Meet Min Choi, and the Brand New Retail, Luxury, and Consumer Association

First launched by its founder Min Choi (Questrom ‘26) in the fall of 2024, the Retail, Luxury, & Consumer Association (RLC) has made an impression on Questrom and BU at large. Only a year after its launch, RLC has gained over 500 members, many of which are Questrom students. The organization’s mission is to create a community of students who are passionate about the luxury industry, and to provide professional experience, mentorship, and learning opportunities for members. RLC has achieved this mission through a number of programs and events, including in-person retail experiences with brands, speaker events, an alumni mentorship program, and a hands-on consulting program.

On Sept. 24, RLC hosted a collaborative event with The Newbury Boston and Tiffany & Co. Members had the opportunity to meet Laura Ward, the Director of Sales and Marketing of The Newbury Boston, and tour the hotel while learning about the luxury hospitality industry. Afterwards, members received a tour of the Tiffany & Co. store with its sales team, viewed jewelry pieces, and gained insights into the luxury jewelry industry. In the past, RLC has hosted similar events with a number of luxury brands, including Bvlgari, Dior, Pandora, and Coach.

RLC also kickstarted its second semester-long consulting program. This semester, members will be working with LVMH maisons Acqua di Parma and RIMOWA to apply strategy frameworks and develop industry-relevant proposals for the brand. This program allows students to gain real-world experience and apply course concepts to the luxury industry, and top teams will have the opportunity to present their insights with brand representatives.

RLC prioritizes the growth of its members, and through its alumni mentorship program, juniors and seniors involved in the organization are able to have 1:1 mentoring with alumni working in the luxury industry. This initiative is designed to expand the network of RLC members and set them up for a career in the luxury industry. On Oct. 6, RLC also hosted an internship panel with members who have interned with luxury brands. By attending this event, students were able to expand their networks, learn about the industry, and discover opportunities that are available to them.

Coming up, RLC has a number of events planned to further the professional development of its members. For example, on October 29, RLC is hosting a networking event with LVMH representatives. As a leader in the luxury industry, LVMH owns 75 maisons in various sectors, including Wine & Spirits, Fashion & Leather Goods, Perfumes & Cosmetics, Watches & Jewelry, and more. This networking event will allow RLC members to learn more about the different sectors of the luxury industry and build connections with industry professionals, ultimately helping them develop and reach their career goals. 

For Choi, founding and leading RLC over the last two years has profoundly enriched her experience at BU: “I’ve been so grateful and excited to see that so many students at BU are passionate about retail and luxury. Building this community and creating opportunities together has been one of the most meaningful parts of my time here.”

To learn more about the Retail, Luxury, & Consumer Association, visit their Instagram and LinkedIn pages. RSVP for RLC’s LVMH Networking event on Handshake!

Article by Nalah Fladger