Open To Work
Clara E. Kormos
Lake Zurich ,IL
Work Preference
Summary
Creative and commercially driven visual merchandising leader with 18 years shaping brand experience and driving sales in high volume retail. Blends trend insight, storytelling, and space planning to create compelling customer journeys that convert. Proven success directing seasonal campaigns, store openings and transitions, and cross-functional projects while developing high-performing teams and elevating standards. Recognized for innovative problem-solving, strong leadership, and turning strategic vision into engaging on-brand experiences.
Overview
2
2
years of post-secondary education
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Visual Merchandising Manager
H&M Hennes & Mauritz
Schaumburg, Illinois
08.2019 - Current
- Directed visual merchandising and commercial strategy for a 15 million dollar flagship location, ensuring brand consistency and operational excellence. Led seasonal rollouts, promotional campaigns, floor sets, and major store transitions while adapting to shifting priorities. Analyzed KPIs, sales trends, and customer behavior to optimize product placement. Coached and developed 20 plus merchandisers and associates. Built leadership capacity and raised execution standards. Managed annual visual budgets and remodels, collaborating with district and regional leadership on special projects. Partnered with area and store leadership to develop and execute merchandising strategies that maximized sales and improved customer engagement.
Visual Merchandiser Manager
H&M Hennes & Mauritz
New York, New York
07.2024 - 08.2026
- H&M Soho Lab Store. Senior Visual Merchandiser, 2024. Selected for prototype lab store to pilot future merchandising and customer experience concepts. Delivered premium visual presentations and provided feedback that informed broader merchandising standards.
Visual Merchandising Keyholder
H&M Hennes & Mauritz
Northbrook, Illinois
03.2013 - 03.2019
- Led daily visual execution for a high-volume location while mentoring visual team members. Planned and executed seasonal floor sets, product placement, and inventory flow. Provided onboarding and ongoing training for new visual team members. Partnered with regional visual leaders on company-wide campaigns and collection launches.
Visual Merchandising Team Lead
H&M Hennes & Mauritz
Gurnee, Illinois
09.2011 - 09.2013
- Led visual merchandising team to create engaging store displays.
- Trained staff on visual presentation standards and techniques.
- Collaborated with marketing to align visuals with promotional campaigns.
Visual Merchandiser
H&M Hennes & Mauritz
Chicago, Illinois
04.2010 - 07.2011
- Designed engaging visual displays to enhance customer shopping experience.
- Collaborated with team members to plan seasonal merchandising themes.
- Organized merchandise layouts to maximize product visibility and accessibility.
- First time working at a 13 million Flagship store, on State Street
Sales Advisor
H&M Hennes & Mauritz
Vernon Hills, Illinois
06.2009 - 08.2010
- Delivered high-quality customer service, supported visual merchandising execution and maintained brand standards in a fast-paced environment
- Assisted customers with product selections and provided personalized service.
- Maintained visual merchandising standards to enhance product presentation.
- Processed transactions accurately and efficiently at the point of sale.
Education
General Studies
William Rainey Harper College
Palatine, IL 01.2009 - 05.2011
Skills
- Visual Merchandising & Brand Presentation
- Visual Direction & Creative Execution
- Commercial Strategy & Execution
- Trend Forecasting & Product Styling
- Retail Storytelling & Brand Experience
- Floor Planning & Space Optimization
- Customer Experience & Engagement
- High-Volume Sales Optimization
- Retail Operations Management
- Team Leadership & Talent Development
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- KPI Analysis & Sales Performance
- Store Openings, Remodels & Rollouts
- Project Management & Change Management
- Window Display & Store Presentation
- Inventory Flow & Merchandising Optimization
Accomplishments
Received the Erling Persson Award for Creative Excellence in visual merchandising. - Selected for Soho Lab Store to pilot future merchandising concepts. -Led visual strategy for a fifteen million dollar flagship, driving commercial results and brand standards. - Recognized for developing high-performing teams and elevating execution standards.
Timeline
Visual Merchandiser Manager
H&M Hennes & Mauritz
07.2024 - 08.2026
Senior Visual Merchandising Manager
H&M Hennes & Mauritz
08.2019 - Current
Visual Merchandising Keyholder
H&M Hennes & Mauritz
03.2013 - 03.2019
Visual Merchandising Team Lead
H&M Hennes & Mauritz
09.2011 - 09.2013
Visual Merchandiser
H&M Hennes & Mauritz
04.2010 - 07.2011
Sales Advisor
H&M Hennes & Mauritz
06.2009 - 08.2010
General Studies
William Rainey Harper College
01.2009 - 05.2011