Shelley E. Kohan, a trailblazer in the retail industry, has recently been recognized in Marquis Who’s Who for her outstanding contributions to the field. Inclusion in such prestigious volumes is reserved for individuals who exhibit prominence, significant accomplishments, and influence in their respective industries. Ms. Kohan’s illustrious career, spanning over four decades, stands as a testament to her leadership, innovation, and expertise in retail management.
Her journey began in 1983 at Bloomingdale’s in New York, where she was hired as a salesperson in the junior’s department. This entry-level role marked the inception of a career that would evolve into one of exceptional leadership in the retail world. Through determination and skill, Ms. Kohan rose through the ranks, demonstrating her ability to adapt, learn, and lead in various retail environments.
From her initial position at Bloomingdale’s, she quickly moved into more complex roles. By 1988, she was working as a buyer’s assistant at Bloomingdale’s, where her strategic insight and understanding of consumer behavior made her an invaluable asset to the team. Over the next few years, Ms. Kohan’s career took her to prominent positions at several well-known retail institutions. She worked as a department manager at Bullocks Wilshire from 1988 to 1991, then as an assistant general manager at I. Magnin & Company between 1991 and 1993. Her growing expertise in operations and management led her to a role as regional director of operations and director of logistics at Macy’s West, where she played a pivotal role from 1996 to 2000.
In 2000, Ms. Kohan returned to New York, taking on the role of operating vice president at Bloomingdale’s flagship 59th Street location. During her tenure, she was instrumental in driving operational efficiencies and enhancing customer experiences. In 2002, Ms. Kohan transitioned to Saks Fifth Avenue as the vice president of store operations. In this capacity, she developed new strategies for improving customer service and operational effectiveness, laying the foundation for her future successes. Her leadership at Saks Fifth Avenue extended from 2002 to 2006, during which she expanded her expertise in retail strategy.
Ms. Kohan’s next major role was at Space NK Apothecary, where she served as executive vice president of operations and vice president of U.S. Development from 2006 to 2009. During this period, Ms. Kohan contributed to the rapid expansion and operational success of the company. However, in 2009, she made a pivotal career move, founding Shelmark Consulting Incorporated, a firm that focuses on providing strategic insights to retail brands across the globe. As the chief executive officer of Shelmark Consulting, Ms. Kohan has continued to work with top-tier global companies, helping them navigate the complexities of the retail landscape.
In addition to her distinguished career in the retail sector, Ms. Kohan has also made significant contributions to academia. Since 2002, she has served as a faculty member at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), where she is currently the associate chairperson of Home Products Development and an associate professor at the Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology. Ms. Kohan’s role at FIT is not only about imparting knowledge, but also about mentoring future leaders of the retail world. She teaches courses in business strategy, retail management, marketing, leadership development, and buying, bringing her decades of real-world experience into the classroom.
In 2020, Ms. Kohan extended her teaching expertise to Syracuse University as an adjunct instructor, where she continues to shape the minds of future retail executives. Her commitment to the development of the next generation of leaders in retail is evident in her approach to teaching. She fosters a dynamic learning environment where students are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and pursue excellence.
Outside of her academic roles, Ms. Kohan is a strategic partner at The Robin Report, a leading retail industry publication, where she contributes her insights into the ever-evolving retail landscape. She also serves as the executive producer and host of the weekly podcast Retail Unwrapped, a platform where she shares her expertise and engages with industry professionals. Additionally, Ms. Kohan is a senior contributor to Forbes.com, where she regularly writes about trends in retail, business strategy, and leadership.
Ms. Kohan’s academic credentials are just as impressive as her professional career. She earned an Associate of Applied Science in Fashion Merchandising and Buying from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 1987. Building on this foundation, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Behavior from the University of San Francisco in 1989. Furthering her education, she completed a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Business Administration from Penn State World Campus in 2016. These qualifications, combined with her vast professional experience, have enabled Ms. Kohan to provide valuable insights to students, colleagues, and global brands alike.
One of Ms. Kohan’s core values is her commitment to continuous learning and improvement. She credits her success to her curiosity and willingness to embrace new challenges. She has consistently sought out new opportunities to expand her knowledge and skillset, whether by volunteering for new initiatives or pursuing professional development. Her ability to learn, adapt, and lead has been a cornerstone of her success throughout her career.
Her impact as an educator is reflected in her consistently high student evaluation scores, which highlight her ability to foster an engaging and dynamic learning environment. Ms. Kohan has made substantial contributions to curriculum development, ensuring that her students receive a relevant, up-to-date education that equips them for the challenges of the modern retail world. She has also played a leadership role at FIT, serving as the co-chair of the College-Wide Curriculum Faculty Senate Committee and advising industry-related student organizations, such as Collegiate DECA and the National Retail Federation Association Student Foundation.
Ms. Kohan’s influence extends beyond academia. She has established herself as a thought leader in the retail industry through her executive roles and media presence. She is frequently cited as a retail pundit and has been recognized as a top retail influencer multiple times between 2016 and 2025. Her leadership contributions have been acknowledged by Macy’s West, where she received leadership awards during her time with the company. Ms. Kohan’s insights and expertise have made her a sought-after speaker, writer, and strategist within the retail industry.
Ms. Kohan envisions continuing her work in both education and the retail sector. She is passionate about lowering educational costs for students and providing greater access to relevant course materials. She also aims to continue improving student engagement and career readiness by integrating real-world examples into her curriculum. In addition to her teaching and consulting work, Ms. Kohan plans to continue contributing to the evolution of the retail industry through her writing, speaking engagements, and strategic advisory roles.
Through her distinguished career, Shelley E. Kohan has proven herself to be a leader, educator, and influencer in the retail world. Her dedication to both the academic and professional realms has made a lasting impact on the industry, and she remains committed to advancing the future of retail by fostering the next generation of leaders and driving strategic innovation.
