Yini Chen

Yini Chen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Design and Textiles at Washington State University (WSU), part of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS). Their work focuses on retail innovation, consumer behavior, and sustainable practices in the fashion industry.

Education:

• PhD in Individual Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program, WSU
• MS in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles (AMDT), WSU
• MA in Organizational Leadership, Gonzaga University
• BS in Business Administration (B.B.A.), International Business, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
• AS in Business Administration and Management, Shanghai University, China

Research Interests: Chen’s research explores omnichannel retail strategies, lifestyle retailing in emerging markets, consumer responses to sustainability initiatives, and the impact of technology (e.g., AR, social media) on shopping behavior. Key themes include:

• Omni-channel integration and consumer decision-making
• Environmental stimuli in luxury retail environments
• Sustainability in apparel recycling and material innovation
• Millennial consumer behavior in fashion consumption

Publications: Chen’s recent work highlights trends in sustainable materials (e.g., regenerated cellulose fibers), post-pandemic retail shifts, and omnichannel strategies. Over 15 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters since 2017 reflect a focus on empirical studies of consumer behavior and retail innovation.

Awards & Honors:

• 2nd Place, 2022 GPSA Research Expo Poster Competition
• CAHNRS 2021 Graduate Student Leadership Award
• 2022 GPSA Excellence Awards Graduate Student Instructor Awardee
• WSU 2020 President’s Award for Leadership

Grants & Advising: PI on a $2,000 CAHNRS-funded 2023 study exploring metaverse shopping experiences. Teaches courses in retailing, sustainability, and leadership, emphasizing practical applications of research findings.

Labs/Teams: Engaged in cross-disciplinary collaborations within CAHNRS and WSU’s School of Food Science to address retail and supply chain challenges in the apparel industry.