1. RACHELRICHARDSSeniorAccessoriesBuyer 4 Chaseley Street, London E14 7LX Tel: 0771 363 5311 email: rach_rich@live.co.uk
Personal Statement
An enthusiastic, committed and highly motivated buyer with a keen eye for trend and the
ability to filter what is right for the customer and for the brand. Focused on developing
good relationships with both team members and business partnerships to achieve optimum
results. A highly organised individual with a good balance of creative and logical skills.
Most importantly, passionate about working in the fashion industry.
Employment History
DCK Concessions - Freedom for Topshop
BUYER March 2015 to May 2015
• Turnover of £12 million a season.
• Buying approx 300-400 options per month
• Managing a team of 18
• Working closely with in-house design team
DCK Concessions - Arcadia International
BUYER January 2015 to March 2015
• A newly created role; responsible for planning re-launch of Freedom and Topman
jewellery into key international locations.
• Plan to select 80% of Freedom range with 20% of the range developed and bought
specific to jurisdiction taking into account regulations by country.
• Buying product 'to stand' and following strict visual guidelines whilst maintaining
category mix plan.
Coast Stores Ltd
SENIOR BUYER
Accessories, Jewellery and Footwear August 2013 to January 2015
• Reporting directly to the Buying Director.
• Responsible for developing and buying jewellery, handbags, soft accessories, hats,
fascinators and footwear; sourcing both ‘own buy’ and ‘bought-in’ suppliers cross
product for 10% of company sales across 200+ options per season.
• Working closely with the merchandiser on seasonal strategies; developing the
framework of the season to include product type, pricing, end use, options and
manages OTB.
• Using product experience to maximise profitability whilst maintaining the integrity of
design and quality.
• Planning critical path for each product area and in line with clothing team, taking into
account key dates in the trading calendar including marketing and PR requirements.
• Driving strong relationships with other team buyers to maximize outfit building
opportunities and also with suppliers to negotiate costs, lead times and payment terms
that benefit the business.
• Trading best sellers, identifying gaps and new product opportunities and frequently
reviewing range to maximise sales.
• Considering omni-channel growth opportunities for non clothing product and the wider
business. Regularly analyses sales for opportunities within each jurisdiction.

2. RACHELRICHARDSSeniorAccessoriesBuyer 4 Chaseley Street, London E14 7LX Tel: 0771 363 5311 email: rach_rich@live.co.uk
• Managing team members, delegating tasks and responsibilities to encourage their
development whilst continuously reviewing their progress.
• Ensures standards and qualities are maintained on all product both legally and in line
with brand expectations.
• Regularly travelling independently to the Far East, Europe and USA to visiting factories
and suppliers, trade fairs and to carrying out inspirational shopping trips.
• Helped coordinate monthly Visual Merchandising meetings across all product types and
worked to ensure a strong launch package each month to maximise sales.
• Planned and organised buying team building days focusing on a high performing team.
Coast Stores Ltd
BUYER
Accessories, Jewellery and Footwear June 2010 to August 2013
• Since joining the team non-clothing sales doubled to a turnover of around £10 million
with 10% of the company sales mix. Top 5 performing accessories stores were taking 20%
of the company unit mix.
• Despite the downturn the department increased +14% LFL during 2011, +5% in 2012 by
ensuring we offered the right 'head to toe' coordinates for key occasions.
• Researched and selected bought-in brands for our ‘super-flag’ stores via trade fairs,
fashions shows and networking events. Bought in brands include Swarovski, Anton
Heunis Jewellery, Body Wrap Underwear and Jean Michel Cazabat Footwear.
• Developed and worked on a successful designer collaboration with up and coming
milliner William Chambers.
Coast Stores Ltd
JUNIOR BUYER
Accessories, Jewellery and Footwear June 2009 to June 2010
• Buying Accessories, jewellery and responsible for the re-introduction of footwear.
• Managed a BC and reported directly to the Buying Director.
• I was promoted to JB from AB and ran the dept in the absence of a Buyer.
• I was responsible for an annual turnover of £8 million, 9% of company mix and around
400 annual options.
Asst. Buyer levels 1 - 3, Accessories, Jewellery & Footwear 2006 to 2009
Buyers Coordinator, Accessories and Jewellery 2005 to 2006
River Island
Buyers Clerk, Men’s Accessories 2002 to 2005
Jigsaw Argyll Street, London W1
Assistant Store Manager 2001 to 2002

3. RACHELRICHARDSSeniorAccessoriesBuyer 4 Chaseley Street, London E14 7LX Tel: 0771 363 5311 email: rach_rich@live.co.uk
Academic Qualifications
• BA Hons Textile Design and Surface Decoration, Buckinghamshire University (1997 - 2000)
• Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, Buckinghamshire University (1996 -1997)
• 2 A Levels; Art, Craft, Design and Technology and A/S Level Human Biology
• 10 GCSE grades A to C, Beaconsfield High School.
Aurora Internal Courses Completed
• Buying and Merchandising Academy (run by University of Westminster)
• Managers Tool Kit
• Presentations Skills
• Influencing and negotiating
• Franklin Covey 3 day