Visual Merchandising and Store Design | VMSD.com

Michael A. Overman
100 Warren ST, 602 W ▪ Jersey City, NJ 07302 ▪ 646.541.3334
Email ▪ moverman9@gmail.com

Objective:
Corporate Manager- Visual Merchandising

Experience:

Banana Republic, New York, NY 2003- Present

Senior Merchandise Presentation Manager
 Directed brand appropriate strategic merchandising, maximizing sales
 Implemented action plans, improving key performance indicators and maximizing business opportunities
 Assessed the effectiveness of the supervisor team and Center of Excellence staff by providing appropriate performance feedback
 Hired, trained, developed and supervised Center of Excellence Managers
 Provided high-level leadership and guidance for Center of Excellence Supervisors and non-sell work center team members
 Created development and training plans for direct reports
 Ensured recruitment from a diverse applicant pool
 Accountable for inventory process: Ensured accurate completion by assigning duties and supervising the counting process, established high data integrity standards, and met corporate inventory guidelines
 Directed the implementation and follow-up of marketing elements for current promotions according to visual direction
 Conducted weekly visual merchandising tours with key staff members

Lord & Taylor, New York, NY 1992- 2003

Creative Services Manager- RTW/Windows (2002-2003)
 Oversaw and directed creative services/visual merchandising for all 84 stores, including asset placement, wall standards, fixturing, trend direction, merchandise flows, and window installations for 23 existing stores while opening 6 new units
 Worked closely with all major display companies; developed new fixture and asset programs
 Managed multiple project budgets involving capital projects, renovations, new stores, and fixture programs
 Communicated directly with Director of Stores, Vice President of Visual Merchandising, DMMs, and all levels of the buying organization
 Authored monthly trend reports

Regional Visual Merchandising Specialist (2000- 2002)
 Challenged with directing visual merchandising for six stored in the NY Metropolitan area with total annual revenues in excess of $260MM
 Worked directly with Regional Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents, and Directors of Merchandising to ensure consistent merchandise flows an continuity with the region
 Developed new concepts and monitored implementation of visual presentation standards by collaborating with Visual Directors and the Central Visual Office
 Developed and documented merchandise-driven initiatives by executing selection and implementation of fashion, display vehicles, draping, and propping usage by area
 Trained and developed VMs, Visual Staff, ASMs, DSMs, and GMs regarding current merchandising, presentation, and crowding standards assuring regional consistency
 Trained and developed 18 store line visual associates including visual managers and assistants
 Worked with VM and GM to plan and prioritize individual staff projects, including floor moves and seasonal installations, coordinating all efforts
 Exceeded sales planes in region for all areas of responsibility

Visual Manager, Philadelphia, PA (1997-2000)
 Instrumental in new store opening design and procedures; worked directly with central visual office to purchase assets- mannequins, window propping, lighting- for the store’s 23 windows
 Established strong relationships with corporate senior managements by collaborating on the business and trend performance analysis
 Recruited and developed Assistant Manager, visual staff, and promotions assistant.
 Liaised with vendors to establish merchandise presentations and shop installations
 Worked closely with the special events department, developing community and holiday- related events and windows
 Conducted training seminars within individual departments throughout the store
 Administered corporate merchandise guidelines by implementing new presentation flows and fixture placement
 Administered seasonal budgets

Visual Manager- Flagship Store, WaterTower Chicago, IL (1994-1997)
 Cited for updated overall fashion image of building
 Commended for best holiday installation- 1996
 Developed and trained staff of Three

Assistant Visual Manager (1993-1994)
Interior Visual Display Staff (1992-1993)
 Responsible for Ready-To-Wear areas

Education:
Columbia College of Art, Chicago, IL