BFA anticipated upon completion of last 12 credits  

Bike

Fashion

Lifestyle

Outdoor

Skate

Snow

Streetwear

Surf

Visual Merchandiser 

Re: Visual Merchandiser
 
    Dear Sir or Madam,
 
               
    Please accept the attached copy of my résumé in consideration of a Visual Merchandiser position, for which I believe I am well suited.  I am particularly interested in this opportunity as it mirrors my goals and skills refined over the last nine years.
 
    I believe I possess the qualifications necessary to make an immediate and positive contribution to your organization.  As illustrated by my résumé, I possess demonstrated creative flair and technical acumen with a strong record of accomplishment.  My expertise focuses on visual merchandising and product showcasing encompassing floor planning, floor set design and installation, overall store and theme conceptualization, window and interior vignette creation, special event logistics, strategic planning and flawless execution...all in the interest of driving revenue, enhancing the brand, and building customer satisfaction and retention.
 
    As an infomercial sells a product through visual impact and persuades consumers to make a seemingly informed decision motivated by "must-have" consumer psychology, similarly visual merchandising relies on psychology and repetitive visual/mental stimulation to create a sense of comfort, aesthetic and aspiration appeal.  In my prior positions, I have leveraged that ability to improve my clients' position in the marketplace and consequential business traffic and revenue growth.
 
    It has been my privilege to earn the respect of my employers in recognition of my commitment and investment in my profession.  Witness to that sentiment is a quote from the Visual Merchandising Manager at American Girl Place...”Jonathan has the ability to create magical visuals that showcase the whimsy of our product and brand.”
 
    At this juncture in my career, I realize my present position inhibits my merchandising abilities and hampers my efforts to apply the full extent of my technical skills and creative flair due to a limited corporate perspective.  Consequently, I am seeking a new opportunity that will encourage creativity and demand the most of my talent.
 
    I look forward to discussing how my qualifications meet your expectations and the position requirements, and sharing my portfolio with you.  Until then, thank you for your consideration.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
 Jonathan McDowell


Macy's Inc., New York, NY, February 2014 – Present  
Visual Merchandiser ? 
?•?Work closely with merchandising manager providing assistance and support in the merchandising of six primary departments: Ready-to-Wear, Men’s, Footwear, Women’s, Children’s and Home Fashions. Communicate customer feedback, identify best sellers, key items, consumer purchasing trends and make recommendations to improve services, merchandise selection and visual display effectiveness. Accompany regional, store, department, security, visual and merchandising managers on walk-throughs to assess visual impact of displays, effectiveness of floor sets, loss exposure and prevention modifications.  
?•?Participate in daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly store planning meetings discussing floor plans, displays, foot traffic, upcoming events such as fashion shows, trunk shows, special product line launches, cooking demos, and product shortages. Provide input on issues related to merchandise, marketing, sales, and cust

American Eagle Outfitters and Aerie, Times Square, NY, August 2014 to February 2015
Visual Merchandiser at Flagship & Concept Store (part-time) 
?•?Delivered visually attractive window presentations, displays and floor plans for AEO and Aerie’s largest and conceptual store, keeping the stores’ brand with knowledge of over 32 different designs of denim, loungewear, lingerie and unique accessories. 
?•?Frequently coordinated with corporate office on displays in accordance with the season, fashion/market trends and festivities. 
?•?Collaborated with the other metropolitan area AEO visual merchandisers with store refreshers. 
?•?Coordinated rearranging, remerchandising and replenishing new stock as it arrived. 
?•?Brand enhanced by hosting celebrity clients such as Bill Clinton, Ne-Yo, Lisa Leslie, Miley Cyrus and Adrian Grenier.

Visual Merchandiser (part-time)

American Girl Place, Mattel Corp.,New York, NY, August 2008 to July 2013
 Visual Merchandiser at Flagship Store? 
?•?Provided creative visual presentation support to all store divisions, partnering with retail staff, personal shoppers, marketing department, and AGP restaurant to ensure optimization of sales space and dining experience in the up-selling, cross-selling, and product placement of unique dolls, clothing, furniture, books, and related collateral merchandise. 
?•?As an integral member of a team of seven merchandisers, actively participated in brainstorming sessions devising and refining conceptual designs during “display builds,” coaching other team members and sales associates in developing ideas. 
?•?Incorporated artistic flair with technical skills in creating eye-catching aesthetic displays and vignettes. 
?•?Provided input to the visual merchandising director in developing the overall store space, floor sets, schematic and lighting design concepts. 
?•?Employed merchandi

Freelance Interior Designer, New York, NY, August 2006 to August 2008
Interior Design Consultant and Personal Shopper? 
?•?Maintained one-on-one contact with the client for the project lifecycle resulting in high customer satisfaction and confidence; encouraged client collaboration incorporating their substantial creative input, design ideas and feedback. Drove projects from concept to finished product by bringing together necessary vendors and materials. 
?•?Leveraged natural creative flair, developing and refining design skills and knowledge of various styles and necessary sources, suppliers, vendors and designers of home furnishings and furniture from the antique to contemporary. 
?•?Worked up color/texture pallette and fabric/textile swatches; chose wall and ceiling treatments, selected window treatments, textiles, hard coverings and upholstery. 
?•?Actualized primary furnishings and artisanal pieces from trusted suppliers, craftsman, importers, etc.; sourced proper accessories to 

Freelance Interior Designer

Ethan Allen, Inc.? , Forest Hills, NY, February 2004 to July 2006
?Lead/Visual Merchandiser
?•?Chosen as visual merchandising lead to the showroom which expanded clientele and contributed to an updated design/fashion image. 
?•?Formulated strategies for in-season presentations to support key business initiatives. 
?•?Led the visual team to achieve consistent, compelling in-store seasonal presentations utilizing the firm’s presentation book. 
?•?Held daily meetings with warehouse and merchandising teams explaining showroom needs and imperatives. 
?•?Worked closely with Visual Merchandising Director to communicate corporate standards and create an inviting atmosphere with floor sets that conveyed a sense of comfort and coziness that customers could envision in their own homes. 
?•?Conducted walk-thrus for each setup with regional and district managers to ensure key programs were protected and presentation was appropriate for the brand. 
•?Monitored and directed merchandising presentation

Find out detailed information about Jonathan McDowell, Visual Merchandiser  in New York, NY

Jonathan McDowell: Visual Merchandiser in New York, NY

Jonathan McDowell

Macy's

American Eagle Outfitters

American Girl Place

Self Employyed

Ethan Allen

Parsons School of Design