Page 16 - Top Workplaces 2018

Operator: lwahowskidoell Desc: Time: 02-16-2018 13:04 Jobname:

LARGE COMPANIES NO. 5
STITCH FIX

APRIL GAMIZ/THE MORNING CALL
Station Specialist Andrew Croissette and Associate Julianna Kagan tag inventory. Kagan says she likes the culture at Stitch Fix, and Croissette says he appreciates the accepting atmosphere and that
there is equality at the company.
People build culture at Stitch Fix

Employees embrace an atmosphere of kindness.

By Kevin Duffy on-time. style preferences, body specifics and ers will tell you: it’s a warehouse, but
Special to The Morning Call She’s also responsible for helping lifestyle and then employing proprietary it’s not.
maintain Stitch Fix’s employee-friendly algorithms and company stylists to “People already have in their mind
eah McIvor was looking for an company culture, spawned in 2011 in select clothing and accessories tailored what a warehouse is — it’s a warehouse
opportunity to shine, and the San Francisco. specifically to their needs for sampling by name,” said McIvor.
Nazareth resident found it with “Making sure that the place you in-home — has seen them grow last For Dupper, that’s merely an exten-
L Stitch Fix. work at has a good vibe, a good feel- September from women’s fashions to a sion of the company culture.
Formerly the owner of her own busi- ing,” she said as co-workers buzzed line of men’s apparel. “It’s a warehouse in name only; it’s
ness, she just wanted someone to give back and forth around her, fulfilling And in February 2017, the company very much that west coast vibe we try to
her a chance before finding out through various tasks within the nearly 484,000- launched Stitch Fix Plus, a clothing line keep alive here,” he said.
Facebook about employment opportuni- square-foot distribution center. to meet the needs of larger women. Once their profiles are completed
ties at the Lower Nazareth Township “It’s the people here — culture Stitch Fix is selective about who it online, customers receive a package on
clothing distribution center at 4770 means people,” she said. brings in, and employees are expected their doorstep containing five items
Hanoverville Road. Ranked No. 5 in this year’s Top to embrace the culture of “kindness,” ranging from sweaters and slacks to
She confessed that beginning as a Workplaces survey for large companies, said Doug Dupper, general manager. gloves, shoes and handbags, and choose
warehouse associate in July 2016 after Stitch Fix has grown to roughly 500 That means sharing best practices what they want to keep.
being an owner/operator of hair salons employees in the Lehigh Valley and and helping co-workers “without being They’re obligated to pay only a $20
“was a little bit of a change for me,” but 5,000 nationwide. asked,” he said. “styling fee,” which can be used toward
she couldn’t be happier about where it The Lower Nazareth Township cen- A relaxed workplace attitude makes credit for purchasing any one item, and
has led her. ter is one of five in the country, along that easy — food in the breakrooms is receive a 25 percent discount should
Since being promoted to women’s with Phoenix, Indianapolis, Dallas and free, and employees are permitted to they elect to purchase all five.
outbound supervisor, McIvor oversees its corporate headquarters in San Fran- listen to music through a single ear- The concept is geared to meet the
25-30 associates within the massive cisco. phone while working. needs of a frenetic, fast-paced society
distribution operation, ensuring product Its unique concept – asking custom- And those who work there moving
gets out to customers just right and ers to complete online profiles regarding clothing from racks to shipping contain- See Page 17

16 2018 ❘ TOP WORKPLACES