Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising

Associate Merchant, Luxury Makeup

San Francisco, California, United States

SEPHORA

Associate Merchant

- Foster new and existing brand relationships; have received positive feedback from multiple brands on being a supportive Merchant partner
- Communicate extensive sales analysis while delivering thoughtful and strategic feedback to guide business decisions; identify wins, losses, and areas of opportunities; recognized by brand and Sephora leadership
- Help develop and execute robust strategic plans and 360 launch activations in partnership with Senior Merchant, brands and cross-functional partners, including Dotcom, Marketing, and Education
- Partner on product assortments based off newness and core performance to maximize gondola productivity
- Review fixture planograms and graphics and make recommendations based off shoppability, product concept, category, and overall look and feel to enhance client experience
- Work closely with Planning on newness forecasts and bottoms up analysis to identify realistic volume potential and how it stacks against budget; review inventory ownership and liability to determine proper sell-thru strategies
- Provide suggestions and recommendations on new product development, formula, and packaging to ensure product feels unique and innovative and aligns with current trends
- Scout and recruit new brands to keep Sephora portfolio fresh and relevant, research and forecast consumer trends
- Trained two Merchandise Coordinators and one Associate Merchant, and continue to provide mentorship using collaborative and educational interactions to enable team member competency and growth

Key Project:
Next Big Thing:
- Partnered with vendors to streamline Update Process for Next Big Thing endcaps, shortening project timeline from 18 weeks to 12 weeks
- Owns evolution and assortment strategy, tracks performance and productivity and reports back to Merchant partners and leadership
- Liaison between project manager, fixture vendors, and Merchant team, communicating timelines to ensure deliverables are met

Assistant Merchant

- Executed required processes for new launches including sku creation and uploading assortments
- Owned store communications, managed product inventory and promotional calendars
- Partnered with cross functional teams; developed and maintain brand relationships
- Managed sales reporting, assisted in business analysis, owned trend exploration

Merchandise Coordinator

- Implemented the total “MAC Experience” by listening, investigating, and creating an interactive and personal experience with clients to gain trust and build customer relationships to drive business
- Pushed sales by inspiring through artistry and product knowledge, demonstrated product and artistry techniques
- Created and managed event calendar and business Instagram account, taught specialized classes
- Held role as Viva Glam Ambassador: set weekly Viva Glam goals, created motivating competitions, educated staff and customers on Viva Glam program

Nordstrom

MAC Makeup Artist

As an Independent Makeup Artist, I created my own schedule and catered to the needs of each MAC location. It was my responsibility to quickly adapt to the surrounding demographics, and provide excellent customer service and artistry skills during each customer interaction. During this time, I was able to work major industry events, host makeup seminars, and build trusting relationships between each business.

MAC Cosmetics

Independent Makeup Artist

I managed a team of 4-9 depending on the season within the year. I created daily sales goals and motivated my team to push products and services in order to exceed our day. It was my responsibility to train new hires and develop existing employees by teaching product knowledge and customer service techniques. I worked with the business owners to ensure our inventory was stocked with the most innovative and best selling products.

Aside from encouraging store productivity and conducting store operations, I also developed and maintained customer relationships by handling all questions and concerns. I attended to all issues by investigating customer contracts and discovering the best possible solution.

Perfect Tan

Service Experience Manager

I checked in existing customers, welcomed and signed up new customers, and focused on up-selling to achieve a high sales volume. My sales were #1 in the store, and my leadership and loyalty was recognized by my managers, which led me to become the Assistant Store Manager.

Genevieve Kennedy