Merry Christmas to our rue21 friends and fam! We truly can’t believe it’s finally here. The holidays look a lot different this year, but we have plenty of reason to be filled with good spirits and warm feelings. A few of our rue21 associates discussed their thoughts on the holiday season in a festive chat that we’re excited to share with you. Enjoy this introduction to a small part of our family and have a safe and happy holiday!
Angela Battistone
How long have you been with rue21? Describe your role with the company.
I’ve been here a little over two years, working as a Trend Assistant. I identify upcoming fashion and lifestyle trends and communicate that information to the buying teams throughout the season. We’re talkin’ key colors, fabrics, styling, prints, graphics and more!
What is your favorite winter tradition?
Making pizzelle. My Italian family has passed down a killer recipe over the years, and now I can’t let the season pass without having one. Or two. I stop somewhere around ten.
Name a few things you are thankful for this year.
My family and friends. My health. Online shopping (and delivery drivers, of course!)
What is your favorite holiday food or drink?
Hot chocolate with whipped cream, crushed peppermint sticks, and every single marshmallow. All of ‘em.
Top 3 favorite Christmas movies or songs?
“Home Alone”, Bruce Springsteen’s cover of “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town”, and The Hershey’s Kisses bell commercial—not a movie or song, but it deserves a spot in the Top 3!
Lexy Blankenship
How long have you been with rue21? Describe your role with the company.
I’ve been with rue21 since May 20th, 2020, working as a Sr. Coordinator for Email Marketing. I plan and execute email and mobile campaigns, analyze their performance and look for ways to optimize marketing efforts in each channel.
What is your favorite winter tradition?
Going skiing with my family and friends back home during the week of Christmas.
Name a few things you are thankful for this year.
My health. This year has been pretty crazy, but being able to stay healthy during this wild year is definitely what I am most thankful for.
My friends and family. I am really thankful for the friends and family I have more than ever this year. It has been a very difficult year for everyone given everything that has been going on. I am really thankful for how supportive both my friends and family have been throughout the year and how we have really leaned on each other to help us get through everything.
What is your favorite holiday food or drink?
My grandma’s homemade sugar cookies. My favorite drink is hot chocolate with marshmallows.
Top 3 favorite Christmas movies or songs?
My favorite Christmas movies are “The Year Without a Santa Claus”, the “Santa Clause” trilogy, and “A Christmas Story”.
My favorite Christmas songs are “Baby Please Come Home” – Mariah Carey, “Underneath the Tree” – Kelly Clarkson and “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” – Michael Bublé.
Nathaniel Gordon
How long have you been with rue21? Describe your role with the company.
I was the Store Communication intern in Summer 2019 and just re-joined the team in September of this year! I’m the Store Operations Specialist, so I help out anyone on the Store Ops team that needs it from Video Editing for training documents and helping Mary Blodgett with scheduling conflicts to recognition pieces and training tools. I also write the rue21 Company Newsletter (rueNEWS) every week!
What is your favorite winter tradition?
I really enjoy going skiing and trying to get into snowboarding. Other than that, just staying inside and eating a ton of food.
Name a few things you are thankful for this year.
I am thankful for the health of my family and friends during these crazy times with COVID-19. Also very very thankful for the entire Store Ops department that welcomed me back with open arms! Their hard work and dedication to the company inspire me every day to put out the best possible work. I truly look up to every single one of them.
What is your favorite holiday food or drink?
Who can go wrong with hot chocolate? Food-wise – it’s hard to pick just one but if anything I would have to say peppermint bark. Delicious.
Top 3 favorite Christmas movies or songs?
For sure “Home Alone”, “The Santa Clause”, and “Grinch”. Favorite song would have to be the classic Mariah Carey – “All I Want for Christmas (Is You)”.
Kylie Sphar
How long have you been with rue21? Describe your role with the company.
I’ve been a staff accountant with rue for 3 years. I track expenses, create budgets and adjust forecasts for the company. I work primarily with the IT and Marketing departments.
What is your favorite winter tradition?
My family has a small ski condo that we love to cram into and enjoy time together on the mountain.
Name a few things you are thankful for this year.
Extra thankful for my family and our health this year.
What is your favorite holiday food or drink?
Ginger molasses cookies.
Top 3 favorite Christmas movies or songs?
“The Polar Express”, “Klaus”, and “The Family Man”.
We hope you enjoyed this holiday chat with our rue21 associates! Let us know your answers in the comments below!
Be sure to share your holiday looks on Instagram using #YOUinrue and tag @rue21!
