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Michael Adler is a marketing executive at Kurt S. Adler, a holiday decor company in operation since 1946.
How would you describe your job to someone who doesn’t work in retail? Kurt S. Adler Inc. is the leading designer, importer, and wholesaler of holiday décor as a one-stop shop for retailers, designers, and businesses with more than 7,000 SKUs and 80+ licensing partners in our line every year creating several trends and holiday classics. My grandfather, Kurt, started the company 77 years ago and we’re a very proud family business, so my job is to wear several hats finding ways to improve and grow the business.
One thing we can’t guess about your job from your LinkedIn profile? Even though our products are seasonal, we are very busy all year long designing and selling products a year or even more in advance.
What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on? I’ve really enjoyed helping create custom ornaments and other holiday decorations for companies to sell or give away to clients and employees.
Which emerging retail trend are you most excited about right now, and why? It’s hard not to be excited about how AI can help businesses in such a variety of ways, even for a company that produces physical decorations.
What’s your go-to coffee order? Cold brew with whole milk.
Worst piece of advice you’ve received? “Don’t join your family business.”
What was your favorite retail product when you were 15, and what’s your favorite retail product now? My favorite retail product when I was 15 was probably Madden 2003. Now my favorite retail product is my AirPods. The noise canceling saves my ears from the screechy subway every day.