Sue Warfield

Sue Warfield has been in both the Retail and Toy Business for over 30 years. What began as a part-time retail job turned into a passion for retail. While attending college, she worked part-time for the then Dayton’s Department Store Chain. Though her “career” path had been International Trade, when she got her first great job in her field of study, she realized that as each day was coming to a close, she was looking forward to going to her part-time sales job at Dayton’s – which for some reason, she had never given up. Answering an ad to become an assistant manager at a hobby and craft store, she got the job...and that was it. Retail and sales were where she wanted to be.

Over the ensuing years, Sue worked for 2 major, independently owned, retail chains based in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and worked through the ranks to include store management, training, buying, and ultimately, director of retail operations. In 1990 she started her own retail consulting firm, Retail Specialties, and worked with clients around the US, developing training programs and working to improve their day-to-day operations. She entered the world of toy representation in 1995 and retail store ownership in 1999 when she and her husband opened a Northwoods furnishings and décor store. She joined ASTRA in 2000 and has been an active member ever since, serving on the Board for 7 years, including chair. Her most recent work contributions have been with Hotaling Imports, a long-term0 ASTRA Member, and serving as chair of the ASTRA Membership Committee.