Intentional retail, handled with care.
Department of Merch is an independent retail consulting agency led by Amber Luan and Kate Foley. Our work spans the full retail ecosystem, from business strategy and assortment development to the systems that support them.
We began our careers together inside a fast-paced e-commerce start-up that demanded versatility and an entrepreneurial mindset. Those early years revealed a shared ethos: we refuse to compromise on standards and operate with integrity, even when the work is more demanding.
As our careers evolved, we moved in different directions but stayed close, advising each other through high-pressure environments. And in moments of uncertainty, we slowed down, unpacked the details, and considered every angle before choosing a path forward — a discipline that now shapes how we work.
Today, we partner closely with teams to build retail programs that are as creative as they are and operationally sound. Together, we bring 20+ years of experience across startups, nonprofits, household brands, and cultural spaces.
The Founders
Amber Luan
Amber blends a discerning eye for aesthetics with operational rigor, designing retail programs that are deliberate, imaginative, and scalable. She works across product development, retail operations, and strategic partnerships, translating ideas into programs that combine creativity with measurable business and cultural impact.
Kate Foley
Kate leads with a clear, analytical view of retail grounded in market analysis, strategy, and curation. She shapes assortments, retail systems, and storytelling frameworks that balance commercial viability with narrative and visual impact, turning insights into retail experiences that bring a brand’s story to life.