Emily Southwick
Visual Merchandising Activation Manager- Americas · Boardriders Inc
Long Beach, CAIn My Own Words
I am a native Californian with a passion for the action sports industry and culture. Through my educational background and extensive experience in merchandising, marketing and management, I have developed a long list of skills and strong work ethic.
Currently, I co-manage a field team of 9 as the Visual Merchandising Activation Support for Boardriders. With a focus on both wholesale and retail sides of the Quiksilver and Roxy business, I support the field team and our vertical retail stores with directives, activations and top level merchandising.
I graduated from FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising with an Associate of Arts in Merchandise Marketing. Prior to FIDM, I became a six year veteran in the retail industry.
Work Experience
Visual Merchandising Activation Manager- Americas
Boardriders Inc2018 – Present
Directly support the Director of Visual Merchandising Manage cross country field VM team of 8 Support teams for Quiksilver, Roxy and DC for both wholesale and retail Conceptualize, source and execute visuals for sales meetings, special events, seasonal window concepts, trade shows and mock showroom displays Build visual directives for accounts and field team Visually and logistically support activations Manage 3rd party merchandising service for key accounts
Field Visual Merchandiser- San Diego
Quiksilver2015 – 2018
Managed a territory of 25+ wholesale accounts Merchandised Quiksilver and Roxy in store fixtures and sections to highlight assortment and brand stories while practicing high company standards Curated window displays Participated in local activations and clinics
Styling Assistant
Kristi Brooks Style2013 – 2015
Styled models at fashion shows, photo shoots and high profile charity events
Marketing Intern
PageLadder2014 – 2014
Researched, executed and produced Fall Wetsuit Buyers Guide for South Coast Surf Shop
Event Stylist Intern
Tres Chic Affairs2014 – 2014
Assisted coordinator at wedding events while practicing strong attention to detail for visuals
Buying Intern
South Coast Surf Shops2014 – 2014
Partook in buying meetings, allocated transfers and visually merchandised product
Supervisor
Barnes and Noble College at PLNU2013 – 2014
Helped store reach highest gross margin in the region (43.1%) for FY 2013 Participated in apparel buying decisions which led to 4th highest in clothing growth and percent of sales increase company wide
Manager in Training
Barnes and Noble College at Solano College Bookstore2011 – 2013
Maintained Bookstore social media and participated in Bookstore Innovation Group to create outreach strategies Ordered and maintained convenience merchandise
Office Assistant
Barnes and Noble College at Solano College Bookstore2010 – 2011
Created marketing for Bookstore television media Supported senior level management with daily projects
Keyholder
American Eagle Outfitters2009 – 2010
Motivated and led a team to meet and surpass goals by analyzing business reports and creating business plans Conducted interviews and hired sales associates
Sales Associate
American Eagle Outfitters2008 – 2009
Recognized by district manager for outstanding conversion on customer loyalty and credit cards (Employee of the Month) Maintained store appearance through plan-o-grams and floor sets
Education
Associate of Arts, Professional Designation
FIDM/ Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising2013 – 2014
Associate of Arts, Professional Designation