Previously I was working for an educational publishing company looking after the content on their website for colleges and universities within the north of England. I knew it wasn’t what I wanted to do: I’ve always had an interest in fashion and decided to undertake an evening course studying Introduction to Buying and Merchandising at London College of Fashion.
I was tipped off by a friend that Monsoon may have vacancies at head office and after contacting them, and interviewing successfully I began working on Menswear. I stayed there for just over a year, before being promoted to Assistant Merchandiser on ladies’ knitwear, nightwear and holiday product ranges.
I’d describe the culture as pretty relaxed, easy going and there’s a very friendly atmosphere in the office.
My typical day: Arrive at work and prepare for trade meeting, review trade performance for the department and company against last year and last week, forecast out the week’s sales performance. I’ll then present on our trade performance with buying and merchandising to heads of departments.
After a quick lunch, I’m into a team meeting to discuss trade performance, action any feedback that may arise from trade feedback, and discuss and plan the week’s workload.
We’ll then get together to discuss range planning – we’ll talk through the number of options, buy units and value, reviewing product samples sent in and how they fit into range. After a delivery schedule meeting with buying and merchandise distribution assistants – checking on stock due into the business, chase up any late deliveries and discuss allocations for the week, I head home.