Up Close is Sourcing Journal’s regular check-in with industry executives to get their take on topics ranging from personal style to their company’s latest moves. In this Q&A, Mariah Chase, CEO of size-inclusive fashion retailer Eloquii, talks about the brand’s collaboration with Walmart and what firms can learn from navigating the unknowns of Covid.
Name: Mariah Chase
Title: CEO
Company: Eloquii
Which other industry has the best handle on the supply chain? What can apparel learn?
Food—there are numerous requirements and complexities in getting it to the customer on time and in good condition. The supplier base is also incredibly complex.
How would you describe yourself as a consumer?
Digital 90 percent of the time. In-person shopping occurs either as a way of socializing, impulse driven or because what I want is not available online. Always game to try new brands and distribution methods!
As a consumer, what does it take to win your loyalty?
Assuming quality is a given, I tend to be loyal to brands or retailers that have something singular or unique about them that I want to tell other people about. I then become vested in their success.
What’s your typical uniform?
During Covid? Sweatpants and warm (usually faux) gold jewelry. I’m trying to keep at least something polished going on.
Which fashion era is your favorite?
Now! I believe in the democratization of size and style. We are in the early innings of that shift.
Who’s your style icon?
Caroline Bessette-Kennedy
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What’s the best decision your company has made in the last year?
We launched Eloquii Elements in partnership with Walmart. It’s a more casual and versatile expression of our brand and every single item is below $50. We’ve been wanting to do something like this for years. We’re really excited to see Eloquii Elements go and grow with Walmart.
How would you describe your corporate culture?
Our values are empowerment, empathy, authenticity, innovation and tenacity. I see these in action every day and they define our culture. I truly get a good feeling whenever I see, hear, think or speak about them.
What can companies learn from Covid-19?
You’ll never be ready for the unknown, so try to build competencies around agility, tenacity and empathetic customer centricity. Every business has had to flex and pivot in extreme ways and I think leaders, teams and individuals alike will each look back on this period of time with amazement at what we’re capable of. And the desire to never repeat it!
What should be the apparel industry’s top priority now?
Circularity
What keeps you up at night?
Looking forward to my morning coffee!
What makes you most optimistic?
The power and potential of people to solve complex problems and care for the future of others.