LYNN MCLAUGHLIN
Galway
Summary
Energetic employee well-versed in strong communication and organisation skills. Seeks solutions to problems and applies extensive analytical knowledge to findings. Adept at multi-tasking, leading group discussions and managing projects.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Ladies Fashion Buyer and Manager
Anthony Ryan's
Galway
02.2013 - 01.2026
- Oversaw procurement of ladies' casual wear. Managed relationships with over 30 established brands. Enhanced product offerings through strategic sourcing.
- Led expansion of buying responsibilities to encompass outerwear and occasional wear. Oversaw procurement for a diverse range of over 65 established brands. Managed operations within a 4000 square foot retail environment.
- Lead growth initiatives for business expansion with established and new brands. Strategically coordinate extensive travels across UK and Europe to explore market opportunities. Oversee selection of commercial ranges at trade shows, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Led analysis of reports to facilitate strategic decision-making and maximise returns. Forecasted trends to proactively manage inventory and budget allocation during seasons. Oversaw inventory management and budget distribution to ensure optimal operational efficiency.
- Develop strong supplier relationships to secure beneficial negotiation terms for business success.
- Drive public relations marketing efforts and seasonal events to engage target audiences and foster community relations.
- Collaborated with director and staff to enhance daily floor management. Oversaw a team of 14 personnel, fostering a productive environment. Implemented ongoing training programmes to boost product knowledge and brand performance.
- Led initiatives to visualise, plan, and implement store layouts and designs. Oversaw merchandising of each collection on the fashion floor to enhance customer engagement. Managed regular window displays to effectively promote trends, increase foot traffic, and drive sales.
- Implemented new initiatives and collaborations to improve customer experience, raise company profile, and increase profits.
Ladies Fashion and Childrenswear Buyer, and Manager
Benetton at Anthony Ryan's
Galway
04.2011 - 02.2013
- Optimised product selection for ladies' and children's wear to meet consumer needs and preferences.
- Facilitated travel arrangements to ensure smooth logistics and coordination.
- Enhanced brand identity through strategic representation to maximise sales effectiveness.
- Led initiatives to analyse sales reports, enhancing return maximisation. Cultivated strong partnerships with suppliers, ensuring effective collaboration. Facilitated informed decision making through insightful sales data interpretation.
- Oversaw daily shop floor activities to ensure operational efficiency. Managed and developed small team to enhance performance and service excellence. Executed customer service initiatives, sales training programmes, merchandising strategies, delivery processing, stock management, and floor design projects.
Visual Merchandiser
Anthony Ryan's
Galway
09.2008 - 02.2011
- Created dynamic window displays to attract customers and strengthen brand presence.
- Implemented window graphics and signage to create engaging thematic presentations that captivate audiences.
- Collaborated with management and staff to create impactful in-store displays and promotions aimed at attracting customers and boosting brand visibility.
- Streamlined time and budget management processes to facilitate successful project completion under specified constraints.
- Designed centenary window displays to enhance customer engagement and interest.
- Designed impactful displays to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction throughout the retail environment.
- Collaborated with marketing team to ensure merchandising strategies effectively support seasonal campaigns.
- Designed mood boards to support conceptualisation and visual planning in initial project stages.
- Assessed projects against budgets to ensure financial compliance and strategic resource allocation.
- Applied expertise in current fashion trends to create compelling visual displays that engage customers.
Visual merchandiser
Harry Corry Ltd.
Galway, Ireland
02.2006 - 09.2007
- Developed visually appealing merchandise displays to enhance customer engagement and promote brand identity.
- Collaborated with store management to create seasonal layouts that aligned with marketing strategies and customer trends.
- Conducted regular assessments of visual merchandising standards to ensure consistency across all product categories.
- Implemented new display techniques that maximised product visibility and improved overall shopping experience.
- Liaised with marketing team for cohesive brand message across all platforms.
Education
Bachelor of Business - Retail Management Practice
09.2012 - 6 2015
Fetac Level 5 - Interior Design
09.2003 - 5 2004
Skills
- Meridian EPOS
- Excel proficiency
- Microsoft Word expertise
- Customer focus
- Budgeting proficiency
- Leadership qualities
- Visual merchandising fundamentals
- Purchasing strategies
- Sales data analysis
- Excellent communication
- Time efficiency
- Continuous improvement drive
Certification
- Full driving license
- November 2001 to Present
AWARDS
Network Ireland, Business Woman of the Year., May 2017, Galway Region, Employee category
Affiliations
Business woman of the year in the employee category.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- I am strategic and evaluate any potential obstacles. This intuition and planning leads to significant and successful business decisions.
- I am energised with the process of learning new skills. I thrive in challenging, dynamic work environments.
- I am an achiever and I strive to obtain results.
- I am futuristic. I can inspire others which propels a vision to becoming reality.
- I am disciplined. Structure, attention to detail and organisation promotes my diligent procedures and efficiencies.
- I have knowledge of the market place and competitors. I understand customer preferences and tastes. I aim to provide and deliver superior ranges to meet demands. I am customer focused and strive to enhance their shopping experience.
- I am passionate about fashion and design. I have creative flair and a keen eye for style, colour, symmetry and co ordination.
- I work independently and as part of a team. I can guide, coach, learn from and lead others to achieve goals.
Timeline
Ladies Fashion Buyer and Manager - Anthony Ryan's
02.2013 - 01.2026
Letterkenny Institute of Technology - Bachelor of Business, Retail Management Practice
09.2012 - 6 2015
Ladies Fashion and Childrenswear Buyer, and Manager - Benetton at Anthony Ryan's
04.2011 - 02.2013
Visual Merchandiser - Anthony Ryan's
09.2008 - 02.2011
Visual merchandiser - Harry Corry Ltd.
02.2006 - 09.2007
Galway Mayo Institute of Technology - Fetac Level 5, Interior Design
09.2003 - 5 2004