Overview

Client: FORWARD__Space, a sanctuary-meet-club dance and wellness studio for those who used to dance, love to dance, and want to dance. Founded in 2018 by internationally recognized choreographer, artistic director, teacher and dancer Kristin Sudeikis.

Title: Director of Retail + E-Commerce

Date: June 2018 - February 2021

Scope: Product Development, UXDI E-Commerce Web Development, UX/UI Design, Visual Merchandising, Retail Financial Planning, Graphic Design, Buying/Sourcing

Technologies: Shopify (+ multiple apps), Sketch, Invision, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Excel

Process: I worked with the FORWARD__Space team, in collaboration with founder Kristin Sudeikis, for over two and a half years, building out their branded merchandise and retail assortment for their physical NYC studio location, multi-location national events/pop-ups, and e-commerce launch. After opening in October 2018, the FS team desired a high-end appeal with a focus on their logos and fresh graphic design.

I sourced apparel and accessories through a combination of basic wholesale suppliers and high-end third-party vendors. Based on seasonal budgets and sell-through data, I selected the final assortment and created co-branded CAD mock-up designs to work with the FORWARD__Space logos and make each item customized. I also created completely custom branded fitness equipment and accessories through overseas and domestic production facilities.

Seeing the product through production, I created visual merchandise plans and worked with the team to assign retail leads for tagging and inventory management. Once the collection was delivered, I supported photoshoots for e-commerce, floor assortment merchandising, online fulfillment, and email marketing campaign design.

I also provided weekly selling reports and sell-through analytics to assess their top-selling products as well as old-age inventory exit plans that maintained the brand integrity as a full-price business.

Client Testimonial:

“Claire’s wide range of skill sets are valuable to any team!

From e-commerce UX building, product designs to sales analytics and more, her role in our merchandise business was instrumental.”

— Kelsey Scaros, VP of Operations, Forward__Space

"Claire's passion and innovative way of thinking is unrivaled! She dedicates herself fully to every project she takes on and inspires those around her to do the same. Her rare blend of supreme creativity and business acumen gives Claire a unique perspective that would be an asset to any company that chooses to work with her.

As a colleague, Claire is exceedingly kind, gracious, and generous with her time and ability. Anyone would be lucky to work with her!"

— Bethany Heitman, Director of PR & Marketing, Forward__Space