Retail Specialist

Company Description

Informa is one of the world’s leading knowledge providers. We create and deliver highly specialized information through publishing, events, training, market intelligence and expertise, providing valuable knowledge to individuals, businesses and organizations worldwide.

Informa Markets creates platforms for industries to trade, innovate and grow. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world’s leading exhibitions organiser, with over 500 international events, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year.

Informa’s Fashion Portfolio is the leading producer of world-renowned fashion tradeshows and digital events such as MAGIC, COTERIE, and PROJECT.  We believe uniting the industry’s best talent and most dynamic opportunities will translate into stronger events for buyers and sellers and help us achieve our promise to the industry: to bring together great brands and retailers in superbly merchandised experiences, provide superior customer service, and ultimately present end consumers with the best apparel, footwear, accessories, and fashion products. 

Job Description

What we’re looking for:

The Retail Specialist engages, develops, cultivates and maintains strong relationships with Menswear retailers to secure attendance at Informa Fashion trade events, live and digital. This role focuses on maintaining and strengthening retail relationships, while identifying new retail targets. Working with the VP, Events, they will educate and recruit stores to attend, build customer relationships while supporting sales, marketing and PR with retail-specific information.

 Role Accountability and Duties:

• Researches new retailers to invite to the live and digital shows; studies market categories, identifies leaders in both the retail roles and targets potential attendees within assigned tiers and segments.
• Strengthen and maintain relationships with key menswear retailers within assigned tier or segment.
• Proactive relationship building with key retention retailers via phone, email, and face to face.
• Responds to retailer inquiries via in person meetings, phone, and e-mail; researches and resolves all questions.
• Working in tandem with Brand team and marketing, contributes to the “voice” of menswear retail relations. Collaborates on the creation of copy and other retail collateral; works with marketing to entice retailer attendance. Provides information for potential new retail attendees including brand listings, hotel rates sheets and other show information.
• Qualifies prospective attendees as retailers and helps them complete the registration process to attend the shows.
• Tracks, updates, and analyzes data regarding retailers In Salesforce.com; provides ongoing retailer information for the sales team including key retailer lists and relevant content about new and returning retailers. Prepares and executes reports and analysis as requested.
• Maintains integrity of the database by continuously updating retailer information.
• Penetrates retail campaigns to drive attendance.
• Sources weekly leads to generate new retailers for our shows.
• Helps manage VIP and buyer programs in partnership with the Retail Ops Specialist and Experience team.
• Coordinates on-site show set-up and execution as needed; Assists with onsite retails programs and events as required.
• Matchmaking with stores and brands to create long lasting business relationships.
• Provides one-on-one Concierge services to VIP retailers.

Qualifications

What you bring to the team:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, fashion buying/merchandising or equivalent experience
• 6 yrs minimum working within a menswear brand showroom, working with key retailers
• Deep relationships with menswear retailers and buyers
• Understanding, knowledge and interest in the fashion industry and retail environment
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills.
• Sales experience preferred.
• Strong customer service approach.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Detail oriented, creative and innovative thinker.
• Exceptional time management skills.
• Self-starter who knows how to work in a team environment.
• Proficient in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Existing relationships with key retailers a must.

Additional Information

We offer:

• Competitive Compensation Pack