Stephanie M Lucas
Chicago,IL
Summary
Proven leader in visual merchandising at Nordstrom, adept in fashion styling and building talent. Spearheaded innovative strategies, enhancing merchandise presentation and visual storytelling, resulting in significant team development and performance improvements. Excels in problem-solving and clear communication, fostering team collaboration and coaching.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
MW Regional Visual Merchandising Manager
Nordstrom
08.2023 - Current
- Responsible for the coaching and development of the instore visual teams, to achieve strategic company objectives and visual merchandising consistency.
- Knowledge in all VM Strategies, and current trends to help sell product in the store and support company sales goals.
- Hire, supervise and empower an efficient and effective group of instore VM Managers and Visual Merchandisers.
- Work closely with HR on compensation, hiring and coaching our employees for better performance.
- Lead proper understanding and give clarity to all Visual Merchandising directives in terms of the customer profile, compelling merchandising, and fashion-relevant styling. Implement and customize directives for each store as needed based on the product that is in the store today.
- Utilize Corporate Partners to help ensure the education of the instore VM Managers/ teams on the appropriate execution of visual merchandising guidelines, corporate directives, visual installations and signing in all doors.
- Uphold the integrity of the Nordstrom Brand when supporting all Corporate VM and Regional strategies.
- Strategically plan for business and regional needs in a forward thinking manner and execute the business plan to the highest level of visual excellence.
- Providing clear, concise and consistent in all communication.
- Innovative, motivating and inspiring to the Visual Merchandising Managers and VM Teams.
- Aligns with Corporate partners, VM Managers and Support Partners on store openings, remodels, interior installs, and large scale regional events.
- Share observations and receive feedback during scheduled walk throughs with Regional Managers, Visual Managers and Store Managers. Provide a strategy for improvement and development of the team on any issues/opportunities.
- Identify and develop a strong bench of next Visual Managers and Visual leaders.
- Accurately manage regional budget.
SW Regional Visual Merchandising Manager
Nordstrom
08.2016 - 08.2023
- Knowledgeable in all VM Strategies, and current trends to help sell product in the store and support company sales goals.
- Hired, supervised and empowered an efficient and effective group of instore VM Managers and Visual Merchandisers.
- Worked closely with HR on compensation, hiring and coaching our employees for better performance.
- Lead proper understanding and give clarity to all Visual Merchandising directives in terms of the customer profile, compelling merchandising, and fashion-relevant styling. Implement and customize directives for each store as needed based on the product that is in the store today.
- Utilized Corporate Partners to help ensure the education of the instore VM Managers/ teams on the appropriate execution of visual merchandising guidelines, corporate directives, visual installations and signing in all doors.
- Upheld the integrity of the Nordstrom Brand when supporting all Corporate VM and Regional strategies.
- Strategically planned for business and regional needs in a forward thinking manner and execute the business plan to the highest level of visual excellence.
- Provided clear, concise and consistent in all communication.
- Was innovative, motivating and inspiring to the Visual Merchandising Managers and VM Teams.
- Aligned with Corporate partners, VM Managers and Support Partners on store openings, remodels, interior installs, and large scale regional events.
- Share observations and receive feedback during scheduled walk throughs with Regional Managers, Visual Managers and Store Managers. Provide a strategy for improvement and development of the team on any issues/opportunities.
- Identify and develop a strong bench of next Visual Managers and Visual leaders.
- Accurately managed regional budget.
SW Regional Operations Regional
Nordstrom
03.2013 - 08.2016
- Coordinated with other Creative Regional to share best practices, streamline processes, and improve overall organizational effectiveness.
- Monitored and analyzed performance, identifying areas of improvement and developing corrective action plans with the partnerships of the Creative team.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through effective communication and problem-solving strategies.
- Traveled to over 16 locations per quarter to manage each store and perform reviews of individual managers and employees.
- Led weekly meetings with visual managers to review progress, address challenges and drive timely task completion.
- Managed budgets and financial reporting for the region, providing accurate forecasts and identifying areas for potential savings.
- Partnered with Creative Team on meeting corporate deadlines for corporate initiatives (trim, launches etc.)
- Streamlined regional visual merchandising processes by introducing standardized tools and training materials for consistent execution.
Visual Merchandising Manager
Nordstrom
03.2012 - 03.2013
- Hired, supervised and empowered an efficient team of creative merchandisers
- Inspired, Mentored and lead creative thought and behavior on your team & in store
- Built a team culture of calculated risk-taking, which accepts and learns from both wins and losses
- Worked shoulder to shoulder with members of your team directly each week in a department
- knowledgeable and well versed in all primary divisional selling strategies both long-term andseasonal
- Created floorplans and execute balanced floorsets and shop placements in all departments that areinformed by and support sales.
- Directed, coached and maintained all in-store standards with regards to merchandising based on direction fromplanning team and store specific filter
- Planned and executed compelling window trims & common areas with relevant fashion authority
- Responsible for visual planning, communication and support with regards to in store events
- Demonstrated an eye for detail and be able to articulate the nuances of composition and styling
- Understood, coached and guaranteed the visible difference between all three levels of styling in your store.[department, commons and window]
- Consistently supported the BRAND and all brand efforts at the store level
- Partnered with Store Management and support counterparts to anticipate future changes/shifts andproactively plan, revise and implement in your store
- Forecast and manage budget for store level labor and supplies effectively each month with notes thatinform the future.
- Ensured best possible store lighting is maintained in all departments as well as in VM specific areas[commons and windows]
- Monitored and coach proper sign usage throughout store
- Maintained compliance in safety programs and VM shop cleanliness/organization
South Asst Regional & Visual Merchandising Manager
Nordstrom
09.2007 - 03.2012
- Hired, supervised and empowerd an efficient team of creative merchandisers
- Inspired, Mentord and lead creative thought and behavior on your team & in store
- Build a team culture of calculated risk-taking, which accepts and learns from both wins and losses
- Work shoulder to shoulder with members of your team directly each week in a department
- Be knowledgeable and well versed in all primary divisional selling strategies both long-term andseasonal
- Create floorplans and execute balanced floorsets and shop placements in all departments that areinformed by and support sales.
- Direct, coach and maintain all in-store standards with regards to merchandising based on direction fromplanning team and store specific filter
- Plan and execute compelling window trims & common areas with relevant fashion authority
- Responsible for visual planning, communication and support with regards to in store events
- Demonstrate an eye for detail and be able to articulate the nuances of composition and styling
- Understand, coach and guarantee the visible difference between all three levels of styling in your store.[department, commons and window]
- Consistently support the BRAND and all brand efforts at the store level
- Partner with Store Management and support counterparts to anticipate future changes/shifts andproactively plan, revise and implement in your store
- Forecast and manage budget for store level labor and supplies effectively each month with notes thatinform the future.
- Ensure best possible store lighting is maintained in all departments as well as in VM specific areas[commons and windows]
- Monitor and coach proper sign usage throughout store
- Maintain compliance in safety programs and VM shop cleanliness/organization
Education
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Marketing
Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK08.2003
Skills
Building Talent
Fashion Styling
- Merchandise presentation
- Visual storytelling
- Problem-solving abilities
- Clear Communication
- Team Collaboration
Teaching and Coaching
Accomplishments
All Star
Multiple National Leadership Recognition
Lead Several Store Openings & Remodels
Promoted numerous talent to leadership or corporate roles
Achieved Partnerships throughout the fleet
Received National Highlights as a manager & Regional
2 Time V Award Winner as a Manager
2 Time V Award Winning Stores as a Regional
Timeline
MW Regional Visual Merchandising Manager
Nordstrom
08.2023 - Current
SW Regional Visual Merchandising Manager
Nordstrom
08.2016 - 08.2023
SW Regional Operations Regional
Nordstrom
03.2013 - 08.2016
Visual Merchandising Manager
Nordstrom
03.2012 - 03.2013
South Asst Regional & Visual Merchandising Manager
Nordstrom
09.2007 - 03.2012
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Marketing
Northeastern State University