Country Road Group Visual Merchandiser

Job Advert Summary

The Country Road Group Visual Merchandiser is accountable for implementing windows, in-store promotions and store merchandising in line with the visual merchandising direction to maximise sales. Visual Merchandising should follow and reflect the principles that underpin the store image and brand.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 or equivalent NQF level
• Previous experience in a Visual Merchandise role within Retail
• Available and flexible to work different shifts
• Degree in Consumer Science would be advantageous

COMPETENCIES (6-8 key competencies per job including personal, business and technical/ functional – this information would be housed centrally in a competency database)

Communication

• Speaks fluently in team meetings when presenting information.
• Writes memos, letters, emails and briefs according to professional standards and organizational procedures.
• Is able to compose or respond to communication using a professional tone

Planning and Organising

• Develop plans for work to be done by self and others.
• Organises and prioritises work for self.
• Sets goals and objectives to be achieved within a set time frame.

Detail Orientation

• Seeks opportunities to support develop and encourage other team members in order to maintain brand standards
• Pays attention to quality standards.
• Minimises errors and need for rework.
• Ensures work gets done right the first time.

Team Orientation

• Contributes to team effectiveness and efficiency by delivering on their role.
• Works co-operatively with others.
• Supports team members and gives valuable input to discussions or ways of working.

Customer Service Orientation

• Greets customers in a warm and genuine manner
• Independently engages with customers to establish their needs
• Ensures customer questions and requests are addressed.
• Makes customers feel important.
• Knows customer rights and expected services levels to be delivered to them.
• Creative Problem Solving & initiative
• Anticipates problems before they arise
• Uses initiative to find solutions
• Resolves complaints independently
• Identifies and implements process improvements where required

Policy & Procedure Knowledge

• Adheres to company standards and operational policies and procedures in execution of own tasks.

Product Knowledge

• Possesses advanced product knowledge on composition, uses, benefits, etc.
• Shares knowledge with others and is consulted by team on product issues.
• Keeps up to date on key looks of the season

Selling Skills

• Proactively engages and attracts the client into buying the product or service.
• Converts potential returns into a sale

Duties and Responsibilities

Visual Merchandising

• Merchandise all stores in line with planned promotions and in accordance with VM guidelines taking into account individual store layout and profile
• Plan and implement all floor moves in conjunction with relevant management to maximise sale opportunities as well as maintaining brand standards
• Ensure that the commercial and visual needs of the business are balanced when implementing merchandising or displays
• Ensure that all signage is positioned according to relevant merchandise in accordance with seasons VM guidelines and brand direction to engage customers and help stimulate sales
• Ensure styling of mannequins in windows, in-store focal areas and top of shelf displays are in line with VM direction at all times
• Fixtures and Fittings
• Ensure that all VM resources (i.e. mannequins and signage) are maintained in excellent condition minimising wastage and expense
• Control collateral componentry Minimize any workplace risks by adopting correct procedures and report any issues/ concerns to the manager
• Ensure all Fixtures are clean and in a workable condition
• Ensure correct alignment of fixtures in store according to a signed off floor plan

Customer Service

• Build clear and concise communication channels with both WW and CRG management and teams. While providing feedback on in-store promotional activities.
• Conduct a walk-through of the store with store management upon completion of floor moves
• Provide support to store teams by assisting in their training and development needs in relation to visual merchandising
• To make customers shopping experience as easy and effective as possible
• To sell products by making it look as appealing as possible

Self-Management

• Participate professionally within a team, working towards the achievement of Department and Store budgets & goals
• Complying with Woolworths and Country Road Group policies & procedures
• Participation in out of normal hour’s activities due to operational requirements
• Participation in team meetings and training. Share opinions, knowledge and experiences with others
• Be responsive to constructive feedback and use to develop VM skills and abilities
• Stock Management
• Weekly visit to the stockroom to ensure efficiently product is available for launches
• Launch newness according to availability
• Effective communication with stockroom regarding launch
• Liaise with Management regarding best/slow sellers and react with merchandising to maximise sales
• Correct product placement as per VM Detailed floor plan of sale setup / New product drops