Karen Bjornenak

Jan 2025: Closed retail store in Pakington St, Geelong West

Store stocked only Australian made items, with Berserk clothing as the principal label.

-Bought in stock from hand made businesses around the country which required researching and selecting products appropriate to the stores ethics. Budgeting costs. Building relationships with suppliers.

-Merchandising store windows and interior displays, mannequins and creating a unique and inviting space with historical props.

-Serving customers and providing concise information on materials and origin of products.

-Managed, trained and educated employees in providing a high level of customer service, and ability to discuss ethical and sustainable materials and production methods.

-Administration tasks including supplying information to book keeper and ATO in relation to staff and taxation compliance. Paying debtors and staff.

-Maintain an online store, mail list and social media presence. Update skills in keeping with changes in technology and photography.

-Produced Berserk garments in small production.

-Basic styles cut in larger quantities were sent out to local workrooms which required preparing fabrics, patterns, labels and instructions for the makers.

-Mid runs of garments were cut in house and sent out to local sewing contractors. One off and small runs were cut and sewn in house. This required laying out fabrics, marking patterns and cutting in a systemised fashion.

-Maintained a small retail space stocking Berserk garments and a selection of curated locally made bags, jewellery and clothing.

-Prepared and invoiced orders to despatch to retail stores around Australia.

-Photographed garments and collated a sales catalogue to email to wholesale customers.

-Maintained and online store, mail list and social media presence.

-Manager in partnership.

-Established system to track and pay for goods held on consignment terms.

-Sourced and trained staff in customer service, and product knowledge.

-Established an online and Face book presence, and mailing list.

-Created systems for staff and supplier payments.

-Merchandised store

-Served customers and assisted with fit and product information.

-Researched opportunities for media exposure and public relations.