in this project, we drove the start-up of a retail organization, defined and implemented a merchandising concept, created a ‘culture’, and translated it into a vehicle specifically designed for its propagation.

after reviewing investment scenarios, we defined a plan to translate the initial idea into a physical business and operationally branded the new venture. our aim was to create an organization with retail-specific competencies, define and drive a new business model, roll out a new merchandising offer, and firmly manage retail units.

we began by auditing the existing situation. a critical operational insight emerged when we assessed sales data and other vital KPIs. initially, information could not be compared as each business unit used different coding systems. our client could analyze local reporting, but not compare data across the retail network. our systematic assessment led to the re-organization of product and item codes into a new architecture and our newly created, group-wide master data codification system. subsequently, we supported the client in new POS and data warehouse solutions selection and roll-out throughout the properties.

with metrics and a language understood by all the teams, we worked with our client to design the organization of the new retail division at a corporate and retail level to ensure the operations delivered on the brand promise. this phase included all necessary practical support, from recruiting and selecting talent to organizing working procedures to be shared across the group.

on the product management side, the carefully created commercial platform allowed both multi-branded and private label initiatives. accordingly, we supported and coached the new teams in the creation of the brand aesthetic and product culture; we developed creative collaborations with local and international vendors, brands, and operators, introducing new product ranges and ideas. we then organized the retail merchandising to ensure timely and efficient replenishment and buying processes.

the project ultimately encompassed the start-up of a directly operated network of pilot stores in hong kong and china, the client objective being to establish a working model for the whole organization. with the owners’ vision and the newly formed retail team’s contribution, the organization was set up for success.

process review | tactical process alignment | clientele & sales analysis | retail concept & identity definition | operational branding | merchandising concept definition & planning | inventory analysis, architecture & coding | POS selection & roll out support | team design & talent screening | architectural image & furniture partners coordination | operations start-up | OTB & pricing | buying & sourcing | retail merchandising management | vendors agreements | interim management