Interview: Sophie Akben, Area Manager at ASICS UK

Working in the fashion industry is an important topic covered by FashionUnited.
Through a series of interviews, we would like to show how versatile the industry can be and
introduce professionals currently working in fashion. Recently, we have spoken
with Sophie Akben from ASICS UK, who informed FashionUnited more about her
role as Area Manager.

What does your typical workday look like?

The beauty of being an Area Manager is that each day can look very
different depending on the needs of the business. An ideal day would start
with reviewing the previous days business, championing successes and
working on addressing opportunity areas. Depending on the day, it would
include store visits and possibly recruitment, interviews and touching base
with HQ partners such as Buying and Merchandising to plan upcoming quarters
and events.

What do you like most about your job?

The best part of my job is the people, I interact with so many different
people from all over the world – I’m never bored! ASICS as an organization
has a very diverse team of individuals and cultures and everyone brings
something different to the table.

What is necessary/important to become an Area Manager of Retail
Operations at ASICS UK?

You really must be positive and solution based. The fashion retail
landscape is always changing and so are the needs of the clients, employees
and business. Personally, it is important where you work, but also who you
work for. I actively seek out organizations where the leadership team
demonstrates integrity, and the ability to find a mentor and also be a
mentor. Being able to give and receive constructive criticism is vital to
your growth into an upper management position.

Did you always want to work in the fashion industry?

Originally, it was the retail culture and the way the brands treated
their employees that drew me to the fashion retail industry. I started my
retail career years ago with a Canadian footwear brand, ALDO, that my uncle
had worked with. With over 16 years of experience and having studied
fashion merchandising, I’d say that I’ve really enjoyed working for all of
the brands I’ve been part of so far.

If you wouldn’t work for ASICS UK as an Area Manager of Retail
Operations, which career path would you have chosen and why?

This is a far tangent, but like many young people, I also had the dream
of being a popstar such as Beyoncé or Madonna. (Sidenote: I cannot sing
whatsoever).

Which piece is a Must-Have in every closet?

I’d say the ASICS Mexico 66 is my go-to sneaker. I wear them for every
occasion, at work and on the move. I have them in numerous colors.

Do you have any tips/recommendation for people who would like to work
for ASICS UK? Is there a No-Go?

Find which aspect of the company you’d like to work in. At ASICS UK
there are so many different parts to the business that suits every
personality. You can work in retail, but also in tech, design or even
wholesale.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received in your career?

It’s not about how you act on your best day, it’s how you are on your
worst day. This is a challenging industry and when things get tough, one
has to be realistic, honest yet remain optimistic and have integrity to
pull through.

Tell us about the title, Area Manager of the Year 2017, how did you
achieve it?

There has been a lot of growth the past 3 years at ASICS EMEA, with
store openings, new concepts, implementation of new retail software and
direct-to-customer functions. This award is to acknowledge the area
managers and how we adapt to these changes in the business. I’d like to
think that as the first recipient of this award, I led by never giving up,
staying positive and together with my team, always proved to be results
driven.

This article was created in cooperation with ASICS UK.

Learn more about ASICS UK as an employer? to see their job offers in the UK.

Photos: courtesy of ASICS, ASICS GB website