Visual Merchandising Manager
UAE Trading
Total years of experience :13 years, 10 Months
Visual Merchandising Manager
Tom Ford-Lanvin-Faconnable-Stefano Ricci-Karl Lagerfeld and Rodeo drive (Multi brand) Dubai/Abu Dhabi
• Global coordination of Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s boutiques:
• Creation and implementation of new windows concept for multi brands boutiques.
• Managing visual merchandising budget
• Direct contact with local contractors and suppliers
• Creation and implementation of Visual book and VM training for sales staff
• Supervision of activities linked to new opening set- up
• In charge of visual merchandising tools development •
• Responsible of direct contacts with Italian brands and their VM in charge.
Visual Merchandising Manager
Okaidi-Obaibi, 16 stores in UAE/ Kuwait /Qatar/ Bahrain/ Oman
• Oversee productivity of visual team ensuring daily maintenance/timely execution of promotional and seasonal installation.
• Partner with store visual merchandisers and senior team on floor changes and to achieve store readiness worthy of the brand
• Direct merchandising standards, fixture placement and seasonal trim following corporate standard
• Manage visual budget intended to maintain store at company standard with an emphasis on exploiting trends and supporting the needs of the business.
• Coach, develop and benchmark visual associates for growth.
• Participate in store senior team meetings and tour store at least weekly with Brand Manager.
• Develop excellent service through customer friendly merchandising standards and a visually stimulating shopping experience.
VISUAL MERCHANDISING MANAGER
Boutique 1, Dubai / Beirut May’11 - Dec’11
Events Managed for: Elie Saab, DVF, Missoni, Blumarine, Chloe, Mulberry, Paul and Joe, Y3
Key Deliverables
• Efficiently managed visual merchandising activities encompassing Window Installations, In-store product displays, etc., thereby enhancing business growth; Worked in coordination with Store, Marketing & Buying / Planning departments thereby ensuring accomplishment of the preset targets
• Developed & implemented VM training programmes and procedures across the country thereby ensuring adherence to the preset VM standards; Successfully managed VM seasonal budget in order to maximise the ROI
• Conducted regular store visits across the country, generated VM supervision reports & shared useful information with senior management
• Interfaced & negotiated with the mall management and regional partners thereby ensuring transparent communication & sound understanding of brand principals/VM guidelines; Suggested visual alternatives in case of disputes & govt. / social restrictions thereby ensuring optimum adherence to the VM guidelines
• Managed, mentored & motivated the VM and store teams; Planned orders for relevant VM materials, source upgrades, etc thereby enhancing the brands image
• Designed & executed special events, exhibitions and promotional events in close coordination with core brand marketing & development representatives
Project Purview:
Y-3 Event: Zinedin Zidan -Meet & Greet
AW11/12 Trend Showcase
Harper’s Bazar Arabia World Of Fashion
Mulberry’s 40th Anniversary in Dubai
Lucy in Disguise launching party
SENIOR REGIONAL VISUAL MERCHANDISER
Majed Al Futtaim Fashion, Bahrain/Qatar Mar’10 - May’11
Events Managed for: Juicy Couture, Jane Norman, Liz Claiborne, Monet, Mexx, Lucky Brand, Fat Face (Bahrain), Hoss Intropia (Qatar)
Key Deliverables
• Managed, conceptualized and implemented the Brand Visual Strategy; Coordinated with Buyers, Marketing & Store Departments for determining the specific visual merchandising needs such as fixtures, image photos & point of sale materials, etc.
• Accountable for development & implementation of Visual Merchandising standards & methods; Coordinated with brand management team to gather detailed knowledge of merchandise
• Oversaw implementation of in store- creatives and window guidelines; Conducted market research/ audit/ to monitor competitors activities and understand the latest trends
• Assessed the brand presentation & resolved issues if any; handled promotions and events as well as resolved training issues related to visual merchandising standards
• Responsible for development and training of in-store Visual Merchandisers, on merchandising standards, space planning, store layout and other visual merchandising techniques
VISUAL MERCHANDISER
Villa Moda, Bahrain Nov’06 - Feb’10
Events Managed for: Dolce and Gabbana, Donna & Umo, Lanvin, D&G, Valentino, Bottega Veneta
Key Deliverables
• Accountable for handling VM requirements for the store opening
• Functioned as the in-charge of 6 flagship stores; created the overall look and feel in coordination with each brand; coordinated with retail managers and management for smooth execution of daily operations and preparation of upcoming events
• Organized & managed special events, exhibitions and promotional events in close coordination with core brand marketing & development representatives; Conducted a research of the existing market trends, consumer market & provided merchandising advice
• Supervised Junior Visual in organizing and executing selling floor fixture/merchandise moves