CHIARA RUSSO
Dulwich Hill,Australia
Summary
Experienced visual merchandising professional with a proven track record at local and global companies, excelling in product styling and campaign activation.
I drive impactful in-store presentations that enhance customer experiences and boost sales. Recognized for developing effective VM strategies and fostering strong relationships across departments.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Specialist VM, AU & NZ
PANDORA
08.2024 - Current
- Lead campaign/zoning/promotional/instore and tray styling & collaborate with Merch team for balance between Global and Local strategies
- Collaboration for asset selections for campaigns to align with styling
- Campaign directives creation per campaign
- Zoning Styling Directives
- Product Styling assistance for Photoshoots: Talisman collection with Pandora Ambassador Madison Brown, Charms Stories with Kita Alexander, Madison Brown and Miranda Skoczek
- Adhoc projects (zoning) styling refresh management
- New store orders (props and framework) and management of demand planning/SOH/new prop roll outs
- Floorplan management– New stores VM
- Managing VM tasks creation on Pandora internal app and monitoring with feedback
- Best VM practice brief with Regional and Divisional Managers
- VM Training for store teams and Training team (train the trainers) per cycle/bi annually
- Tray priority updates for stores throughout cycle
- Review Retail Operation guide for stores (VM representative in meeting)
- Ordering product for Showroom update /conference
- Reporting VM results for weekly trade deck and attendance
- Centre activations: coordination with centre representatives and display mock up creation
- Management of VM props for store ordering/stock verification
- Store visits to provide execution feedback
VM Coordinator AU & NZ
PANDORA
04.2022 - 08.2024
- Provide styling direction for windows and in-store displays to support the merchandise assortment, key calendar moments and drive commercial results for both concept stores and multi brand accounts.
- Creation of visual merchandising directives reflecting the brand calendar and create a consistent customer journey across all relevant markets (Australia & New Zealand)
- Collaboration with Merchandising, Retail, Go-to-Market and Operational departments to support the business as required.
- VM zoning and recap deck for new stores and remodels.
- Defining POSM artworks ahead of campaign launch.
- Raising VM props and POSM sales orders as required.
- Support store network through effective and proactive management of VM store enquiries.
- Build a strong understanding of the customer through store visits proactively seeking feedback from store and retails ops teams.
- Manage the brand showroom testing display props ahead of campaign launches
- Support PR department for special events
Visual Merchandising Manager NSW
FURLA
02.2017 - 03.2020
- Managing the entire visual presentation across NSW region (8 Full Price stores and 2 Outlets). Working closely with the NSW Operations Manager, Manager and Store Managers to ensure high quality window implementations and in-store merchandising in line with brand standards.
- Training store teams on best VM practices including seasonal VM training document creation.
- Ensure VM standards are consistent and aligned with seasonal directives and brand requirements.
- New store opening VM guideline development and store set up coordination.
- Ensure Visual Tool Inventory is sufficient and effective coordinate internal props transfer.
- Ensure external and internal VM activity supports Marketing and promotional strategies and are always in line with brand positioning.
- Implement and oversee new collection set ups in line with directives with minimum disruption to the in-store customer experience.
- Identify each store customer demographic and tailor the VM presentation on it as required in order to maximize sales.
- Provide support and train store teams to assist stores with optimum set up.
- Identify and develop VM ambassadors across all locations.
- Updated the company VM Guideline document for the Australian market.
- Ensure standards / housekeeping are met on the shop floor and in the stockroom at any visit.
- Liaise with National VM Manager and Merchandising Manager to monitor the delivery and set up calendar.
Assistant Visual Merchandising Manager
DAVID JONES
Bondi Junction, AU
07.2016 - 02.2017
- Working closely with the VM Manager across all departments of the Bondi Junction store setting up all VM strategies as directed by Head Office.
- Communication with department managers to facilitate the best outcome for product presentation.
- Awareness of new fashion trends as well as an excellent understanding and knowledge of the current season range and customer type in order to provide an effective store presentation.
- Supervising a team of 3 VMs.
- Prepare departments for special promotions and events.
Event Production Assistant
Costume National
Milan, Italy
01.2010 - 11.2010
- Assistance in Organizing and Managing Events;
Milan and Paris Fashion Week
Milan Vogue Fashion's Night Out
FASHION SHOWS: Budget management, contacts with suppliers (analysis estimate, agreements, establishment of partnerships), fittings and backstage organization, help coordination production and postproduction (video, pictures, lookbooks...), coordination of dressers. - Assistance in the Implementation of Lookbooks and Shootings
-Budget and agreements, staff organization, production and postproduction.
Coordination with Style Dept. for organization of fittings and Commercial Dept. for showroom castings - Contacts with agencies, costs and agreements defining, models schedule.
- Management stationary materials (for stores and institutional)
- Control budgets and invoices for Marketing and Communication area (Production Office).
Education
Certificate IV - Marketing and Communication
Tafe NSW
Sydney, NSW11.2021
Bachelor Degree - Fashion Culture and Communication
University of Bologna
Italy07.2010
Degree - Social Sciences
Virgilio High School
Milan, Italy06.2005
Skills
- WINDOWS
- MAC
- INTERNET
- WORD
- EXCEL
- POWERPOINT
- OUTLOOK
- PHOTOSHOP
- INDESIGN
Personal Information
Nationality: Australian Italian
Key Skills
English: Excellent proficiency
Italian: Native language
Spanish: Good proficiency
French: Basic proficiency
Timeline
Associate Specialist VM, AU & NZ
PANDORA
08.2024 - Current
VM Coordinator AU & NZ
PANDORA
04.2022 - 08.2024
Visual Merchandising Manager NSW
FURLA
02.2017 - 03.2020
Assistant Visual Merchandising Manager
DAVID JONES
07.2016 - 02.2017
Event Production Assistant
Costume National
01.2010 - 11.2010
Certificate IV - Marketing and Communication
Tafe NSW
Bachelor Degree - Fashion Culture and Communication
University of Bologna
Degree - Social Sciences
Virgilio High School