Retail Specialist

Company Description

Informa Markets, a division within Informa, creates global platforms for industries. We organise over 500 large-scale branded and transaction-oriented events in 14 specialist markets. These are typically not-to-be-missed annual events where buyers and sellers build relationships, see and show products and do business.

We also provide year-round online platforms where companies showcase their businesses and products and buyers conduct research, generating valuable leads, and we provide data and digital content that supports the flow of knowledge and transactions in markets.

Job Description

As a Retail Specialist with our Fashion business group, you will play a key role in building, strengthening and maintaining relationships with retailers to ensure robust attendance at our events. This role involves proactive engagement, relationship-building, and market research to recruit retailers and buyers. You will work closely with the Head of Attendee Acquisition & Customer Success, the Events, Sales and Marketing teams, and other internal stakeholders to enhance the experience, attendance and success of our events. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Research and identify new retail targets, studying market categories and industry leaders. 
• Engage with retailers to secure attendance at our events. 
• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with key retailers across various market segments and tiers. 
• Maintain proactive communication with existing and potential retailers via phone, email, and in-person meetings. 
• Address retailer inquiries and resolve questions related to show details, registration, and logistics. 
• Work with the Events, Marketing, and PR teams to create and deliver retail-specific messaging and promotional materials. 
• Contribute to copywriting and development of collateral that entices retailers to attend events. 
• Provide up-to-date event information, such as brand listings, hotel rates, and show schedules, to prospective and returning retailers. 
• Qualify prospective retailers and assist them through the event registration process. 
• Utilize Salesforce to track, update, and analyze retailer data, providing insights to the sales and marketing teams. 
• Regularly update and maintain retailer contact information in the database to ensure accuracy. 
• Prepare reports and analysis on retailer engagement, event attendance, and campaign effectiveness. 
• Assist in managing VIP and buyer programs in collaboration with other functional teams. 
• Help with event execution, including show set-up and coordination of retail programs and experiences. 
• Facilitate matchmaking between retailers and brands to foster long-lasting business relationships. 
• Provide one-on-one concierge services to VIP retailers during events to ensure a premium experience. 
• Source weekly leads to identify new retailers for event attendance. 
• Work with the team to develop and execute targeted retail campaigns aimed at driving attendance. 
• Support efforts to increase retailer engagement through ongoing outreach and relationship management. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Fashion Buying/Merchandising, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience). 
• 2-4 years showroom experience, or a related role in the fashion industry. 
• Strong understanding of the fashion industry and retail landscape. 
• Proven track record of relationship-building and sales skills, ideally within the fashion or retail sector. 
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building abilities. 
• Strong customer service orientation with excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Detail-oriented, creative, and innovative thinker with a proactive approach. 
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively. 
• Self-starter who thrives in a team environment and can work independently when needed. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. 
• Existing relationships with key retailers are a must. 
• Ability to travel up to 30% of the time. 

This role will automatically expire on 02/03/25.

Additional Information

We work hard to make sure Life at Informa is rewarding, supportive and enjoyable for everyone. Here’s some of what you can expect when you join us. But don’t just take our word for it – see what our colleagues have to say at  LifeAt.Informa.com

Our benefits include: 

• Freedom & flexibility: colleagues rate us highly for the flexibility and trust they receive, and we support a range of working patterns.
• Great commu