Claire Pendlebury

aOver the past year I have had the privilege of Managing a stunning Bridal Department Store in the Saddleworth hills.

The Aisle Edit Founded by Charlotte Mills

As retail manager of this beautiful concept I oversee 12 various concessions from bridal gowns to luxury jewellers.

The role has been pivotal to honing my management skills.

Day to Day

• General administration duties
• Oversee all aspects of budget management including expense tracking, cost control measures, and profit maximization strategies.
• Monthly stocktaking and sales analysis
• Capable use of Excel & Google Docs
• Compiling concise analysis of the store's productivity and financial performance.
• Setting targets and leading my team to achieve goals
• Staffing structure and regular staff training
• Communicating bi weekly updates to all concessions on performance,Footfall and engagement with customers.
• Daily checks the Department store is pristine and ready each morning
• Cascading the importance of excellent customer service to my team.
• Ensuring every bride has a happy and memorable experience
• Maintaining exciting Displays and Visual merchandising.
• Organizing Events and Bridal Fairs
• Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
• Meeting every bride with Interest ,Empathy and guidance.

I Took a sabbatical from Bridal while i assisted my partner with her new business as landlady of a local pub.

• Kept alcoholic beverages well-stocked and organized to meet expected demands.
• Strategized plans to increase bar revenue through innovative promotional concepts, specialty drinks, and customer-focused events.
• Closed out cash register and prepared cashier report at close of business.
• Improved customer service rankings by resolving issues quickly and accurately.
• Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
• Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.

Bridal consultant for 12yrs with Blush a bustling and high profile bridal salon.

• Assisting Brides find their dream wedding gown.
• Advising Brides/ bridemaids and mother of the bride the perfect style and cut that suits their body shape and wedding theme.
• Head of visual Display and merchandising.Blush has 3 large prime position windows within the popular village of Uppermill Saddleworth. {Award winner Best Display }
• Styling mannequins to engage with customers showing new collections and current trends.
• Organization of seasonal Bridal fairs / fashion shows
• Selecting models and managing their look, sizes and style for the runway
• Setting up and disassembling stand at wedding fairs.
• Meet and greet from our bridal stand
• Day to day upkeep and cleanliness of salon and window displays.
• Giving the highest level of customer service and care at all times.
• Responsible for marketing and promotions via social media and magazine coverage.
• Assisting seamstresses with simple alterations and fittings.

Bridal manager of a wedding and event company

• Setting up a bridal salon alongside the owner of the business.
• Advising and communicating with major bridal designers such as Mori Lee, Maggie Sottero and Ronald Joyce
• Hosting trunk shows
• Planning and actioning wedding fairs and fashion shows
• Selecting models and styling their look,
• Setting up for the show and disassembling at the end of the wedding fair.
• Meet and greet from our bridal stand
• Consultations with clients putting together a unique wedding / event package including Bridal gown, maids, mother of the bride and gents hire.
• Organizing flowers, table centre pieces and making a client's dream into a reality.
• Working with high profile clients such as Paul and Claire Scholes wedding renewal in Saddleworth March 2010.
• Designing and creating an exclusive wedding set up covering every aspect of the day.
• Manager of the event team to ensure a perfect set up and smooth running of the entire day/evening.
• Attending Claire Scholes and her bridal party on the day.

Exclusive account with Key 103 JiggleBell Ball at Etihad Stadium.

• Christmas 2008/09
• Meetings with Key 103 to build and design their visuals into reality.
• Designing a theme to scheme.
• Organising and managing a team of 6 including florist and marquee specialists.
• Dressing marquee from ceiling to floor Lights and fabrics
• Styling of all table centre pieces
• Dressing of chairs and tables
• Full lighting of the event.
• Managing the smooth running of each event.

• Training on all aspects of retail bridal.
• Meeting Brides and assessing their needs and vision.
• Trained in Gents Hire from fitting to wear.
• Changing and updating window displays on a 2 week rotation.

• Responsible for all visual set ups and in-house displays to build a continuous identity of the brand throughout the chain.
• Traveling to all 27 branches of the store on quarterly rotation.
• merchandising many varied products