MICHELLE TOUSSAINT
New York
Summary
Accomplished Visual Merchandising Director with extensive experience leading brand presentation across international retail, outlet, showroom, and wholesale environments. Skilled in developing and executing creative strategies that elevate brand storytelling, optimize product performance, and deliver cohesive customer experiences worldwide. Recognized for cross-functional leadership, global directive alignment, and mentoring high-performing teams that drive commercial and creative success
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Visual Merchandising
THEORY
08.2024 - Current
- Lead strategic vision and execution of global visual directives across men’s and women’s collections, driving consistency and innovation across US and global markets.
- Partner cross-functionally with design, merchandising, marketing, and retail operations to translate creative concepts into commercially successful store experiences.
- Oversee seasonal floor sets, windows, product launches, and concept rollouts to strengthen brand storytelling and elevate in-store engagement.
- Develop and mentor US and international regional visual teams, instilling brand consistency and advancing multiple associates into corporate visual roles.
- Collaborate with store design to increase sales floor capacity, enhance shop floor functionality, and modernize brand environments.
- Play a key role in global SKU reduction and shop floor productivity initiatives to optimize visual presentation and profitability.
Manager / Senior Manager of Visual Merchandising
THEORY
02.2022 - 08.2024
- Promoted from manager to senior manager after one year of service.
- Analyzed sales reports and store feedback by door to refine visual strategies regionally that targeted conversion and sales goals.
- Ensured all East Coast store presentations aligned with brand standards, operational goals, and local market needs.
- Began partnership with off price visual merchandising team to create global floorset direction that achieved sales plan while aligning with global brand standards.
- Created standardized visual training documents and experiences for new hires through store managers.
Visual Merchandising Coordinator
THEORY
05.2021 - 02.2022
- Collaborated with and advised corporate business partners to ensure all 16 East Coast locations possessed the optimal product level, allocation and logistic support to streamline product flow and ensure sales goals were achieved.
- Played a primary role in the planning and execution of opening 3 new retail locations (Hudson Yards, DTLA, San Francisco) and the remodel of 4 locations.
- Provided ongoing support and training to all East Coast locations through store visits, mapping deliveries, biweekly visual updates and one on one training time with designated store associates.
Visual Merchandising Assistant
THEORY
06.2018 - 03.2020
- Supported Visual Merchandising manager in executing shop floor updates, window installs and floor sets across East Coast stores.
- Participated in global directive creation and rollout to US stores and wholesale locations.
- Recommended store layout and product placement suggestions to optimize sales floor productivity.
Keyholder
THEORY
10.2017 - 05.2018
- Promoted for exceptional sales performance and visual execution.
- Owned floor set design, visual maintenance, and feedback communication to corporate partners.
- Ranked among top 50 nationwide in sales through client outreach and relationship development.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT05.2016
Skills
- Strategic Visual Merchandising & Brand Storytelling
- Cross-Functional Leadership & Operational Planning
- Team Development & Global Directive Implementation
- Creative Direction & Experiential Retail Design
- Merchandising Analytics & Trend Forecasting
Timeline
Director of Visual Merchandising
THEORY
08.2024 - Current
Manager / Senior Manager of Visual Merchandising
THEORY
02.2022 - 08.2024
Visual Merchandising Coordinator
THEORY
05.2021 - 02.2022
Visual Merchandising Assistant
THEORY
06.2018 - 03.2020
Keyholder
THEORY
10.2017 - 05.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
University of Connecticut