very soon!
