Kareling Portillo
Germantown,MD
Summary
Corporate-focused visual merchandising leader with over eight years of experience executing brand standards, store openings, rebrands, and large-scale visual strategies for a global luxury retailer. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, partner with Brand Image and leadership teams, and develop scalable merchandising strategies aligned with long-term brand vision.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Manager, Visual Merchandising
Ralph Lauren
National Harbor, USA
07.2021 - 01.2026
- Led visual merchandising execution across departments in flagship environment, ensuring alignment with corporate standards
- Trained and developed 50+ associates on brand standards and visual execution, enhancing team capabilities and consistency
- Partner with district and brand leadership to deliver monthly floor sets and seasonal transitions
- Provided visual leadership for new concept rollouts and district initiatives, facilitating successful transitions and brand alignment
- Support scheduling, payroll, onboarding, and operational planning
Associate Manager, Visual Merchandising
Ralph Lauren
Clarksburg, USA
11.2018 - 06.2021
- Managed monthly floor set execution and visual planning to ensure optimal product presentation and drive sales
- Executed corporate visual standards across men's, women's, and kids' departments to enhance brand consistency and customer experience
- Led mannequin styling and collateral placement to effectively reflect seasonal brand direction and engage customers
- Supported onboarding process for new hires to ensure they understood company policies and procedures.
Education
Associate of Business Administration -
Montgomery College
Rockville, MDSkills
- Corporate Visual Merchandising Strategy
- Brand Standards & Compliance
- Store Openings & Rebranding
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Brand Image & Creative Partnerships
- Project Leadership & Execution
- Strategic Floor Planning
- Team Training & Development
- Operational & Visual Alignment
Corporate Projects Initiatives
- Queenstown Store Project, 2025, Project Lead, Developed scalable visual strategies aligned with long-term brand guidelines
- Sawgrass Store Project, 2025, Kids Department Lead, Led kids merchandising team for early store execution guidelines
- Charleston Rebranding Project, 2023, Rebranded store to updated corporate visual standards; assisted leadership with key decisions
- Harriman Store Project, 2023-2024, Women's Department Lead, Partnered with corporate Brand Image team during early store execution guidelines
- Leesburg FOC Rebranding, 2021, Led rebranding execution for kids store aligned with updated corporate directives
- AR Visual Standards Projects, 2021-2022, Supported with Augmented Reality standards for online retail platforms
Languages
- Spanish, Native/Bilingual
- English, Full Professional Proficiency
Timeline
Associate Manager, Visual Merchandising
Ralph Lauren
07.2021 - 01.2026
Associate Manager, Visual Merchandising
Ralph Lauren
11.2018 - 06.2021
Associate of Business Administration -
Montgomery College