Coworking with Jacqueline Quirk

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One Friday night, Jacqueline Quirk walked into Target after a long day at work. All she wanted were some Oreos and milk, only to find that that basically the *entire* shelf of Oreos was sold out. She told us she remembers thinking that “someone in the supply chain—somewhere—didn’t do their job, either at the store level, the distribution center, the manufacturing plant, or the forecaster at HQ.” That story has stuck with her, especially now as the director of procurement and co-manufacturing at beauty brand Alaffia.

How would you describe your job to someone who doesn’t work in retail? See that bottle of shampoo on the shelf at the store? It is my job to get every single thing in or on that bottle (as a matter of fact, including the bottle!) to the manufacturing site at the right time, at the right price, and at the right quality standard.

One thing we can’t guess about your job from your LinkedIn profile: I have spent a heck of a lot of my days working with/alongside/for warehouse and logistics workers, and I absolutely love it. CEOs make big decisions, but these are the boots on the ground executing.

Name your must-follow retail account: @Target is the retail GOAT, as far as I’m concerned.

Which emerging retail trend are you most excited about? Sustainability is a key focus for millennials, and I am curious to see how brands are able to deliver on this initiative while maintaining profitability. Consumers want sustainability, but at what cost?

Hands down, the best fast food restaurant chain is…Dunkin’ Donuts. Medium hot coffee, one milk, and a vanilla-frosted sprinkle donut. Please and thank you.