SPARC Group LLC

October 11 is National Coming Out Day, a time to celebrate the courage and visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals and honor authentic stories. We’re proud to spotlight our “Inclusivity in Action” initiative, launched by our Pride ERG in 2023. This initiative began with the creation of a hand-made Progress Pride Flag, crafted by colleagues across our brands and first displayed in the New York office.   This year, the initiative expanded to our Los Angeles and Seattle offices, with Julius Leano (he/him), Technical Designer for Eddie Bauer, personally hand-crafting the Seattle flag. These flags play an important role in helping the LGBTQ+ community to feel seen, heard, and supported every day. “Creating the SPARC Progress Pride Flag for our Eddie Bauer Seattle office was an opportunity to foster inclusivity and celebrate diversity within our community. To me, the Pride flag symbolizes acceptance and the importance of standing together in support of the LGBTQ+ community, reminding us all to 'Live Your Adventure' unapologetically. By having this vibrant symbol displayed every day in our office, I hope to encourage open conversations and create a safe space for everyone to express their authentic selves. It’s more than just a flag; it’s a daily reminder of our commitment to equality and love.”

As we wrap up our celebration of Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, we continue to be inspired by our employees. We hope this story from our Pa'lante ERG's co-chair, Astrid D. Chacon, MBA, inspires you, too! "My Latinx heritage has been the cornerstone of my ambition and resilience as I have navigated my journey from retail to corporate America. I began my career at Aéropostale in 2015, quickly expanding my responsibilities to include hiring, training, and development—all while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications and an MBA in Global Management from Kean University. Today, as the Assistant Manager of Real Estate and Lease Administration at SPARC, I have the privilege of leading our Pa’lante Employee Resource Group, which is dedicated to elevating the voices of Hispanic and Latinx employees across our organization.   In 2023, I had the distinct honor of serving as a keynote speaker at Kean University’s SUPERA Spanish Speaking Program, where I shared my journey and insights on the power of community and perseverance. I was also recognized for my contributions to the program—a moment that truly reinforced my belief in the importance of collective progress. I remain deeply committed to empowering our communities to transform aspirations into realities." #SPARCsFly #SPARCinclusivity #HispanicHeritageMonth

We're honored to share the voices of our Hispanic and Latinx employees who make a meaningful impact every day, like our Pa'lante ERG member, Ricardo Mella, Store Manager for Aéropostale. Kudos to leaders like Ricardo for helping to build stronger, more inclusive teams! "My Hispanic heritage has inspired me to lead with empathy and inclusivity. Recognizing the challenges faced by Hispanic employees, I've worked to create an environment where their cultural backgrounds are celebrated, their voices are heard, and their contributions recognized." #SPARCsFly #SPARCinclusivity #HispanicHeritageMonth

Last week, students and faculty from the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) visited our NYC corporate office. They had the opportunity to hear from key members of our Design, Merchandising, and Marketing teams about what inspires their work, what their teams do, and how our brands make an impact in the fashion industry. A special thank you to everyone who worked behind the scenes to make this event a success, and we look forward to welcoming UC alums to our growing roster in the future!

As we celebrate Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month, we're proud to spotlight the voices that inspire us every day! 💭 We're especially grateful for the impact of our team members who lead with passion and empower those around them, like Rosanel Rosario, SHRM-CP, HR Generalist for Brooks Brothers. "My Hispanic heritage is at the heart of who I am and drives me to be a pioneer of change in both my personal and professional life. As the eldest child of immigrant parents and the first in my family to earn a college degree, I have learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and continuous growth. As a single parent and a marathoner, I've faced many challenges but remain committed to pushing forward with resilience and determination. In my career in human resources and my personal life, I strive to be a supportive friend and partner who is always ready to listen, offer guidance, and help others. I believe the greatest reward comes from positively impacting others, regardless of their background." #SPARCinclusivity #SPARCsFly #HispanicHeritageMonth

In honor of Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month, we're proud to introduce our first employee spotlight of the month. 🌟 Throughout the next four weeks, we're celebrating the incredible stories of our Hispanic & Latinx team members, beginning with Xena Ayala, Merchandiser with Forever 21. They were asked: "How has your heritage inspired you to be a pioneer of change in your personal or professional life?" Here's what Xena shared: ✨"At just four years old, my mother, alongside her parents, embarked on a journey from Guadalajara, Mexico, to the United States in pursuit of the American dream. Facing the challenges of a new country without a college education and as a resilient mother of two, she navigated life's uncertainties, often facing the realities of living paycheck to paycheck. Her unwavering courage in the face of adversity inspires me every day, instilling a profound respect for our culture and the sacrifices made for future generations.   Drawing strength from our shared struggles, I am driven to honor her sacrifices by seizing the opportunities she fought to provide. As the first in my family to attend college, and soon, to pursue an MBA, I represent the dreams of my ancestors, turning their aspirations into reality. My journey is a testament to the power of determination and the enduring spirit of our heritage."✨ #SPARCinclusivity #SPARCsFly #HispanicHeritageMonth

🌟 Our Hiring Event Starts TODAY! 🌟 Ready to kick start your career? We're hiring in stores across our seven brands starting RIGHT NOW! 🎉 Whether you're passionate about retail or just looking for a fresh start, we've got a spot for you. Our team members enjoy flexible hours and discounts on all our brands! Stop by any of our stores for an in-person interview, or if you're on the go, apply online! 📱 Don't miss out—your new career is just a click away! Visit www.sparcgroup.com/careers to see what's available. Aéropostale Brooks Brothers Eddie Bauer Forever 21 Lucky Brand Nautica Reebok #SPARCsFly #HiringEvent #RetailJobs

At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Ken Ohashi was tasked to bet against the trend. bit.ly/4gy1q0m He joined one of the most iconic—albeit just bankrupted brands in America—and took it back to billions of dollars of revenue. How? By diving into the brand’s archives and returning it to its roots. He was determined that when the world opened again, they’d do it in a classic Brooks Brothers suit that would tell a story as old as the brand itself. “It was a moment of both excitement and probably sheer terror about what was up at, what we were up against. So we just, we just got cracking immediately”, Ohashi tells Fortune. Read more here: bit.ly/4gy1q0m

From September 15 to October 15, SPARC proudly celebrates Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, honoring Hispanic and Latinx cultures, histories, and contributions. ☀️ Led by our Pa’lante Employee Resource Group, we’re dedicated to amplifying the voices of our Hispanic and Latinx employees and fostering a community rooted in unity and empowerment. 🌟   This year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” reflects our commitment to celebrating heritage and inspiring future generations. 🤝 Over the next four weeks, we’ll spotlight SPARC employees who exemplify resilience and innovation. We look forward to highlighting the diverse traditions and legacies that shape our identities and strengthen our organization! ✨ #SPARCsFly #HispanicHeritageMonth

Throughout August, our teams came together in an incredible way to support our colleagues in need. As part of our annual SPARC Cares Month initiative, we hosted a bake sale and multiple raffles to raise funds for our employee-driven non-profit dedicated to providing financial support to team members who are going through difficult times or crises.   The generosity and enthusiasm of our employees were truly inspiring, and we were thrilled to surpass our fundraising goal! A heartfelt thank you to all our employees who participated—whether by baking, buying, organizing, or donating. Together, we're not just colleagues; we're a community that cares! ✨ #SPARCsFly #SPARCcares