Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic

BLAIR MCKELLAR

Glasgow

Summary

An experienced retail professional with over 10 years working within the fashion and luxury industry. Delivering exceptional client experiences and offering high-end brands is what makes my knowledge so rewarding, and have had the privilege of working with the likes of Rolex, Gucci, Moncler, Stone Island, Off-White, Hugo Boss and J. Lindeberg over the course of my career. More recently, transitioning from being client facing to working in Wholesale to learn more about the logistical side of the industry. This has equipped me with additional skills and a deeper understanding of how the fashion B2B and D2C channels operates. Despite this, I am still very much open to exploring opportunities on all sides of the retail/wholesale industry. Beyond fashion, my passions extend to music and sports, proving valuable in connecting with both clients and colleagues alike.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Supervisor

Ralph Lauren
Glasgow
05.2024 - 09.2024
  • As a Supervisor at Ralph Lauren, my role is pivotal in driving the success of the store
  • I oversee a dynamic team of sales associates, providing leadership and guidance to ensure exceptional customer service and operational efficiency
  • I am responsible for maintaining the brand's high standards through impeccable visual merchandising and store presentation
  • By fostering a positive work environment and implementing effective training programs, I am able to motivate and develop team members to consistently achieve sales targets and deliver an unforgettable customer experience
  • My dedication to upholding the values and reputation of Ralph Lauren was evident in every aspect of my role as a Supervisor.
  • Managed daily operations to increase productivity.

Client Advisor

Gucci
London
01.2023 - 03.2024
  • Having already previously worked for Gucci in Glasgow, I decided to go back, here I work within the Mens RTW department dealing with clients globally and local clients
  • Specialising in tailoring and streetwear I have managed to also undertake training within made to measure suiting and further my knowledge in the brand
  • Having monthly targets for both sales and outreaching I have further gained my client book and kept relationships throughout my previous roles to enhance the business already here.
  • Built strong relationships with clients, leading to increased loyalty.
  • Conducted regular follow-ups to ensure client satisfaction.
  • Identified client needs with precision, enhancing product recommendation accuracy.
  • Maintained comprehensive knowledge of products to provide informed suggestions.

Wholesale Sales Manager

J. Lindeberg
London
01.2023 - 10.2023
  • At J. At Lindeberg, I handle key accounts, independents, seasonal budgets, and OTB.
  • Being responsible for fashion in the UK and Ireland has led me to welcome new customers, and build fresh connections.
  • I also organise events for targeted releases, aligning with our P&L budget, in close collaboration with our marketing team.
  • Managed stock inventory levels accurately avoiding overstocking or under-stocking situations.
  • Developed wholesale sales strategies, enhancing brand recognition.
  • Executed comprehensive marketing campaigns for improved market penetration.
  • Provided insightful feedback on market trends, aiding in strategic decision-making.
  • Fostered long-term relationships with clients through proactive communication and excellent service provision.
  • Managed a diverse portfolio of products, diversifying revenue streams.
  • Managed stock within set minimum and maximum levels to serve customers without over-extending finances.
  • Created seasonal sales plans with varying stock and promotional strategies.

Wholesale Executive

Hugo Boss
London
05.2022 - 03.2023
  • In my initial Wholesale role, I managed two divisions under Hugo Boss: Boss Orange and Boss Green
  • Handling key accounts like Very Group, Harrods, Mainline Menswear, and ASOS, I learned about budgeting, honed Microsoft skills, and cultivated relationships with brand partners
  • This experience at Boss amplified my growth in various aspects.
  • Maintained showroom cleanliness, enhancing the customer's shopping experience.
  • Assisted customers with product selection for increased sales.
  • Improved inventory management through regular stock checks.
  • Coordinated with suppliers for timely delivery of orders.
  • Managed merchandise displays effectively in line with seasonal promotions and events.
  • Handled customer complaints professionally, resulting in satisfactory problem resolution.
  • Worked collaboratively within a team environment to meet daily sales targets successfully.

Sales Assistant

Off-White
London
12.2021 - 05.2022
  • Working with Off-White provided me with an extensive understanding of this globally recognised brand and gained me deeper exposure to VIP and personal shopping experiences for clients
  • I successfully onboarded my own client base from Glasgow, while also acquiring new clients from London and across the globe.
  • Utilised excellent communication skills to provide detailed product information.
  • Handled cash transactions swiftly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
  • Built strong relationships with regular customers for repeat business.
  • Monitored trends in consumer behaviour with keen attention to detail.
  • Learnt about new products quickly, providing comprehensive guidance to customers.
  • Addressed customer needs promptly, resulting in positive feedback and loyalty.
  • Managed till operations smoothly, reducing waiting time for customers.
  • Balanced multiple tasks simultaneously whilst maintaining high-quality customer care.

Sales Assistant

Watches Of Switzerland (Rolex)
Glasgow
11.2019 - 08.2021
  • A milestone in my career was the prestige of working with one of the world's most esteemed watch brands, Rolex
  • This experience helped me refine client interactions and elevate performance standards, while gaining best in class training from a brand with over a century of crafting the retail experience
  • During my time here, I substantially expanded my client portfolio, being recognised as one of the top 10 Rolex Sales Assistants in the UK.
  • Maintained shop floor presentation for positive customer impression.
  • Greeted every customer warmly, creating a welcoming shopping atmosphere.
  • Utilised point-of-sale systems proficiently for smooth transaction processing.
  • Offered solutions tailored to each customer's needs, boosting satisfaction levels.
  • Offered excellent customer service by staying on top of pending orders and customer requests.
  • Assisted with preparing client presentations and proposals.

Sales Assistant

Gucci
Glasgow
10.2018 - 11.2019
  • During my time at Gucci, I finessed my skills in clienteling, exceeding sales targets, and providing thorough after-sales care, including post-purchase emails
  • This experience solidified my early career goal of working within the luxury retail sector and showed me basics of KPI variables, outreaching to clients in a luxury manner and how useful product knowledge is to sell.

Education

HNC - Sports Science

City Of Glasgow College

Skills

  • SAP trained for over 1 year
  • Shopify trained for over 25 years
  • B2B D2C within wholesale roles for 15 years
  • High-net worth client book
  • Successful in relationships to this date with clients
  • Staff management
  • Budgeting and forecasting
  • Inventory control
  • MS Office
  • Effective communication
  • Purchasing procedures
  • Business development
  • Contract negotiation
  • Employee training

Accomplishments

  • Top 10 Rolex Sales Professionals
  • Completed Rolex Academy
  • Brand trained by Rolex, Hugo Boss, Gucci, Filling Pieces, J. Lindeberg and Off-White
  • Personally reviewed on my customer service skills by blogger Christopher Byrne on his popular website
  • Brand representative for Filling Pieces footwear 2016-2018
  • Personally complimented on my in store experience by Managing Director of Size? Wayne Davies
  • Being chosen as the sole menswear staff member to represent 18 Montrose at Four Marketing training events in London
  • Holding a Full Clean UK Driving Licence

References

  • Mark Macdonald, Buying Director - Seven Store, mark.macdonald@sevenstore.com, 07412 918426
  • Soren Jensen, Export Manager - J. Lindeberg, soren.jensen@jlindeberg.com, +46 72 209 32 40
  • Mads Thisted, Global Fashion Director - J. Lindeberg, mads.thisted@jlindeberg.com, +46 70 353 89 84

Timeline

Supervisor

Ralph Lauren
05.2024 - 09.2024

Client Advisor

Gucci
01.2023 - 03.2024

Wholesale Sales Manager

J. Lindeberg
01.2023 - 10.2023

Wholesale Executive

Hugo Boss
05.2022 - 03.2023

Sales Assistant

Off-White
12.2021 - 05.2022

Sales Assistant

Watches Of Switzerland (Rolex)
11.2019 - 08.2021

Sales Assistant

Gucci
10.2018 - 11.2019

HNC - Sports Science

City Of Glasgow College
BLAIR MCKELLAR