Category: Undergraduate Students
Visit to a Major Fashion Company
November 11, 2025 Written by Kat Forakis | Photo credit: Courtesy Kat Forakis
Editor’s note: Kat Forakis is a senior fashion merchandising major and student in the Fashion Department’s 4+1 master’s program in fashion and apparel studies. She recently participated in a trip to the headquarters of URBN, an apparel company based in Philadelphia.
On October 30, 2025 I joined other UD fashion department students, led by Dr. Sheng Lu, on a visit to URBN’s headquarters in Philadelphia. URBN is an apparel company that owns several popular brands, such as Urban Outfitters and Free People. I was very excited for the trip because I am taking Dr. Lu’s Global Apparel Trade and Sourcing course this semester. The trip offered a unique opportunity to see how sourcing, sustainability and trade compliance work in the real world, network with industry leaders and explore exciting career opportunities.
The company is located in Philadelphia’s Navy Yard, with over a dozen factory-style buildings. When I entered the main building, I was impressed by the bright, open space and the industrial yet inviting design—perfectly in line with URBN’s aesthetic.
Upon our arrival, Michael Lambert, URBN’s executive director of global trade and compliance, introduced us to the space. After his overview of the day, URBN’s early career team provided a detailed overview of the company’s summer internship program and entry-level positions. It was very inspiring to learn more about careers in sourcing, supply chain management and trade compliance, rather than traditional design and merchandising roles. I found URBN’s company culture, including its “dog-friendly” policy and casual dress code, very attractive for a younger workforce that prioritizes a pleasant work environment.
After the career introduction session, Michael Lambert provided an insightful review of how the tariff policies of 2025 had affected URBN’s sourcing practices. I was able to utilize my current course knowledge to deeply engage with the topics at hand and think critically about the future implications of current policies.
Caitlin Hoagland, URBN’s senior category manager of sweaters and seamless apparel, shared her key responsibilities, including sourcing raw materials, developing products and negotiating with vendors. I loved hearing about the diverse job content and opportunities involved, such as attending yarn shows, touring textile mills, forecasting trends and analyzing product assortment. Her job requires her to be knowledgeable in all aspects of the business and to marry the art and science aspects of the industry.
From there, we spoke with Sarah Alibhoy, senior manager of strategy, sustainability and customer insights at Nuuly, URBN’s clothing rental service. One thing that struck me about Sarah’s position was the importance of data analysis in supporting Nuuly’s rapid growth. It was interesting to hear about how data is used to support fashion business operations, including the potential application of AI tools.
Before lunch, we had the unique opportunity to tour URBN’s knit lab, where the company tests and develops new products. The elaborate and colorful yarn wall in the room reminded me of UD’s textile science courses and their applications in the industry.
After lunch, we continued with a panel discussion on customs and import regulations. The panelists included several of URBN’s department heads in these fields who highlighted the complexity of apparel sourcing and trade, along with its many career opportunities.
The final panel featured URBN’s social responsibility and vendor relations team. Their roles include tasks such as risk management and improving traceability within the supply chain. The team acts as liaisons between the company and vendors. The panelists emphasized the importance of teamwork in a real-world setting. They also stressed the need to develop negotiation and data analysis skills, as they are prominent skills that can be transferred to each facet of the business.
We ended the day by touring the Anthropologie office, where we got a sneak peek of some of the brand’s upcoming styles and assortments, as well as future shoe and accessory merchandising displays.
Overall, it was an inspiring and insightful experience that offered a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the fashion industry. I truly appreciate the opportunity to hear directly from industry professionals and to connect what we’ve learned in the classroom with real-world career opportunities in fashion.
