Catherine Chai
Catherine Chai is a dedicated and results-driven retail professional with extensive experience in fashion retail management. Currently serving as 1st Assistant Manager at Cato Corporation, Catherine has demonstrated exceptional skill in leading teams, driving sales, and maintaining high visual merchandising standards. Her career spans multiple respected retail brands, including rue21, Burlington Stores, Inc., Ulta Beauty, and Forever 21, where she consistently delivered top-performing results and earned recognition for exceeding sales goals, improving credit applications, and enhancing customer experiences.
Beginning her retail journey in college, Catherine quickly discovered her passion for the industry and committed herself to mastering every aspect of store operations. She has developed expertise in team leadership, coaching and mentoring associates, customer service excellence, sales strategy, and visual merchandising. Catherine is also highly proactive in professional development, having completed certifications in Fashion Retail Transformation, Influencing People, and AI-driven courses such as ChatGPT 101 and Introduction to Generative AI Studio, showcasing her dedication to staying ahead of industry trends and innovative retail practices.
Catherine is recognized not only for her operational excellence but also for her ability to inspire and develop teams. She has successfully trained and promoted associates into leadership roles, implemented motivational programs, and led stores to achieve top district and regional rankings. Her career reflects a combination of self-taught expertise, hands-on experience, and a commitment to helping people grow professionally while delivering outstanding results for her organization. Passionate about retail and people development, Catherine continues to pursue opportunities that allow her to elevate both team performance and customer experiences in the ever-evolving fashion retail landscape.
• Plant-Based Diets, National Academy of Sports Medicine
• Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College – Associate's Degree, Business Administration
• Recognized as #1 Lead Cashier in the region during week 44 for Loyalty and Credit, Ulta Beauty
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion for the retail industry and my dedication to continuous learning. Starting in retail during college, I quickly realized how much I enjoyed the field and committed myself to growing within it. Through self-teaching, hands-on experience, and a focus on developing others, I’ve been able to advance my career and help my team succeed.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to never hesitate to ask questions. Seeking clarity and guidance has helped me learn faster, make informed decisions, and continuously improve in my role.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering the retail industry to invest in self-education. Continuously learning new skills and expanding your knowledge will help you stand out and advance your career.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Lifelong learning is one of the most important values in both my work and personal life. I enjoy exploring new ideas, whether it’s developing professionally or learning new recipes at home, as it helps me grow and stay inspired.