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.
- 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
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
