Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

CLAIRE johnston

Biggar,Lanarkshire

Summary

Passionate and results-driven interior designer and business leader with extensive experience in retail management, business development,
and brand strategy. With a proven track record of driving revenue growth and transforming brands in the lifestyle, fashion, and interior design sectors.
Skilled in team leadership, e-commerce, and operational efficiency, I opened and successfully manage my own interior design and homewares shop,
reflecting my creative vision and entrepreneurial spirit.

Overview

34
34
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Interior designer

nomad design ltd
glasgow / edinburgh
03.2023 - Current
  • Founded an interior design business, integrating retail operations into service offerings.
  • Executed residential and commercial design projects to enhance client spaces.
  • Transitioned focus exclusively to interior design projects after retail closure in 2024.
  • Collaborated with builders to maintain design integrity during construction phases.
  • Managed multiple concurrent projects, consistently meeting deadlines.

Owner / Interior Designer

Interior Designer & Homewares Shop
Glasgow, UK
09.2020 - 09.2024
  • Established and managed an interior design and homewares shop in Glasgow's West End.
  • Curated unique collections and provided personalised interior design services.
  • Oversaw product selection, client consultations, marketing strategies, and store operations.
  • Provided exceptional customer service, resulting in repeat business.

Business Consultant & Retail Lead

Remnant Kings
01.2019 - 03.2020
  • Collaborated with managing director to analyse and restructure business operations.
  • Developed retail and digital strategies, significantly enhancing market responsiveness until store closure.

Retail Director

Foxford Woollen Mills
Foxford, Ireland
03.2014 - 05.2019
  • Drove £5m retail turnover, generating £1.5m in revenue within 12 to 18 months.
  • Oversaw operations for multiple stores, including flagship locations in Foxford, Dublin, and Westport.
  • Executed e-commerce strategy, brand re-launch, and product sourcing initiatives.
  • Managed a team of 5 managers and 60 staff members to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Successfully opened new stores while developing customer service training programmes.
  • Optimised stock control processes and improved cost structures across all locations.

Commercial Manager

Helen McAlinden
11.2014 - 03.2016
  • Developed retail strategy for high-end designer Helen McAlinden, expanding brand presence across Northern Ireland and UK.
  • Managed business structure, sales performance, stock control, and marketing initiatives effectively.
  • Opened new retail locations while launching promotional campaigns to enhance brand visibility and sales.

Area Manager

Next Retail (Ltd)
, Ireland
05.2006 - 11.2014
  • Managed 14 stores in Ireland South, generating £75m in annual sales.
  • Oversaw cost management and staff training to enhance store profitability.
  • Motivated managers to achieve demanding sales targets consistently.
  • Ensured compliance with security, stock control, and health and safety standards.
  • Contributed to company-wide marketing strategies and presented insights on missed trends to sales director.

Senior Store Manager

Next Retail (Ltd)
Dublin, Ireland
08.2005 - 05.2006
  • Promoted to senior manager, ensuring operational efficiency and sales growth at Blanchardstown store.
  • Managed staff performance to maximise productivity and achieve targets.
  • Controlled store costs to enhance profitability.
  • Motivated team to consistently meet and exceed sales objectives.
  • Oversaw budget planning for controlled expenditure and maximized profitability.
  • Established health and safety guidelines within store premises, promoting safe working conditions.

Store Manager

Next Retail (Ltd)
Dundrum, Ireland
02.2005 - 08.2005
  • Successfully launched and operated new store in Dundrum, Dublin.
  • Ensured efficient management, cost control, and high customer service standards.

General Manager

Topshop/Topman, The Arcadia Group
Dublin, Ireland
01.2004 - 02.2005
  • Managed operations for multiple brands at Jervis Street shopping centre in Dublin.
  • Led a team of 7 managers, overseeing store operations and staff development.
  • Reviewed performance data regularly to drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Various Roles

Next Retail (Ltd)
, Ireland
01.1992 - 01.2004
  • Advanced from Assistant Store Manager to Store Manager, establishing robust expertise in retail management across various locations in Ireland.

Education

bachelor of arts - art history & fine art

University of South Wales
Pontypridd
09.1989 - 05.1992

Skills

  • Interior design and space planning
  • Business strategy and development
  • Retail management and operations
  • E-commerce and website management
  • Team leadership and staff development
  • Marketing and brand strategy
  • Stock control and budget management
  • Customer service and relationship building
  • Project management
  • EPOS systems expertise

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Interior designer

nomad design ltd
03.2023 - Current

Owner / Interior Designer

Interior Designer & Homewares Shop
09.2020 - 09.2024

Business Consultant & Retail Lead

Remnant Kings
01.2019 - 03.2020

Commercial Manager

Helen McAlinden
11.2014 - 03.2016

Retail Director

Foxford Woollen Mills
03.2014 - 05.2019

Area Manager

Next Retail (Ltd)
05.2006 - 11.2014

Senior Store Manager

Next Retail (Ltd)
08.2005 - 05.2006

Store Manager

Next Retail (Ltd)
02.2005 - 08.2005

General Manager

Topshop/Topman, The Arcadia Group
01.2004 - 02.2005

Various Roles

Next Retail (Ltd)
01.1992 - 01.2004

bachelor of arts - art history & fine art

University of South Wales
09.1989 - 05.1992

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