Podcast Summary: "The Lori Herschleifer Interview with Throwing Fits"

Release Date: February 5, 2025

In this engaging episode of Throwing Fits, hosts James and Lawrence sit down with Lori Herschleifer, a prominent figure in the luxury retail industry and a key player in the family-run department store, Hersch Lifers. The conversation delves deep into Lori's personal style, the intricacies of running a multi-generational family business, the evolving landscape of retail, and the intersection of social media influence with high-end fashion. Below is a detailed summary of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Fit Check and Personal Style

Timestamp: 01:40 – 05:00

The episode kicks off with a comprehensive fit check, where Lori showcases her meticulously curated outfit. She is adorned in:

• Celine Timberlands paired with Comsy socks
• A Chanel pleated skirt from the Air Port collection
• An R13 denim shirt featuring a vintage Van Morrison design
• Vintage Rolex watch and Chrome Hearts bracelets

Notable Quote:

Lori Herschleifer (02:04): "I do wear a bunch of anklets, but unfortunately they have to be covered in the sock today."

Lori emphasizes her love for vintage band tees, collecting them through her daughter-in-law's purchases, ensuring each piece holds personal significance.

2. Jewelry Collection and Styling Philosophy

Timestamp: 05:24 – 14:45

Lori shares insights into her extensive jewelry collection, which includes:

• Four Chrome Hearts bracelets that she considers her uniform
• Rings from Horse and Boost, Darius, Chrome Hearts, Ellie Halili
• A Chanel necklace featuring Snoopy, a cherished piece inspired by her late pet

Notable Quote:

Lori Herschleifer (09:38): "People often ask on Instagram if I can show them a stacking video or how to grow. So, yeah, it's pretty crazy that that has happened."

Lori discusses her maximalist yet cohesive styling approach, where each jewelry piece complements her overall look without overwhelming it. She attributes her impeccable taste to instinct and personal preference rather than formal training.

3. History and Evolution of Hersch Lifers

Timestamp: 08:42 – 19:38

Hersch Lifers, founded in Brooklyn in 1905, has evolved from a simple fashion retailer to a prestigious multi-brand department store. Lori recounts the store's journey:

• Relocation to Forest Hills in Queens
• Expansion to Manhasset six decades ago
• Transition from primarily evening wear and Mother of the Bride gowns to a diverse range encompassing ready-to-wear, shoes, and extensive jewelry lines

Notable Quote:

Lori Herschleifer (16:22): "The three of us sat down one day and said, we're not sure we can make this work, but there you go. We just did it."

Facing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Lori explains how the family adapted by enhancing their VIP shopping programs and transforming the store into a destination with added amenities like Young's Farm.

4. Running a Family Business: Dynamics and Challenges

Timestamp: 15:30 – 28:50

Lori delves into the dynamics of running a family-owned business, highlighting:

• Division of responsibilities among the sisters: Lori focuses on buying for women's wear and jewelry, Karen handles legal affairs, and Shelly manages operations
• Trust and transparency as foundational elements, mitigating typical familial conflicts
• Succession planning, ensuring the legacy continues into the fifth generation

Notable Quote:

Lori Herschleifer (12:37): "We do everything from buying to managing the sales floor. There's nothing I would have someone else do that I wouldn't do."

The conversation touches upon the impact of losing the patriarch, Rob, and how the sisters navigated the sink-or-swim reality post his passing, fostering a resilient and cohesive leadership team.

5. Adaptation in the Modern Retail Landscape

Timestamp: 28:50 – 39:00

Discussing the ever-changing retail environment, Lori outlines strategies that have kept Hersch Lifers viable:

• Expanding the brand portfolio, incorporating both established names like Chanel and Chrome Hearts and emerging brands
• Leveraging social media, where Lori serves as an informal influencer, blending personal style with store promotions
• Enhancing the in-store experience, turning shopping into a multi-sensory event with options like Young's Farm for dining

Notable Quote:

Lori Herschleifer (19:01): "We just went every direction. We increased our Chanel buys, we added shoes, there's nothing we don't carry now."

She also discusses the importance of exclusive partnerships, such as the in-store Chanel boutique, distinguishing Hersch Lifers from other department stores.

6. Social Media Influence and Brand Representation

Timestamp: 32:14 – 44:19

Lori reflects on her role as a brand influencer through her personal social media presence:

• Balancing personal style and store promotions, maintaining authenticity while showcasing store merchandise
• Handling public perception, including both admiration and criticism, and the challenges of maintaining a positive online image

Notable Quote:

Lori Herschleifer (32:53): "It's just who I am. It's my business. It's my home, right?"

She acknowledges the pressure of influencing but embraces it as an extension of her role within the store, ensuring that her personal brand and Hersch Lifers’ identity are seamlessly intertwined.

7. Fashion Trends and Personal Tastes

Timestamp: 44:19 – 59:00

The discussion navigates through current fashion trends and Lori's perspectives:

• Preference for simplicity and elegance, appreciating brands like Extreme Cashmere and Phoebe Philo for their understated aesthetic
• Critique of over-the-top trends, advocating for a balanced approach to accessorizing without overwhelming the ensemble
• Selective brand integration, such as incorporating Chanel and Chrome Hearts while maintaining a diverse and cohesive inventory

Notable Quote:

Lori Herschleifer (65:46): "Sometimes it's just not everything needs everything on it, like painted and bedazzled."

8. Personal Stories and Anecdotes

Timestamp: 59:00 – End

Lori shares heartfelt anecdotes, including:

• Meeting Virgil Abloh, highlighting the warmth and collaboration spirit within the fashion industry
• Family dynamics, particularly her long-standing relationship with her husband, David, and their joint venture into the store’s operations
• Travel experiences, recounting trips to Tokyo and Australia, emphasizing the global nature of luxury retail

Notable Quote:

Lori Herschleifer (81:09): "Everything you do with that when we merchandise the whole store because we're buying shoes, we're buying ready to wear. So you're trying to work everything together like making merchandise as one closet."

Conclusions and Key Takeaways

• Legacy and Family: Hersch Lifers stands as a testament to multi-generational commitment and the strength of family bonds in sustaining a luxury retail empire.

• Adaptability: The store's ability to evolve with market trends and embrace technological advancements has been crucial in navigating challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Personal Branding: Lori's authentic online presence serves as a powerful tool for brand promotion, blending personal style with business objectives seamlessly.

• Fashion Philosophy: Emphasizing balance over excess, Hersch Lifers advocates for timeless elegance and thoughtful accessorizing, steering clear of fleeting trends that lack cohesion.

• Community Engagement: By transforming the shopping experience into a destination event, Hersch Lifers fosters a sense of community and exclusivity, attracting a loyal clientele.

This episode offers an intimate look into the world of high-end retail, the complexities of managing a family business, and the delicate balance between personal and professional identities. Lori Herschleifer's insights provide valuable perspectives for anyone interested in fashion, entrepreneurship, and the dynamic interplay between legacy and innovation.

For more insights and stories from Throwing Fits, visit www.throwingfits.com on Substack.