Wayne Jones Email and Phone Number

Oversee the management of daily business activities to ensure the attainment of established company goals and implemented plans aimed at growing the trading density by department and category per store. Direct visual merchandising and manage the entire look and feel of the brand to attract customers. Oversee the entire marketing function to attract the store’s target audience and lead all store development activities that are aligned with the company’s overall growth objectives. Develop and implement store layout and space planning strategies and effectively manage the store’s social media channels. Focus on sourcing the best brands at the best prices for the market that are priced appropriately to maximise turnover. Open new locations for the DMF brand in KZN and Gauteng to expand the DMF footprint and gain accessibility and awareness. Frequently evaluate business activities to improve operations and financial performance while ensuring the provision of exceptional customer service. Achievements: • Grew the DMF brand from 9 to 15 stores in 2020. • Grew Facebook followers to over 30 000 and Instagram to over 20 000.

Significantly contributed to the development and implementation of business plans across Marketing, Buying, Planning, Merchandising, Operations, Visual Merchandising, Supply Chain, and Finance. Championed the management of the Guess brand in South Africa and provided oversight to 40 retail stores across South Africa, Namibia, and Angola. Effectively managed the Guess wholesale business in Edgars, Studio 88, Beaver Canoe and other selected independent fashion retailers. Coordinated promotional activities to drive the desired message across and translated brand elements into plans and go-tomarket strategies. Acted as the brand’s guardian by ensuring that the products resonate with current and potential customers while conducting market research to implement plans aimed at maintaining the brand’s competitive advantage. Achievements: • Launched the South African eCommerce platform for the Guess business.

Spearheaded the management of the Forever New brand in Southern Africa to ensure the attainment of established brand objectives. Provided strategic leadership and direction to the eCommerce project team and managed operations from planning through to roll out. Oversaw the entire digital marketing function and managed the organisation’s social media platforms to grow the brand in South Africa. Conducted research to identify growth opportunities that the brand can capitalise on and immensely contributed to the creation and execution of growth strategies. Achievements: • Grew the brand from 36 stores in 2013 to 67 stores by 2018 including 40 concession stores in Edgars. • Launched the online store in South Africa. • Grew Facebook following to 250 000 and Instagram to 150 000. • Made the brand one of South Africa’s most successful and most loved ladies fashion brands. • Sponsored Miss World 2014 Rolene Strauss with a Forever New wardrobe for her global wardrobe. • Featured Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters on the cover and inside spread of Cosmopolitan SA wearing Forever New. • Forever New became the clothing sponsor of the the Miss South Africa event.

Directed the management of various business activities and provided oversight in relation to the management of the store’s profit margins, stock flow and distribution to stores. Sourced products from the USA, Thailand, France, Turkey, and Israel and developed a stock and sales system that produced analytics to grow the business in the respective departments. Compiled reports aimed at efficiently responding to trends, reducing costs, improving stock flow, and increasing customer service and significantly contributed to the creation of the organisation’s website and social media presence. Sponsored international DJ’s and dance events and collaborated with local clubs through events and fashion shows to capture the youth market. Achievements: • Sponsored many local celebrities, TV presenters and dance competitions. • Cameroon was the official clothing sponsor of the Miss South Africa event.

Oversaw the management of house brands including D66, Signature, and Charter Club while training and developing a team of 4 Specialist Buyers, Assistant Buyers, and Trainees. Managed soft goods (décor, bedding, and bathroom), including hard goods (dining, appliances, kitchen, and furniture). Actively participated in international tradeshows to source new brands and product categories for the Boardmans chain. Achievements: • Achieved R700m in sales per annum

Provided strategic leadership and direction to two teams of Buyers in Johannesburg and Cape Town and later contributed to the restructuring process which resulted in one team based in Johannesburg. Managed soft goods (décor, bedding, and bathroom), including hard goods (dining, appliances, kitchen, and furniture). Actively participated in international tradeshows to source new brands and product categories for the Boardmans chain. Formulated and sourced new house brand product lines from China and also developed and launched the Hotel Collection for both chains. Achievements: • Achieved R500m in sales per annum

Developed a range of products that were on-trend and fashion-forward for the junior South African male consumer and offered core items, seasonal key items, and basics at an exceptional value. Achievements: • Achieved R150m in sales per annum

Developed and maintained high levels of merchandising, product placement and store branding to create an inviting impression for customers.Accountable for store layouts and in-store presentation in over 40 Edgars stores.Facilitated effective communication between stores and head office - Edgardale.Increased sales through project management, merchandise workshops and store revamps.

Managed a team of sales associates and department managers, reporting to the store manager.Motivated and trained the sales team on product knowledge and customer service.Awarded the Edgars Service Excellence merit award.