Frances Orteza

Consumer-first Visual Merchandising Manager with 9 years of experience in retail, driving brand excellence, commercial performance, and team development across multi-store districts. Proven success translating brand strategy into impactful visual storytelling that delivers 30% sales growth, improved conversion, and industry-leading gross margin performance. Recognized for developing high-performing teams, executing seasonal launches, and delivering best-in-district results.

Assistant Manager, Visual Merchandising & Operations - Banana Republic - Canada

(2021-12)

• Lead visual merchandising and daily operations across flagship and specialty stores, ensuring consistent brand execution and elevated consumer experience.
• Analyzed sales trends and merchandising reports to drive product placement and replenishment decisions
• Partnered with the General Manager and leadership team to optimize floor flow and inventory presentation
• Executed seasonal floor sets and new collection launches, directly contributing to a 30% increase in sales and improved product storytelling.
• Driven consumer engagement and conversion, resulting in a 10% increase in conversion rate through optimized zoning, outfitting, and visual flow.
• Improved basket-building and styling logic, delivering a 10% increase in UPT through cross-category storytelling.
• Partnered with store leadership to align visual execution with inventory strategy, reducing markdowns by 20% and increasing gross margin by 10%.
• Managed inventory presentation, including replenishment, size integrity, and back-of-house organization
• Ensured timely execution of markdowns, promotions, and signage accuracy
• Achieved highest gross margin performance in the West District, setting a benchmark for visual-commercial alignment.
• Trained and coached associates on visual standards, brand aesthetics, and styling techniques
• Conducted workshops to train Visual Merchandisers and Store Managers across the district, building strong execution capability.
• Successfully developed 8 internal talents into higher roles through consistent coaching, feedback and development planning.
• Supported high-volume locations generating $4M+ in annual sales, ensuring brand excellence while delivering strong financial results.
• Conducted regular visual audits and maintained high store presentation standards
• Supported hiring, scheduling, and performance feedback with a focus on floor coverage and visual execution
• Recognized as Most Outstanding Assistant Manager of the District for performance, leadership, and brand execution.

Store Supervisor - Calvin Klein - McArthurglen Outlet Store, Canada

(2016-12 - 2020-08)

• Supervised and motivated a team of sales associates to meet daily, weekly, and monthly sales targets
• Led floor operations, including opening and closing procedures, cash handling, and store security
• Delivered high-quality customer service while resolving escalated customer concerns professionally
• Trained, coached, and onboarded new employees on brand standards, sales techniques, and store policies
• Monitored KPIs such as conversion rate, UPT, and average transaction value to drive performance
• Managed visual merchandising to ensure compliance with Calvin Klein brand and outlet standards
• Oversaw inventory management, including stock replenishment, cycle counts, and loss prevention
• Assisted with scheduling, timekeeping, and shift coverage to maintain optimal staffing levels
• Enforced company policies, health & safety standards, and loss-prevention procedures
• Supported promotional events, seasonal sales, and markdown execution

Keyholder - Dynamite - Canada

(2015-12 - 2016-12)

• Supported daily store operations, including opening and closing procedures and cash reconciliation
• Acted as manager-on-duty in the absence of senior leadership, ensuring smooth floor operations
• Delivered elevated customer service and resolved customer concerns to maintain brand experience
• Assisted in driving sales by supporting associates with styling, upselling, and product knowledge
• Maintained visual merchandising standards according to Dynamite brand guidelines
• Handled POS transactions, cash handling, and loss-prevention procedures accurately
• Assisted with inventory management, stock replenishment, and back-of-house organization
• Enforced company policies, safety standards, and operational procedures
• Consistently met or exceeded daily sales goals during keyholder shifts
• Trusted with alarm codes, safe access, and sensitive operational responsibilities

Diploma - Fashion Design - Blanche Macdonald Centre (2020-09 - 2021-09)