Visual Merchandiser

Kim Joseph

** *********** ******

Toronto, ON M*R 1G5

416-***-****

PROFILE

Experienced retail merchandiser and manager. Notable success in generating

new business and increasing sales volume. Well developed creative, visual

and merchandising skills. Extremely challenge-oriented. Management talent

for seeing the whole picture. Well organized and decisive with proven

ability to manage and develop people. Highly reliable self-starter;

committed to producing results.

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE

Lindt & Sprungli 2008-ongoing

Toronto, ON

Lead Merchandiser Toronto Core: Responsible for leadership of strategic

marketing, logistic and host relationship development with greatest market

share for HBC and Sears.

. Monitor, report and analyze strategic sales plans and objectives for

Sears and HBC

. Responsible for ensuring the development of highly successful host

partnerships

. Responsible for the development and implementation of both inline and

opportunistic innovative logistic and marketing venues

. Ensures highly effective and efficient merchandising including price,

presence, promotion, and all areas of the agreements are executed

. Responsible for the managing, developing and monitoring inventory

control systems and risk management procedures

Retail Associates, LLC 2002-2008

Toronto, ON

Regional Merchandiser: Responsible for all budgeted sales, and all

communication and relationship development with eleven host departments

including the highest volume stores in Canada.

. Monitor, report and critically analyze sales goals and department

performance

. Creatively merchandise eleven departments and ensure that highest

volume stores were designed to maximize sales and maintain vision

. Responsible for the development of successful and positive

relationships with host (HBC)

. Ensure and develop progressive relationships with host marketing and

sales departments and store operational management

. Responsible for the managing, developing and monitoring inventory

control systems and risk management procedures

. Develop and implement communication strategy that mapped LLC vision

and strategy with host store branding and positioning

Terracotta House 1997-2001

Toronto, ON

Buyer/General Manager

Successfully integrated two boutique storefronts Karismo Latino and

Saltillo Imports into one multifaceted home d cor retailer, Terracotta

House.

Restructuring/Consolidation

. designed and implemented policy and procedure regarding all aspects of

retail operation including financial, human resources, inventory, and

merchandising

. streamlined and implemented business procedures

. successfully recruited, hired and trained sales and management

personnel

Productivity Increases/Merchandising/Client Service

. enhanced relationships with suppliers in Mexico by devising new

strategies regarding price-point on wholesale items

. influenced artists and suppliers to decrease price-points by

establishing an advantageous payment schedule resulting in on time

delivery with increased product quality

. established a new approach to merchandising including weekly movement

of merchandise, creating new feature areas and mapping display flow

items

. created strategic client flow store coverage plan for increased staff

identification and client service

. developed a more effective and efficient client service concerns

protocol which enabled management to deal with customer complaints

quickly increasing client satisfaction and loyalty

. created a special ordering system to accommodate small or one of a

kind orders from suppliers which enabled staff to facilitate client

requests efficiently

Brand Positioning

. developed a unique character, style, personality, and image

specifically tailored to Terracotta House

. established a relationship with Mexican consulate which provided

access to national artists, trade regulators, and cultural events

allowing for the introduction of new unique merchandise and the

promotion of Terracotta House as a valuable sales venue for Mexican

artisans

Communication and Advertising

. developed a database to promote Terracotta House sales and events for

clients, suppliers, and the locally community

. implemented cost efficient and free promotions including working with

local charities, service clubs, schools and churches

. led the participation in large scale marketing events including the

International Home Show, Designers Walk and home d cor trade shows

. accessed and developed promotional events for Terracotta's merchandise

by providing set ware for TV cooking shows including "What's for

Dinner?" and other Toronto based shows on the Food Network

Systems/Technology

. responsible for the development, implementation and training of

personnel on the Vigilant software system

. designed and implemented for new merchandising coding system which

improved inventory control, preventative maintenance and decreased

labor costs

Government/Regulatory

. liaised with suppliers, consolidators, and custom brokers ensuring the

adherence to appropriate regulations regarding movement of

merchandise.

Asset Engineering (Liquidation specialists) 1996-

1997

Toronto, ON

Site Supervisor

Supervised the liquidation of various retail companies including Marci

Lipman, Ely's Fred's and Santini's (All high-end men's and women's clothing

retailers)

Leadership and Team Building

. provided leadership and direction to retail teams to maintain a high

standard of client service in the stressful environment of liquidation

. responsible for conflict management during liquidation sales

Project Management

. coordinated all aspects of start up, knock down and layout development

including inventory and merchandising display for all liquidation

locations

. collaborated with suppliers, on-site company representatives and

personnel to maintain vitality of short run sales

Operations

. managed operations of all retail locations

. responsible for inventory and cost control, preventative maintenance,

store volume, sales and merchandising and financial systems

Mall Shows International Inc. 1995-

1996

Toronto, ON

Key Account Sales Manager

Provided supervision for Mall Shows and key account manager for T.D. Visa

Promotion in Ontario and British Columbia

Human Resources Management

. responsible for attraction, hiring, development, retention and

management of sales and management personnel for new and existing on-

site locations

. implemented weekly meetings for employee feedback, ideas, and goal

review

Client Relationship Skills

. liaison with T.D. Visa personnel

. negotiated all prime real estate locations at tradeshows, special

events and malls

Karisma Latino

Home D cor/Giftware specializing in authentic Mexican goods 1994-

1995

Toronto, ON

General Manager/Sales

Managed operations of boutique including sales, merchandising, inventory

and cost control and personnel supervision.

Product Launches

. organized and managed open houses introducing an unique brand of

merchandise resulting in 15% increase in revenue

. liaised with Mexican consulate regarding new artists, products and

promotion of Karisma Latino in cultural events and publications

Stardom Fashion Network 1989-1994

Toronto, ON

Casual cotton clothing for women with nine retail locations across Ontario.

Area Supervisor of Flagship Store and Second Location (1992- 1994)

Manager of Flagship Store (1990-1992)

Assistant Manager of Flagship Store (1989-1990)

Management and Administration

. managed all renovations, including concept, layout development,

inventory and merchandise display

. responsible for managing and coordinating all aspects of operational

start-up

. liaised with in house designer regarding new product development

Leadership and Supervision

. responsible for the operational management of two new retail stores

including financial, human resources, inventory, and merchandising

. reviewed all financial and statistical reports from each location

including monthly financial statements, payroll, and volume

forecasting

. developed and implemented HR/administrative policy and procedures

manual

. established guidelines for all aspects of retail operations including

recruitment, bona fide requirements, and hiring

EDUCATION

BA History, University of Western Ontario 1985-

1988

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