ABOUT
+ Over 20 years in the visual merchandising industry, honing skills in critical thinking, trend analysis / forecasting and creative solutions. Travelled worldwide to open stores, project manage events, and recruit, train and inspire individuals in their visual careers. Most recently living in NYC and Miami and traveling across the USA as a Senior Visual Training Manager understanding market profiles and the latest developments in visual design. WHAT INSPIRED YOUR CAREER IN VISUAL? + Installing a window display during my ‘Saturday job’ at the age of 16, knowing that what I had adapted from the guidelines brought in new customers and increased sales had me hooked. The ambition to reach sales targets through creative ideas won me my first pair of Buffalo trainers in a regional sales lift competition, and sparked a passion for inspiring customer choices and making an impact on a company’s profile. RESOURCEFUL SKILL + Framing the business around a sustainable future and building a community of individuals with a shared passion for visual theatre that excites the eye of the consumer + While I love the excitement of the ever changing fashion industry, the wastefulness left me feeling frustrated about the future of our universe and the detrimental impact of using ‘single-use’ props and POS materials is having on the planet. Eco friendly policies are not always the most cost efficient. We do our best to educate and provide alternative solutions. HOW DO YOU SHOP? + Like a magpie! Anything involving plants and I’ll be buying all sorts of things. I’m enticed by the lure of a lifestyle, if a display speaks to my values and aspirations, I’m instantly engaged. |
ABOUT + I have over 20 years experience in fashion retail and 15 years experience in Visual Merchandising. I’ve been involved in numerous store openings across the UK, Europe and the USA and have been living in the States for the last 6 years, from which I have recently returned to London to continue my career in Visual Merchandising. I thrive in learning and understanding markets and adapting visual treatments accordingly to be successful within this ever changing retail industry. WHAT INSPIRED YOUR CAREER IN VISUAL + I’ve always been inspired by an amazing window display or mannequin grouping. Even from a young age, a trip to Selfridges was always a full day outing to allow time to take in all the incredible creative installations. Working in my local Topshop store that had no in store visual expert, I jumped at the opportunity to give it a go myself and I’ve never looked back since! RESOURCEFUL SKILL + With the climate and economy in the current state it is, sustainability is something we should all be thinking about more in our day to day life. Seeing opportunities in what’s already available and being able to recreate a display to feel new and exciting with minimal changes required is something that needs to be more regularly considered. With so many opportunities and ideas within upscaling and restoration, reducing waste and spend seems the natural step forward HOW DO YOU SHOP + Tend to leave to house with a purpose but easily distracted by an amazing colour palette or print. An enticing window display or a beautifully styled mannequin grouping can quickly take me off track! |
ABOUT +I have spent 15 years in the retail industry, primarily in the visual merchandising sector. I am passionate about what I do and pride myself on being flexible to solve problems in a creative and effect way. I have a strong eye for detail and make sure that all projects are carefully considered and executed to the highest standard. WHAT INSPIRED YOUR CAREER IN VISUAL? +I have always been fascinated with images and deconstructing the meanings behind them. From studying films and media and listening to endless DVD commentaries about the choices made and why (Yes I'm that guy) through to art, and social media. This has naturally transitioned into the world of visual merchandising where I am able to use a blend of psychology, data and trend analysis, alongside my natural creativity and visual eye to showcase beautiful aesthetics with a deeper purpose behind them for tangible results. RESOURCEFUL SKILL +Thinking creatively to come up with efficient and long lasting solutions. In a fast paced industry it is important to stay one step ahead, whilst still making sure not to be wasteful. HOW DO YOU SHOP? +I consider myself to be a hesitant shopper. I love to peruse and browse stores when I can, however unless I fall immediately in love with something I generally will not buy until I am sure it is what I want. I like to see all options available to me and will often revisit a store up to 3 times before I commit to a purchase. I once spent over 5 hours in 1 furniture store and came away with only 1 item, only to go back the next weekend and buy everything else I needed! |