M. H. Alshaya - Dubai September 1998/2003

Overall responsibility for the management, and coordination of all visual merchandising and marketing activities, including the coaching and development of the VM team, operating within the GCC for 116 stores across 19 International Retail Brands. Contributed immensely to the success of an unprecedented, expansion in the Lower Gulf Region and deputised as Area Manager for UAE and Qatar for six months.

Worked with the following International Brands, BHS, Claire’s Accessories, Debenhams, Dorothy Perkins, Elena Miro, Etam, Evans, Laura Ashley, Liz Claiborne, Mothercare, Motivi, Next, Oasis, Oltre, Origins, River Island, Tammy Girl, Top Shop and Tommy Hilfiger.

Successfully opened 40 new stores in UAE, Qatar and Muscat in 2001. Managed VM budgets and ordered all non-stock items reducing shipping costs by 50%. Set up a generic sales and promotional POS library dramatically reducing costs in each market. All main events and promotional activity delivered on time in a cost effective manner. Recruitment and training of all field-based and in-store Visual Management, with a team of 12 Area Managers, and 1 VM / Sales staff per store. Coordination and successful delivery of Brand Centres of Excellence, contributing towards improved brand and store performance. Established closer links with Brand principles to ensure consistent implementation of layout guidelines, values and standards.

Alshaya Website: http://www.alshaya.com