Christopher Allso

A proactive sales representative with a stellar record in driving business growth, enhancing brand visibility, and fostering lasting retail relationships. I have experience managing a diverse brand portfolio, including renowned names such as Nike, Levi's, Hurley, SunBum, and more. Specializing in sales predominantly in the UK, with remote management in Germany and Austria, I excel in key account management and brand development, bringing extensive experience representing top brands to achieve exceptional results.

• Spearheaded Levi's Footwear and Accessories sales in the UK, Germany, and Austria, fueling significant revenue growth.
• Managed a diverse brand portfolio, including Nike SB, Hurley, SunBum, and Levi's, maintaining strong relationships while juggling multiple accounts.
• Executed strategic decisions to optimize sales processes and elevate brand visibility across digital and physical retail channels.
• Developed key partnerships with major retailers like ASOS, Next, and Cult Beauty, fostering mutually beneficial relationships.
• Collaborated on Special Make-Up (SMU) products, broadening offerings and maximizing sales.
• Successfully launched brands into wholesale markets, notably Sun Bum, garnering widespread recognition.
• Cultivated strong relationships with brand and retail contacts, aligning goals and objectives.
• Excelled in front-line and field sales, engaging diverse retail partners to boost sales and brand recognition.
• Proactively pursued new sales leads, expanding the customer base with tenacity and persistence.
• Adapted swiftly to evolving brand needs and market trends, ensuring competitiveness.
• Proficient in B2B and CRM tools for streamlined sales processes and superior customer management.
• Engaged in UK and global travel to nurture client relationships, attend industry events, and seize new opportunities.
• Possess a self-sufficient attitude and a deep understanding of remote work nuances, ensuring readiness for the demands of this role.

As UK Technical Sales and Marketing representative for Burton Snowboards, Anon Optics, and Analog Clothing, my focus was on building strong business relationships and exceeding sales targets. With top-notch presentation and communication skills, I ensured excellent sales outcomes while benefiting both retailers and Spin Trading with favorable terms and conditions. Additionally, I provided post-sales support like staff incentives, store visits, training, and marketing initiatives to boost sell-through.

Operating within a small team at Spin Trading, multitasking and proactive problem-solving were crucial. I maintained a keen awareness of our brands' direction as guided by the Global Brand Manager, ensuring our presence aligned accordingly. This involved visiting all UK retailers to reinforce relationships, educate staff on brand history and technical products, and advise on product selection for optimal sell-through. I also managed the showroom, merchandising it to showcase our products effectively and maintain brand standards.

Beyond sales, I oversaw social media marketing for Burton Snowboards UK, coordinated grassroots marketing efforts such as demos and competitions, and participated in European activations. Extensive travel across the UK and Europe, along with attendance at regional and global sales meetings, kept me informed about current and past products and market trends. Additionally, I managed a team of sponsored riders and brand ambassadors, representing our brands at consumer-facing events and creating content for various media channels.

Key Achievements:

Successfully streamlined annual dealer visits for improved cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
Maintained flat gross turnover despite industry challenges and a reduced dealer base.
Received the Burton Global Marketing Award for organizing the UK 'Grom Gathering' event.
Conducted successful dealer trips and consumer demos overseas.
Introduced over 2000 children to snowboarding through free events.

My role as a manager at Two Seasons led to numerous achievements and expanded my professional horizons within the company. Promoting me to the position of Regional Manager. I was entrusted with the task of elevating the performance of existing stores and contributing to the successful launch of new or rebranded locations. This role involved overseeing operations across seven stores simultaneously, providing me with valuable experience in managing multiple outlets.

As Store Manager, I achieved significant milestones, notably elevating the store's rating from a company grade C to A and consistently increasing annual gross turnover by +35%, despite competition from more favorable locations and larger stores. These successes led to further responsibilities within the company, including roles as a key manager and a brief stint as a regional manager overseeing seven stores before transitioning to Spin Trading. I consistently met set targets and ensured sales performance aligned with forecasts, utilizing L4L reports to optimize merchandise displays and managing staff schedules and stock control measures effectively. As a leader, I prioritized motivating and leading my team by example, delivering exceptional customer service and fostering a positive work environment. I also focused on developing individual team members and building a capable management team to maintain standards and facilitate professional growth within the company.