Essam Sayed Ahmed
Manama,Bahrain
Summary
Creative and results-driven Visual Merchandising Manager with 13 years of experience in enhancing brand presence, driving sales through strategic visual displays, and leading teams to execute compelling store layouts. Expertise in trend analysis, window displays, store planning, and customer experience optimization. Adept at working with cross-functional teams to align merchandising strategies with business objectives.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work history
Visual Merchandiser Manager
Defacto
, Gulf Country, Bahrain- Saudi Arabia - Qatar- Dubai
2024.08 - 2025.03
- Develop and implement innovative visual merchandising strategies that enhance store appeal and drive foot traffic
- Oversee store layouts, product placement and seasonal displays to optimise customer experience
- Lead a team of visual merchandisers, providing training and guidance on brand standards and trends
- Collaborate with buying, marketing, and sales teams to align merchandising efforts with business goals
- Manage budgets for visual merchandising projects, sourcing materials, and negotiating with vendors
- Analyse sales data and customer behaviour to refine merchandising strategies for increased conversion
- Gulf Country - Bahrain - Saudi Arabia Qatar - Dubai
Visual Merchandiser Manager
Defacto
, Egypt
2022.04 - 2024.06
- Designed and executed compelling window displays that boosted brand visibility and store traffic
- Worked closely with store managers to ensure merchandising plans were effectively executed
- Conducted market research to stay ahead of industry trends and consumer preferences
- Trained retail staff on visual merchandising best practices to maintain consistent brand presentation
- Egypt
Area Visual Merchandiser Specialist S2
Defacto
, Egypt
2020.08 - 2022.03
- Streamlined visual merchandising processes, reducing setup times and minimising disruption to store operations
- Managed inventory of visual merchandising tools and materials, maintaining optimal stock levels for efficient campaign execution
- Advised on lighting techniques to enhance product appeal and customer experience, leading to increased dwell time and sales
- Egypt
Area Visual Merchandiser Specialist S1
Defacto
, Egypt
2018.04 - 2019.08
- Designed innovative window displays that captured the essence of the brand and enticed passersby to enter the store
- Analysed sales data to identify trends and adjust visual merchandising plans accordingly, driving product visibility and turnover
- Resolved layout issues by creatively adapting designs to fit different store sizes and shapes
- Egypt
Area Visual Merchandiser JR
Defacto
, Egypt
2017.04 - 2018.04
- Conducted regular store visits to audit visual standards, providing feedback and guidance to improve presentation and compliance
- Prepared detailed reports on visual merchandising performance, highlighting successes and areas for improvement
- Egypt
Visual Merchandiser
Defacto
, Egypt
2015.03 - 2017.04
- Managed inventory levels on the shop floor, restocking items and organising back stock for easy access
- Handled customer feedback regarding visual merchandising and used it constructively to enhance future displays
- Negotiated designs, costings and solutions with suppliers and clients
- Egypt
Visual merchandiser
Mango
, Egypt
2012.04 - 2014.01
- Created visually appealing product arrangements, increasing store desirability.
- Contributed ideas at team meetings, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Assisted in inventory management, maintaining adequate stock levels on shop floor.
- Demonstrated flexibility in schedule, working evenings and weekends as required during peak holiday seasons.
Education
Diploma of Technician -
Faculty of Technology
Certificate of Higher Education - undefined
High Education
Skills
- Visual Merchandising
- Strategy & Execution
- Store Layout & Space Planning
- Window Display Design
- Retail Marketing & Branding
- Trend Analysis & Forecasting
- Team Leadership & Training
- Budgeting & Vendor Coordination
- Customer Experience Enhancement
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Planogram Software (eg, MockShop, SmartDraw)
- Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
- Retail Analytics & POS Systems
TECHNICAL SKILLS
TRAINING & STORE OPENINGS
- Successfully completed Professional Training in Egypt under the guidance of Mr. Wessam Refaat.
- Led the visual merchandising execution for the grand openings of Orouba Tanta, Haram, Dokki, Mall of Arabia, Mall of Egypt, Golf City, Almaza City Center, and several other key retail locations.
- Spearheaded the reopening and rebranding of City Stars, Abbas Al Akkad, and Shibin El Kom.
- Managed the launch and visual merchandising for Mall of Tanta, Alex City Center, Alex Agami, Alex San Stefano, Hurghada, Mansoura, and Cairo Festival City.
Languages
English
Fluent
Arabic
Native
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Visual Merchandiser Manager
Defacto
2024.08 - 2025.03
Visual Merchandiser Manager
Defacto
2022.04 - 2024.06
Area Visual Merchandiser Specialist S2
Defacto
2020.08 - 2022.03
Area Visual Merchandiser Specialist S1
Defacto
2018.04 - 2019.08
Area Visual Merchandiser JR
Defacto
2017.04 - 2018.04
Visual Merchandiser
Defacto
2015.03 - 2017.04
Visual merchandiser
Mango
2012.04 - 2014.01
Certificate of Higher Education - undefined
High Education
Diploma of Technician -
Faculty of Technology