Ronse, Flemish Region, Belgium
Category | Buying | Merchandising | Retail Strategy | D2C Experienced, results-driven retail and brand leader with 25+ years of experience in driving growth and transformation. Strong in buying & category management, merchandising, and omnichannel strategy, with a proven track record in assortment optimization and product innovation. I translate data and market insights into concrete actions that strengthen brand equity and deliver sustainable, profitable growth across B2B, D2C, and B2C. Experienced in leading cross-functional teams, reinventing retail concepts, and enhancing customer experience. Analytical, hands-on, and strongly focused on commercial performance and execution.
Merchandising Strategy | Sales Optimization | Cross-Functional Collaboration Experienced in developing and executing data-driven merchandising strategies that boost sales, optimize inventory, and drive profitability. Skilled in analyzing sales data, market trends, and customer insights to curate high-performing product assortments. Proven ability to negotiate with suppliers and vendors to secure favorable terms and enhance margin performance. Managed buying and sales budgets, controlled margins, and adapted pricing strategies based on business needs. Designed and led promotional campaigns and markdown strategies to manage inventory and increase turnover. Collaborated closely with buying, supply chain, marketing, and finance teams to align merchandising with company goals. Monitored KPIs and sales performance to identify opportunities for growth and implement effective solutions. Conducted regular store visits to ensure execution of visual merchandising standards and gather valuable feedback. Maintained strong market awareness by tracking industry trends, competitor activity, and evolving consumer behavior.
Responsible for Essentials, Electricals, Equipment
Created, designed, implemented, developed stores and fixtures for Monobrand and Multibrand full price stores, Fashion Outlets, Premium wholesale environments Partner with architects and contractors Transform each store location to generate visually impact, cost-effectiveness, overall consistency and aligned to the global shop fit Produce efficient layout, space plans and sensible store P&L’s Achievements: Opened successfully 30 female orientated future proof new/refurbished stores in 15 months Increased customer store experience, brand perception. Turnover growth on focus categories with 20% - 100%
Bring the strategic vision to life by creating the right product mix Liaise with in-house Product Marketers, Retail Analysts, store staff to produce best profiles for each full price format Cooperate with 'Countries', Product Managers and forecasting department to control stock levels Support and enhance the GMT calendar Achievements: Reduce SKU’S without decrease top line sales Assure a correct implementation of the collection through merchandising guidelines and collection sheets Transforming retail channels from Multi-channel to Omni-channel Increased UPT’s from 1,2 to 1,3 by focusing on add on products
Oversaw and comprehensively managed department Sport Shoes and Sneakers, luggage and maintenance products Create and developed products for private sports label Negotiate the lowest cost prices and companies delivery terms with suppliers and manufacturer Filled in product assortments to assure appropriate product positioning and company objectives Achievements: Increased Brantano’s credibility amongst teenagers by introducing specific brands and changing store lay out principles
Establish, position and grow the retail format DNA Determine and develop the strategy Define and execute commercial and marketing calendar Review product assortments to assure appropriate product positioning Prepare, steer and execute the format pre-season planning Successful management of 7 team members (District managers, Mkt, Buyers, Merchandisers) Achievements: Neutralised negative turnover in less than one year Tailored the product offer to local consumers and aligned with the strategy