Photography (especially retail / product / fashion photography)
Sonal Matta
Stylist and Display Expert - Retail Space
Gurgoan
Summary
Dynamic visual merchandising professional with a robust background in creating captivating in-store displays that drive sales through innovative design and strategic planning. Renowned for seamless collaboration with teams and adaptability to evolving retail landscapes, ensuring alignment with current trends. Expertise in space planning, trend analysis, and visual storytelling supports the development of cohesive branding strategies across diverse product marketing channels. A forward-thinking approach and proven track record of success underscore a commitment to enhancing brand presence and customer engagement.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Visual Merchandiser - Sr. Manager
Mothercare, Adidas Kids - Reliance Brands
03.2022 - Current
- Managed installation of visual merchandising displays, urging team to with speed and accuracy.
- Monitored competitor strategies, adapting commercial display techniques to stay ahead in the market.
- Analyzed sales, stocks and space data to identify high-performing products, highlighting them through strategic placement within the store layout.
- Optimized space utilization within the store layout by continuously analyzing product groupings and adjusting display configurations accordingly.
- Evaluated store traffic patterns, optimizing product placement to maximize visibility and drive sales growth.
- Created several - press previews, roadshows for show casing new Brand collection
- Partnered with marketing teams to create cohesive in-store promotions that aligned with brand messaging.
- Balanced budget constraints with creative solutions when sourcing materials for custom-built displays or signage elements, mannequins etc
Visual Merchandiser - Deputy Manager
Bestseller India
12.2011 - 02.2022
- Streamlined merchandise presentation processes, reducing time spent on store resets while maintaining high-quality results.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams during store remodels or new store openings, ensuring seamless integration of visual merchandising elements into overall design plans.
- Worked with store managers to implement new displays, promotions and store layout changes.
- Supervised and trained team of merchandising associates, verifying accuracy and efficiency in work processes.
- Monitored and replenished display inventory and restructured according to available stock.
- Built properly lit and well-maintained displays, creating inviting atmosphere in stores.
- Developed merchandising strategy to efficiently move overstock.
Visual Merchandising Manager
Forever 21
07.2010 - 09.2011
- Managed merchandising standards and maintained consistency across distribution channels.
- Helped stores adapt spaces to accommodate merchandise within spatial constraints and inventory storage availability.
- Achieved cohesive brand image by selecting and overseeing installation of fixtures, lighting, and graphics.
- Implemented effective signage and pricing strategies to communicate value propositions clearly to customers, increasing average transaction value.
- Increased sales with strategic placement of high-margin products at eye level and key traffic areas.
- Contributed to company growth through targeted visual merchandising efforts that aligned with overall business objectives.
- Maintained strong knowledge of current fashion trends and consumer preferences, applying this insight to create visually appealing merchandise presentations.
Sr. Executive Visual Merchandiser
Pantaloons, Future Groups
06.2008 - 06.2010
- Optimized inventory by creating visually appealing displays that also highlighted slow-moving items, thus reducing stock levels.
- Managed visual merchandising budget, ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or impact.
- Created visual displays to highlight new and featured products.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust visual merchandising plans accordingly, maximizing revenue potential.
Store Visual Merchandiser
Sisley, Benetton Group
12.2006 - 04.2008
- Managed mannequin styling, ensuring alignment with current fashion trends and company branding guidelines.
- Collaborated with management to develop seasonal merchandising strategies for optimal customer engagement.
- Revamped store layout to improve customer flow and overall shopping experience, resulting in better customer satisfaction ratings.
- Increased customer traffic through effective window displays that showcased new products and promotions.
Education
Diploma - Export Management
YMCA
04.2001 -
B.Com ( Hons ) - Finance
Delhi University
04.2001 -
Skills
Merchandising plan creation
Visual storytelling
Brand alignment
Product knowledge
Mannequin styling
Cross-merchandising
Lighting techniques
Brand marketing
Fashion trend awareness
Space planning
Color theory
Teamwork and collaboration
Organizational skills
Continuous improvement
Interests
Travel (exploring global retail concepts, cultural influences)
Mentoring or conducting creative workshops
Blogging or content creation on fashion/retail trends
Personal wardrobe curation & trend forecasting
Timeline
Visual Merchandiser - Sr. Manager
Mothercare, Adidas Kids - Reliance Brands
03.2022 - Current
Visual Merchandiser - Deputy Manager
Bestseller India
12.2011 - 02.2022
Visual Merchandising Manager
Forever 21
07.2010 - 09.2011
Sr. Executive Visual Merchandiser
Pantaloons, Future Groups
06.2008 - 06.2010
Store Visual Merchandiser
Sisley, Benetton Group
12.2006 - 04.2008
Diploma - Export Management
YMCA
04.2001 -
B.Com ( Hons ) - Finance
Delhi University
04.2001 -