One Levi's supervisor feels that despite the pandemic, he and the company have more to offer to the city of Las Vegas.
Panoramic of North Outlets Levi's (photo by Katorah Thomas)
“I’m most passionate about developing associates and getting them to the next step in their career,” Harlington Lopez, a Levi’s supervisor mentions, “I would hope that I could reach a store manager position.”
Lopez, a 30 year old native of Las Vegas, has been working at Levi’s since February 2020 but has built an extensive career in retail, spending the past decade at boutique’s such as Kate Spade and Victoria’s Secret. It’s merely coincidence that Lopez started right before the pandemic though he’s kept himself safe thus far.
“My partner was exposed and tested positive in May 2020. Two associates [also tested positive] but quarantined immediately,” Lopez said when asked if he had any close calls or knew of anyone who dealt with Covid-19.
The North Outlets of Las Vegas, where this particular Levi’s is housed, is an open air mall. After the statewide shutdown of non essential businesses on March 12th, 2020 by Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak, open air malls were among the first businesses to reopen in early May 2020. Levi Strauss & Co began a curbside pickup service at the end of June and finally began bringing its workers back from furlough in September.
“I didn’t work this summer, I was (furloughed) for two to three months until I was called back and I was on unemployment,” Jonas Flores, a 23 year old back of house worker, expressed in regards to the company’s decision to move the business online throughout the lock down. On a mid pandemic work day, he also doesn’t feel his daily duties have differed at all. “Except for the masks, which I tend to forget in my car, nothing much has changed.”
The routine is much different for the stylist on the sales floor, according to Nancy Jackson, one of the shop's assistant managers, “Face masks coverings at all times, temperature check at the beginning of the shift, helping consumers out but being socially distanced and making sure occupancy is under control and cleaning every hour. We have cleaning caddies stationed around the store.” There are also plastic dividers between the consumers and cashier, quarantining of clothes that were tried on but not bought and plenty of sanitizer.
“I think the Governor did as best he could in his power,” Lopez said, “ The country should’ve had federal mandates through face coverings or something. Us as Americans are not the cleanest. [The pandemic] brought awareness to society that we need to be more clean. We don’t take it into account—cleanliness as a society and being aware of others.” Levi's famed '501' wall (Photo by Katorah Thomas)
Though people thoroughly enjoy shopping online and can do so with ease, as compared to twenty years ago, there are still a few that enjoy walking the halls of a mall, stopping into each store that catches their attention, chewing on a cinnamon pretzel and leaving with pretty bags full of goodies.
“[Corporate] is pretty understanding when it comes to sales goals but they’re strict on the health guidelines,” Jackson assured with a reminder that every consumer must wear a mask,“... on a typical week day, we would make around $15-20k, weekends we would hit up to $30-45k, depending on the weekend.”
Jackson, a local of Las Vegas, began working with the all American jean company in the fall of 2019 after spending nine years at Victoria’s Secret. “[After the pandemic] I’d say that amount is $10k a day and on a weekend, we typically hit almost $20k.”
“[This holiday season won’t be] as crazy as the year before but I don’t think it will slow down that much either. At first it seemed like something that everyone took it seriously but now it seems like something we’re all used to,” Flores said.
“Levi’s is, for me, a company that’s represented by the community,” Lopez began, “We just fed 110 families the weekend before Thanksgiving. And did a caravan to deliver the last eight meals to the homes of families in need. We also involved the east side Las Vegas community.
“Levi’s represents longevity, a staple of the American lifestyle. Thinking of where we started in 1860 to 2020, every decade represents a staple in the American lifestyle, whether it be the 60s or 70s or world wars.” And after the pandemic, the company that is less than one hundred years younger than the United States has proven again that it is ingrained into the fabric of this country.
“I think Levi’s is very known for their product and the customer automatically loves the brand, overall I think it’s just the traffic it’s not the same anymore.” Jackson said in regards to if the company had lost its steam or popularity. She did admit that she’s found the customers more interested in shopping by themselves than with assistance.
Harlington Lopez, a supervisor at Levi's (photo by Katorah Thomas)
“My favorite preference is the 501 for men’s and the High Waisted taper is favorite in
women,” Lopez expressed. “ My favorite product overall is the fanny pack. I have 10 and it adds a little something in my wardrobe, it carries everything: sanitizer, battery pack, masks and gloves. Also the matching ball cap and bandanna.”
Lopez is currently getting back into school to work on being in HR for Levi’s, to help the company and associates in more ways than on the floor.
“I would love to work for any brand that wants me and Levi’s is one of them.” Lopez states. “ I would go anywhere with them.”
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