OBJECTIVE To continue making a vital contribution in the retail/fashion
industry as a creative and innovative visual merchandising
professional.
EXPERIENCE
HENRI BENDEL, New York, New York 2008
Freelance Visual Coordinator
Assembled open-back window displays in main entrance
adhering to accelerated deadline.
Transformed windows to reflect current trends; executed and
articulated Visual Directors interpretation of theatrical
settings using mannequins and props.
Worked with visual team installing decals and graphics for special events store-wide.
ROC APPAREL, New York, New York 2007-2008
Senior Merchandise Manager-East Coast
Accelerated into management position within three months of
hire. Recognized for leadership in identifying and
rehabilitating opportunity doors within assigned territory.
Assessed and reconciled challenges within wholesale accounts in
the New York territory and through out east coast region by
analyzing business reports, tackling delivery issues and
rebuilding communication with store teams. Resulting in a 5%
increase in total sales for region in one quarter.
Modified and revamped visual merchandise training standards to
establish a cohesive presentation of Brand and seasonal message
in major department store accounts nation-wide. Trained and
equipped six merchandise coordinators, ten vendor specialists and partnered with store management to ensure accurate execution at field level. Resulting in 10% increase in stock
for region.
Formulated prototypical floor sets and display techniques in
partnership with the Director for seasonal merchandise deliveries. Committed to updating field teams on new procedures as it related to current trends and raised the level of merchandising and presentation execution at store level.
Elevated the presentation of the showroom displays by incorporating visual narratives that depicted the inspiration
of the line.
MACY\'S EAST, Woodbridge, New Jersey 2004-2007
Group Sales Manager-Retail Management
Directed the success of three major departments in Ready-to-
Wear. Superseded the expectations of regional management team with 10% increase in annual sales. Committed to training and motivating ten associates to achieve their maximum potential while attaining corporate objectives, resulting in promotions to higher level departments and management training program.
Advanced as one of three executives in charge to support the Store Manager in successfully reaching sales and operational
performance goals, primarily through training, mentoring and
supervising managers in human resource procedures, sales
techniques, merchandising, leadership skills, and staff
supervision.
Qualified to worked with the Visual Director of store to
launch quarterly visual merchandise training sessions for Ready-to-Wear associates. Assisted with quarterly floor sets and product placement implementing feedback on customer base, trends and inventory levels.
Spearheaded two award winning store projects for customer
service, winning funding for sale associate activities.
Projects recognized company-wide as successful training tools
for the store and the company.
MACY\'S EAST, Freehold, New Jersey 2004
Vendor Specialist
Gained extensive experience in merchandising, floor sets,
mannequin presentations and cultivating the Ralph Lauren brand and image through commitment to excellence and self-motivation resulting in a 5% increase in sales.
MACY\'S EAST, Freehold, New Jersey 2003-2004
Visual Associate
Recruited to assist Visual Director with maintaining visual
merchandise standards throughout the store. Installed and
completed all projects by deadline.
Implemented corporate directives for visual presentations in
each department quarterly.
MOSHOOD, Atlanta, Georgia 1997-1998
Visual Merchandiser
Assembled window displays and merchandise presentations for
boutique.
Recognized for professionalism and creative background,
assumed increased responsibilities for window dressing, product
placement and merchandising.
Assisted with runway and style presentations for pre-season
and promotional fashion shows. Commissioned to hand paint
designs on one-of-kind pieces featured in Summer-1998
collection.
EDUCATION
MFA in Fine Arts
HOWARD UNIVERSITY,Washington, DC.
2003
BFA in Interior Design
Savannah Collegeof Art and Design, Atlanta, GA.
1997
COMPUTER SKILLS
Proficient with Adobe applications, Photoshop and Illustrator,
as well as, Microsoft Word, Excel and E-mail applications.