Dick Seesel Senior Consultant

Dick Seesel specializes in helping both retailers and vendors develop focused merchandising strategies. He places particular emphasis on product and brand positioning, pricing strategies and distribution choices. Prior to starting his consulting career in 2006, Dick served for 24 years at Kohl’s Department Stores. As Senior Vice President and Divisional Merchandise Manager, Dick was responsible for managing the Women’s Accessory, Jewelry, Cosmetics and Intimate Apparel businesses at Kohl’s. He directed the assortment planning, marketing and vendor relations for this diverse group of categories. His experience at Kohl’s during its long history of national expansion can help clients manage rapid growth more effectively through planning, negotiation and team building.

Prior to Kohl’s, Dick worked at Dayton’s Department Stores (Minneapolis, MN) and in his family’s retail business. He graduated in 1976 from Harvard College (AB, magna cum laude) and in 1978 received his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. While at Kohl’s, Dick enjoyed several opportunities for “continuing education” through management seminars, focusing especially on negotiating skills development.

Dick considers himself to be a lifelong “student and teacher” of retailing. He led several training seminars for new associates while at Kohl’s, and has spoken to business students at the Wharton School and at Marquette University. He is currently teaching an undergraduate course in Retailing at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. (Dick is also a frequent contributor to the daily “Braintrust Panel” on RetailWire.com.) Among several volunteer activities, Dick is especially committed to the University School of Milwaukee, where he serves as a Trustee and as co-chair of the school’s Annual Fund.