Cecilia Laubscher
Summary
Experienced field visual merchandiser with a solid background in the fashion and interior industries. Demonstrated success collaborating with renowned brands to create visually captivating displays. Skilled in utilizing strategic merchandising techniques to drive sales and enhance brand image.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Area Field Visual Merchandiser
Carrol Boyes
11.2024 - Current
- Enhanced overall store appearance by applying careful consideration to product and display locations.
- Monitored and replenished display inventory and restructured according to available stock.
- Managed aesthetically pleasing displays to showcase company products and increase sales.
- Created interior displays to promote products in alignment with corporate sales objectives.
- Leading Visual Merchandising activities and coordination of new store openings
Regional Field Visual Merchandiser
Coricraft
Johannesburg West
02.2023 - 10.2024
- Conducted regular visits to the showrooms to enhance and optimize display details for the best customer journey
- Monitored and replenished display inventory and restructured according to available stock.
- Created interior displays to promote products in alignment with corporate sales objectives, with seasonal and promotional floorplan updates, as required
- Enhanced overall store appearance and customer journey, by applying careful consideration to product and display locations.
- Managed aesthetically pleasing displays to showcase furniture and accessories and increase sales.
- Worked with store teams to implement new displays, promotions and store layout changes.
- Evaluated store performance and made recommendations for changes to optimize sales.
- Regularly updated visual displays to highlight new and featured furniture items and accessories
- Sharing daily visual and written reports to business partners for visibility and updates on activities and identifying opportunities
Regional Field Visual Merchandiser
Old Khaki
Inland Region, South Africa
04.2021 - 01.2023
- Travelling to 43 inland stores to monitor and enhance display inventory and restructured according to available stock.
- Created interior displays to promote products in alignment with corporate sales objectives.
- Worked with store managers to implement new displays, promotions and store layout changes.
- Built properly lit and well-maintained displays, creating inviting atmosphere in stores.
- Supervised and trained team of merchandising associates, verifying accuracy and efficiency in work processes.
- Organized store merchandise racks by size, style, and color.
- Utilized paper, fabric and props to create displays.
- Promoted seasonal products and trends to move stock and prepare for incoming inventory.
- Used props and lighting to enhance appearance and visibility of displays.
- Collaborated with store managers to determine best placement for merchandise displays.
- Worked on new store openings as the brand expanded their retail footprint.
Regional Field Visual Merchandiser
Cape Union Mart
Gauteng, North-West & Limpopo Regions
10.2020 - 03.2021
- Travelling to stores to monitor and enhance display inventory and restructured according to available stock.
- Created interior displays to promote products in alignment with corporate sales objectives.
- Worked with store managers to implement new displays, promotions and store layout changes.
- Built properly lit and well-maintained displays, creating inviting atmosphere in stores.
- Supervised and trained team of merchandising associates, verifying accuracy and efficiency in work processes.
- Organized store merchandise racks by size, style, and color.
- Utilized paper, fabric and props to create displays.
- Promoted seasonal products and trends to move stock and prepare for incoming inventory.
- Used props and lighting to enhance appearance and visibility of displays.
- Collaborated with store managers to determine best placement for merchandise displays.
- Worked on new store openings as the brand expanded their retail footprint.
Assistant Store Leader
Poetry
Cresta, Johannesburg
11.2018 - 09.2020
- Managed team workload to reach production targets.
- Created staff schedules, approved requested time off and updated reports.
- Delegated daily tasks, addressed employee questions and resolved scheduling issues.
- Used advanced features of Microsoft Office to complete all necessary reports for senior management review.
- Built relationships with team members to encourage willingness to address concerns and issues.
- Mentored employees to help improve skills and enable team members to become peak performers on job.
- Implemented new window and store displays according to latest Visual merchandising updates
- Assisted with general maintenance of store to keep environment perpetually clean and presentable.
- Supervised associates by providing direction and instruction for stocking shelves, rotating stock, and receiving deliveries.
- Answered product questions and assisted customers in selection and checkout.
- Kept documentation and records accurate and up-to-date with latest data to prevent errors in processing or delivery.
- Supervised daily operations by directing customer service, inventory and sales operations.
Fine Jewellery Sales Consultant
Cabouchon
Johannesburg, Nicolway
07.2018 - 10.2018
- Used consultative sales techniques to understand customer needs and provide exceptional service, tailored to customer's individual needs
- Set and achieved company defined sales goals.
- Greeted customers and offered assistance with selecting merchandise, finding accessories and completing purchases.
- Served customers with knowledgeable, friendly support at every stage of shopping and purchasing.
- Met with customers to discuss and ascertain needs, tailor solutions and close deals.
Pattern Maker and CMT
Freelance
Johannesburg
07.2017 - 06.2018
- Designed patterns and garments according to customer needs
- Selected and sourced fabric and trims to use in final designs and meet desired aesthetics and quality standards.
- Coordinated manufacturing process for of production of garments for customers and Boutiques
- Conducted fittings and adjusted designs to produce comfortable and appealing final products for clients
Regional Field Visual Merchandiser
Levi's
Gauteng, Free State
09.2014 - 03.2017
- Monitored and replenished display inventory and restructured according to available stock.
- Created interior displays to promote products in alignment with global sales objectives.
- Enhanced overall store appearance by applying careful consideration to product and display locations.
- Managed aesthetically pleasing displays to showcase company products and increase sales.
- Worked with store managers to implement new displays, promotions and store layout changes.
- Created visual displays to highlight new and featured products.
Assistant Store Manager
Levi's
Gauteng, Free State
07.2014 - 08.2014
- Maintained positive customer relationships by responding quickly to customer service inquiries.
- Provided weekly work schedules to employees to accommodate business demands and vacation requests.
- Processed payments for credit and debit cards and returned proper change for cash transactions.
- Responded to customer concerns, working with manager to significantly raise customer satisfaction ratings.
- Reconciled daily sales transactions to balance and log day-to-day revenue.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
- Verified inventory counts remained within monthly tolerance levels and compiled financial data in compliance with budget.
- Supervised and evaluated staff to help improve skills, achieve daily objectives, and attain advancement.
- Managed opening and closing procedures and recommended changes to enhance efficiency of daily activities.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
Fashion Design Assistant
Nice Things
Parkhurst, Johannesburg
03.2014 - 06.2014
- Sketched artistic and fresh designs for consideration.
- Created detailed measurement and construction specifications for design to be executed appropriately by production teams.
- Developed exciting seasonal merchandise assortments to improve category diversity.
- Conducted fittings and adjusted designs to produce comfortable and appealing final products for clients.
- Selected fabrics, patterns and trims to use in final designs and meet desired aesthetics and quality standards.
- Designed seasonal styles according to upcoming trends and popular color palettes.
- Oversaw production fashion line from concept to completion.
Fashion Design Assistant
Miri
Parkhurst, Johannesburg
11.2012 - 02.2014
- Sketched artistic and fresh designs for consideration.
- Created detailed measurement and construction specifications for design to be executed appropriately by production teams.
- Developed exciting seasonal merchandise assortments to improve category diversity.
- Conducted fittings and adjusted designs to produce comfortable and appealing final products for clients.
- Selected fabrics, patterns and trims to use in final designs and meet desired aesthetics and quality standards.
- Designed seasonal styles according to upcoming trends and popular color palettes.
- Oversaw production fashion line from concept to completion.
- Created comfortable and inviting boutique environment to make customers feel welcomed and happy to make purchases.
Pilates Instructor
Freelance
Johannesburg
01.2008 - 12.2012
- Adapted classes to meet needs of participants with varying fitness levels.
- Offered private classes to suit individual's needs
- Implemented new and creative exercise routines to keep participants motivated.
- Demonstrated proper form and technique to prevent injury.
- Created comprehensive exercise programs tailored to needs and goals of each individual.
- Delivered fun and motivating group fitness classes designed to improve overall health and fitness levels.
Reflexologist & Massage Therapist
Freelance
Gauteng, Free State
01.2007 - 12.2013
- Maintained client treatment records and developed care programs for return customers.
- Provided safe, effective, and appropriate massage therapy techniques during customer appointments.
- Evaluated client conditions to recommend appropriate massage therapy methods.
- Demonstrated knowledge of anatomy and physiology to better understand body and inform massage techniques.
- Assisted clients in understanding benefits of massage therapy to provided education on self-care techniques.
- Offered counseling, aromatherapy, hot stones and Reflexology as part of massage treatments.
Make-up Artist
Freelance
Johannesburg
01.2005 - 12.2020
- Scheduled onsite and offsite makeup appointments for clientele.
- Conducted consultations to understand client's desired look.
- Worked closely with photographers and coordinators to deliver timeous service at events and photo shoots
- Developed loyal following of clients by providing high-quality services.
Tutor
Above Average Tutoring Agency
Johannesburg
01.2004 - 12.2008
- Supported students with helpful study habits and exam strategies.
- Collaborated with students to complete homework assignments, identify lagging skills, and correct weaknesses.
- Motivated students towards learning and studying to build self-confidence and reduce fear of failure.
- Provided homework assistance using specific curriculum and materials.
- Created personalized lesson plans to meet needs of diverse learners.
Education
National Diploma - Fashion Design
University Of Johannesburg
01.2012
Certificate - Natural health Management, Reflexology & Aromatherapy
UHS
01.2008
International Diploma - Makeup Artistry
Face to Face Makeup Design School
01.2005
High School - Matriculated
Hoërskool Vorentoe
01.2000
Skills
- Display management
- Developing Floorplans
- Interior retail displays
- Fashion styling
- Training on Visual Merchandising standards
- Developing manuals for implementation strategies
- Visual merchandising coordinating
Current Role
Regional Field Visual Merchandiser, Carrol Boyes
Timeline
Area Field Visual Merchandiser
Carrol Boyes
11.2024 - Current
Regional Field Visual Merchandiser
Coricraft
02.2023 - 10.2024
Regional Field Visual Merchandiser
Old Khaki
04.2021 - 01.2023
Regional Field Visual Merchandiser
Cape Union Mart
10.2020 - 03.2021
Assistant Store Leader
Poetry
11.2018 - 09.2020
Fine Jewellery Sales Consultant
Cabouchon
07.2018 - 10.2018
Pattern Maker and CMT
Freelance
07.2017 - 06.2018
Regional Field Visual Merchandiser
Levi's
09.2014 - 03.2017
Assistant Store Manager
Levi's
07.2014 - 08.2014
Fashion Design Assistant
Nice Things
03.2014 - 06.2014
Fashion Design Assistant
Miri
11.2012 - 02.2014
Pilates Instructor
Freelance
01.2008 - 12.2012
Reflexologist & Massage Therapist
Freelance
01.2007 - 12.2013
Make-up Artist
Freelance
01.2005 - 12.2020
Tutor
Above Average Tutoring Agency
01.2004 - 12.2008
Certificate - Natural health Management, Reflexology & Aromatherapy
UHS
International Diploma - Makeup Artistry
Face to Face Makeup Design School
High School - Matriculated
Hoërskool Vorentoe
National Diploma - Fashion Design
University Of Johannesburg