Chris Harford
National Retail Manager at Rembrandt Menswear- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Experience
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Rembrandt Menswear
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New Zealand
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Retail Apparel and Fashion
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1 - 100 Employee
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National Retail Manager
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Oct 2011 - Present
Rembrandt is a leading menswear company in New Zealand. I joined the business in 2010 to develop and grow the Rembrandt suit hire business as an extension to the existing wholesale sales business. After one year I was promoted to my current role and now work as a member of the executive team reporting to the Managing Director and Board of Directors. Highlights to date include:• Led the strategic delivery of the Rembrandt brand in the New Zealand marketplace, opening 10 new stores for the company.• Increased store revenue by 100% - store revenue now 60% of total company revenue up from 20% 10 years ago. • Increased average transaction value by more than 40% and improved customer conversion through the use of improved measurement. Oversee recruitment and performance development of high performing retail teams through strategic and operational leadership of 11 site managers and a wider team of 40.- Developed and implemented onboarding and initial training documentation for the retail division.- Led training sessions with large groups on sales, store operations, alterations. - Assisted in the development and roll out of performance remuneration schemes for management level retail employees.Sit on the product development team for creation of Rembrandt seasonal collections, set product pricing with MD and Product Manager. - Set inventory budgets.- Procurement of product for Retail division from external suppliers, set dates for product into market. - Assess product performance across the business, decide on clearance product.- Manage logistics team for product reorders within season.- Implemented buying model to improve product sell through, whilst improving offering to customers.Sit on the Marketing team and lead weekly marketing decisions involving retail business including email campaigns, store promotions etc.
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Suit Hire Project Manager
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Oct 2010 - Nov 2011
Development of the Rembrandt Suit Hire business as an extension to the existing wholesale sales business. Integrating workflows, developing marketing strategies, website and product range and the implementation of I.T. infrastructure to support this model. Core responsibilities:• Research the existing market for precedents and competition, focusing on business structures and product ranges• Develop and implementation of branding • Develop website workflow and content • Develop business structure and workflow• Design the product range • Forecast and plan inventory• Research and oversee implementation of rental software• Develop and implement marketing plan for the New Zealand market
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Store Manager and Buyer
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Jan 1998 - Oct 2010
A family owned menswear retail business established in 1989 by Richard Harford with a strong focus on men’s tailoring. This role enabled the personal development of a wide range of business management skills. I continue to play a strategic role in this business with guidance given to the company’s marketing strategies, product strategy and development of the e-commerce channel to this day.Core responsibilities: • Company re-brand• Development of ecommerce website • Visual Merchandising• Sales• Inventory management• Product Buyer• Marketing• Selection and implementation of ‘Point of sale’ software• Day to day cash management
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Education
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Victoria University of Wellington
PG Dip BA, Business Administration and Management, General