Claire Houlihan
Rutland,MA
Summary
Detail-oriented merchandising professional aiming to apply many years of successful industry experience to add value to Visual Merchandiser role as part of high-performance team. Eager to apply knowledge of sales strategy, color theory and consumer behavior to drive sales and increase revenue. I take pride in the fact that only after a few months of working as a sales associate, I was promoted to Visual Merchandising Lead. I love to create a positive and engaging environment for both employees and consumers.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Visual Merchandiser
Gap Factory Store
Worcester, MA
12.2023 - Current
- Developed and implemented Visual Merchandising strategies to maximize sales.
- Assisted in the development of new visual merchandising standards for all stores.
- Trained store personnel on proper execution of visual merchandising techniques.
- Created attractive displays that showcased products in a visually appealing manner.
- Coordinated merchandise placement within the retail environment to achieve maximum impact.
- Ensured product was presented according to brand specifications and customer preferences.
- Developed creative solutions to increase sales through effective window displays and interior layouts.
Model
Signed Management
Orleans, MA
03.2022 - 01.2024
- Attended photoshoots and modeled garments for catalogues, magazines, websites, and other print media.
- Assisted with makeup, hair styling, and wardrobe selection to ensure the desired look was achieved.
- Collaborated with photographers to create poses that best-showcased products or concepts while maintaining a professional demeanor.
- Traveled to different locations for photoshoots when required.
- Worked closely with art directors to ensure that the vision of the brand was accurately portrayed through modeling.
- Created unique poses and expressions to capture attention from viewers.
- Developed creative ideas for photo shoots that highlighted the clothing in an attractive manner.
Brand Associate
Gap Factory
Worcester, MA
08.2023 - 12.2023
- Created and managed promotional materials for in-store events.
- Assisted customers with product selection and provided information about the brand.
- Organized sales floor displays to maximize the visibility of products.
- Maintained accurate stock levels and tracked inventory.
- Recommended, selected, and helped locate merchandise based on guest needs and desires.
- Maintained inventory integrity and accuracy to protect company assets.
- Promoted positive company image through superior customer service experiences.
- Presented findings to management and executive leadership and fielded questions to help refine strategies.
Hostess
Willy's Steakhouse
Shrewsbury, MA
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Greeted guests warmly upon arrival, seating them promptly.
- Verified reservations and wait times with customers.
- Assisted in preparing the restaurant for opening and closing shifts.
- Maintained a clean and organized dining area.
- Assisted in preparing the restaurant for opening and closing shifts.
- Managed the waiting list, ensuring that all parties were seated in a timely manner.
- Provided menus to customers and answered questions regarding menu items.
- Communicated clearly with kitchen staff regarding customer orders.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills when interacting with customers.
- Accurately recorded customer information into reservation system.
- Created an enjoyable atmosphere by engaging in friendly conversation with guests.
Babysitter
Irwin Family
Holden, MA
04.2020 - 07.2023
- Organizing playdates with other children and providing supervision during outdoor activities.
- Assisting with meals, snacks, and bedtime routines for the children.
- Greeting parents upon arrival home from work and providing updates on the day's events.
- Completing light housekeeping tasks such as tidying up toys and books.
- Providing a safe environment for children to explore their curiosity and creativity.
- Engaging in age-appropriate activities like reading stories or playing games.
- Tailoring activities based on the individual needs of each child under care.
Model
Wanted & Bang
CDMX, Mexico
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Provided input regarding poses or styling if requested by client or photographer.
- Upheld high standards of professionalism in high-stress environments.
- Increased social media presence to promote specific brands and products.
- Attended casting calls, fittings, shows and shoots.
- Arrived early for shoots to give extra time for hair, makeup and styling.
- Met with designers to define guidelines for runway shows and presentations.
- Promoted and showcased clothing, footwear and other products.
- Dressed in sample or completed garments and selected accessories.
Receptionist
McGreevy's Barbershop
Holden, MA
07.2021 - 01.2023
- Greeted visitors and provided them with assistance.
- Answered incoming calls, took messages, and transferred calls to appropriate departments or personnel.
- Scheduled appointments for clients, customers, and other visitors.
- Maintained a neat reception area by organizing materials and tidying up furniture.
- Assisted in maintaining office supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing orders for supplies; and verifying receipt of supplies.
- Processed customer payments using cash registers or point-of-sale terminals according to company policies and procedures.
Social Media Content Creator
Elizabeth Ann's Bridal
Marlborough, MA
05.2021 - 07.2022
- Developed content strategy to increase social media followers and engagement.
- Created content for various platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube.
- Collaborated with marketing team to develop creative campaigns and strategies.
- Monitored analytics and metrics to evaluate the performance of campaigns.
Girls Lacrosse Referee
EMWLUA
Holden, MA
02.2018 - 06.2021
- Checked player equipment to ensure compliance with league rules.
- Observed game action and assessed penalties for rule infractions.
- Assisted in resolving disputes between players, coaches, and spectators.
- Enforced the rules of lacrosse throughout the game.
Youth Lacrosse Coach
Wachusett Youth Lacrosse
Holden, MA
04.2017 - 06.2019
- Instructed youth lacrosse players on the fundamentals of the sport, including stick-handling, passing, shooting, and defensive positioning.
- Mentored players in developing a strong work ethic and positive attitude towards the game.
- Organized and supervised individual drills to improve player skills and teamwork.
- Developed practice plans for each session, focusing on specific areas of improvement for each team member.
- Provided guidance and support to encourage players to reach their full potential.
Education
BBA - Fashion Merchandising & Management
Southern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, NH06.2026
High School Diploma -
Wachusett Regional High School
Holden, MA06.2022
Skills
- Inventory Control Procedures
- Branding
- Customer Engagement
- Product Demonstration
- Sales Expertise
- Marketing and Advertising
- Inventory Control
- Customer Service
- Store Promotions
- Seasonal promotions
- Sales expertise
- Product expertise
- Sales Promotion
- Training and coaching
- Display Assembly
- Display preparation
- Project management skills
- Product placements
- Product Knowledge
- Interior and exterior displays
- Store layouts
- Merchandising plan development
- Employee Motivation
- Sales Promotions
- Interior retail displays
- Staff Management
- Training and mentoring
Timeline
Lead Visual Merchandiser
Gap Factory Store
12.2023 - Current
Brand Associate
Gap Factory
08.2023 - 12.2023
Model
Wanted & Bang
01.2023 - 05.2023
Hostess
Willy's Steakhouse
08.2022 - 08.2023
Model
Signed Management
03.2022 - 01.2024
Receptionist
McGreevy's Barbershop
07.2021 - 01.2023
Social Media Content Creator
Elizabeth Ann's Bridal
05.2021 - 07.2022
Babysitter
Irwin Family
04.2020 - 07.2023
Girls Lacrosse Referee
EMWLUA
02.2018 - 06.2021
Youth Lacrosse Coach
Wachusett Youth Lacrosse
04.2017 - 06.2019
BBA - Fashion Merchandising & Management
Southern New Hampshire University
High School Diploma -
Wachusett Regional High School
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