Stories at
WE Fashion
"I experience the freedom to put a personal spin to my job, which adds to the fun of realising creative ideas."
Remco Grashof, Visual Merchandise Operation Specialist
"I experience the freedom to put a personal spin to my job, which adds to the fun of realising creative ideas."
Remco Grashof, Visual Merchandise Operation Specialist
The start of a successful career
"I joined WE Fashion in 2009," Remco Grashof says. He's a Visual Merchandise Operation Specialist and has been able to take many steps within the organisation. But since we all have to start somewhere, his career began with window dressing. "That's right, but not long after I started at WE® a new store concept emerged and I - together with two other window dressers - got the chance to contribute to it." Soon Remco's position grew into something bigger: "I was allowed to support this concept store in terms of window-dressing as well as merchandising. A challenge I happily accepted." After two rewarding years, Remco decides to leave the store and continue his career as a Concept Specialist at the WE® headquarters.
A new record
Then, after two and a half years, the urge to be in actual stores strikes again. Soon after, Remco starts as an Instore Visual Merchandiser in Zwolle. "Here I worked towards building a successful store. I taught my colleagues about the importance of visual merchandising, told them what to focus extra attention on and how to solve any problems, for example stock that came in delayed. Slowly but surely, I built a working method with them, in which we were all on the same page." This approach yielded amazing results, as in a period of just 1.5 years, Zwolle rose to become the store with the highest turnover in all of Europe. "A milestone to be proud of," Remco says.
The start of a successful career
"I joined WE Fashion in 2009," Remco Grashof says. He's a Visual Merchandise Operation Specialist and has been able to take many steps within the organisation. But since we all have to start somewhere, his career began with window dressing. "That's right, but not long after I started at WE® a new store concept emerged and I - together with two other window dressers - got the chance to contribute to it." Soon Remco's position grew into something bigger: "I was allowed to support this concept store in terms of window-dressing as well as merchandising. A challenge I happily accepted." After two rewarding years, Remco decides to leave the store and continue his career as a Concept Specialist at the WE® headquarters.
A new record
Then, after 2.5 years, it started itching to be in the shop again himself. Remco starts as Instore Visual Merchandiser in Zwolle. "Here I worked towards a successful store in small steps. I taught my colleagues about the importance of visual merchandising, told them what to focus extra attention on and how to solve any problems, for example stocks that came in later. Slowly but surely, I built a working method with them, where we were all on the same page." This approach yielded amazing results, as in a period of just 1.5 years, Zwolle rose to become the store with the highest turnover in the whole of Europe. "A milestone to be proud of," says Remco.
"We contribute to the ultimate shopping experience, which begins at the very entrance."
"We contribute to the ultimate shopping experience, which begins at the very entrance."
The power of visual merchandising
Today, Remco monitors the Visual Merchandise concept in the stores and is the connecting element between sales colleagues, stores and the headquarters. "I offer a listening ear and think along with them in many cases. I also ensure that the VMIs - short for visual merchandising instructions - are monitored throughout the stores. These are manuals that help Visual Merchandisers make the transition from concept to implementation. Here, they can discover what the decoration of the walls will be like, how the tables will be arranged and how the collections will be presented in our shop windows. A store is like a deliberate choice, a lot of preparation and thought goes into it," Remco knows too. According to him, the customer's journey starts right at the doorstep. "Visual Merchandising is an important aspect in retail. It allows us to offer our customers the ultimate shopping experience, which starts as soon as they enter the store. I really enjoy being able to play a guiding role in this. No two days are the same, which really appeals to me in this job. Your input is genuinely taken on board and you often see that reflected."
The future
"Finding the balance between commerce and creativity," Remco says. "That's where the challenge lies for me." According to him, WE® gives you lots of space and freedom for your own input and - if necessary - guidance from various departments. "Of course you strive for results, but you do this in a way that works for you." Remco also says he feels a lot of appreciation for his efforts: "I’m really seen and heard. My job is busy and can be a lot, but I enjoy doing it." In about five years' time, Remco will still be fulfilling the same position, he says. "I think I have a very nice job, from which I get lots of positive energy. I hope I get to do this for a very long time."
The power of visual merchandising
Today, Remco monitors the Visual Merchandise concept in the stores and is the connecting element between sales colleagues, stores and the headquarters. "I offer a listening ear and think along with them in many cases. I also ensure that the VMIs - short for visual merchandising instructions - are monitored throughout the stores. These are manuals that help Visual Merchandisers make the transition from concept to implementation. Here, they can discover what the decoration of the walls will be like, how the tables will be arranged and how the collections will be presented in our shop windows. A store is like a deliberate choice, a lot of preparation and thought goes into it," Remco knows too. According to him, the customer's journey starts right at the doorstep. "Visual Merchandising is an important aspect in retail. It allows us to offer our customers the ultimate shopping experience, which starts as soon as they enter the store. I really enjoy being able to play a guiding role in this. No two days are the same, which really appeals to me in this job. Your input is genuinely taken on board and you often see that reflected."
The future
"Finding the balance between commerce and creativity," Remco says. "That's where the challenge lies for me." According to him, WE® gives you lots of space and freedom for your own input and - if necessary - guidance from various departments. "Of course you strive for results, but you do this in a way that works for you." Remco also says he feels a lot of appreciation for his efforts: "I’m really seen and heard. My job is busy and can be a lot, but I enjoy doing it." In about five years' time, Remco will still be fulfilling the same position, he says. "I think I have a very nice job, from which I get lots of positive energy. I hope I get to do this for a very long time."
TRENDING STORIES
Meet Marije, Buyer
Marije has been working at WE Fashion for three years and knows all the ins and outs of buying: "It's important to keep your eyes open, observe what's happening in the market and translate these outcomes - together with current sales results - into a new and even better collection. In all this communication and teamwork are key."
Meet Shannon, Merchandiser
Shannon has completely settled in at WE®: “I’ve been promoted several times. I believe that anything is possible, as long as you are eager to learn.”
Meet Patrick, European Marketing Director
Patrick is a big believer in teamwork and very proud of his team: "I love working with them to develop an idea, starting with little more than a piece of paper and a pencil."
WE WOULD LIKE
TO KEEP IN TOUCH
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