Gaia Duranti
Milano
Summary
Consolidated retail experience having worked with multiple fashion brands over the past 10 years in the UK. Graduated in Fashion Buying & Merchandising from London’s most prestigious school of fashion business (London College of Fashion-UAL). Specialised in retail merchandising/planning since started working for one of the biggest UK high street retailers.
Versatile team member offering years of experience handling tasks smoothly and efficiently. Adapts well to changing processes, programs and team requirements. Eager to contribute to growing company. Detail-oriented, talented in monitoring inventory levels and predicting product demand.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Junior Merchandiser
NEW LOOK
03.2022 - 07.2022
- Managing in-season Open to Buy (OTB) down to season/department level
- Managing Option counts at marketing group level (handled more than 500 options)
- Analysing data, identifying issues and trends, interpreting results to provide recommendations to protect / maximise profit
- Managing of Intake Margin, Markdown and Promotions
- Contributing to range development by ensuring Product reflects Brand strategy
- Forecasted production schedules and adjusted plans to accommodate changes in demand.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align production plans with customer requirements.
- Created and implemented tracking systems to monitor progress and meet deadlines.
Assistant Merchandiser
NEW LOOK
10.2019 - 03.2022
- Financial forecast of department (Weekly Sales, Stock and Intake)
- Range building together with buying team
- Present Monday trade and sign offs
- Liaise with suppliers to place repeats of best-selling lines
- Review under/over performing lines (using main KPIs like ST% and Stock coverage)
- Weekly commitment and distribution review
- Prepared and analyzed reports to track inventory and purchasing trends.
- Interacted with vendors, store managers and other stakeholders to maintain on-time deliveries.
- Analyzed sales and inventory data to determine purchasing needs and reorder points.
Merchandising Admin Assistant
NEW LOOK
09.2018 - 10.2019
- Create and update reports, analysing sales data, and providing insights to optimize stock levels
- Coordinate with buying team to ensure timely delivery and allocation of products to stores
- Monitor and manage stock levels, replenishment, and product availability
- Support in preparation and execution of merchandising strategies, including promotions and markdowns
- Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders, ensuring smooth communication and timely product delivery.
- Produced weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly sales reports for senior management.
Sales Supervisor
LK BENNETT
11.2014 - 08.2018
- Supervised staff successfully, utilizing effective communication and dynamic interpersonal skills.
- Worked jointly with team members to assist with closing sales, cross-selling and upselling of products and services.
- Trained team members in successful strategies to meet operational and sales targets.
- Mentored team members to enhance professional development and accountability in workplace.
- Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
- Checked store merchandise regularly for proper display and replenishment.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of products and services offered to customers.
- Built strong relationships with clients by following up on previous purchases and suggesting new products.
- Analyzed sales data weekly to send to head office team
Sales Assistant
BANANA REPUBLIC
10.2013 - 09.2014
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Assisted customers with prompt and polite support in-person and via telephone.
- Remained calm and poised in high-stress, dynamic environment to promote service to customers and staff.
- Established rapport with customers using active listening and interpersonal skills.
- Used consultative sales techniques to understand customer needs and recommend relevant products and services.
Sales Assistant
ZARA
11.2012 - 10.2013
- Stocked merchandise, clearly labeling items, and arranging according to size or color.
- Answered customer questions about products and services, helped locate merchandise, and promoted key items.
- Engaged in friendly conversation with customer to better uncover individual needs.
- Listened to customer needs and desires to identify and recommend optimal products.
- Managed efficient cash register operations.
- Opened, shelved and merchandised new products in visually appealing and organized displays for optimal sales promotions.
- Created inviting environment for customers by maintaining store organization and cleanliness.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Fashion Buying & Merchandising
University of The Arts London: London College of Fashion
London07.2018
High School Diploma -
Federico Enriques
Livorno, Italy07.2012
Skills
- Budget Planning
- Sales Forecasting
- Stock Management
- Cost Analysis and pricing control
- Markdown Procedures
- Supplier Communication
- Supply Chain Management
- Product Development Collaboration
- Competitor Analysis
- Retail Knowledge
- Attention to Detail
- Advanced use of main reporting software (PLM, Editrack, SAP Business Object, Oracle) and Microsoft Package
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations
- Worked effectively in fast-paced envirorments
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines
- Worked well in a team setting proving support and guidance
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Italian
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Hobbies and Interests
- Fashion
- Travel
- Music
Timeline
Junior Merchandiser
NEW LOOK
03.2022 - 07.2022
Assistant Merchandiser
NEW LOOK
10.2019 - 03.2022
Merchandising Admin Assistant
NEW LOOK
09.2018 - 10.2019
Sales Supervisor
LK BENNETT
11.2014 - 08.2018
Sales Assistant
BANANA REPUBLIC
10.2013 - 09.2014
Sales Assistant
ZARA
11.2012 - 10.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Fashion Buying & Merchandising
University of The Arts London: London College of Fashion
High School Diploma -
Federico Enriques
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