Claire Bergin

Leading end-to-end strategies across buying, sourcing, product development, and merchandising, I bring a blend of creative vision and commercial insight to build design-led, high-performing ranges that strengthen brand identity and deliver growth. Passionate about collaborating with artisans and manufacturers across the UK, Europe, and Asia, I'm committed to ethical, sustainable production and meaningful supplier partnerships. Analytical and data-driven, I turn insight into clear, results-focused strategies that connect brand, product, and customer.

I'm known for my collaborative, people-first leadership style — empowering teams to thrive through creativity, accountability, and shared success.

Buying, Sourcing and Product Director at The Bamford Collection (2008-01 – Present)

Working closely with Founder Carole Bamford to bring her vision to life — celebrating nature through design-led, ethical, and sustainable homewares created with minimal environmental impact. Instrumental in building the Lifestyle division, encompassing tableware, home fragrance, home accessories, kitchen, gifting, and furniture. Helped establish a nationally recognised lifestyle brand now generating £15m in homeware revenue within a £90m business.

• Developed and implemented the range strategy across all non-food categories to maximise performance, profitability, and brand impact.
• Oversaw the end-to-end product lifecycle — from concept and supplier sourcing to retail execution — ensuring design integrity and commercial success.
• Built and nurtured long-term partnerships with 160+ global suppliers, craftspeople, designers, and artisan studios, managing 4,000+ SKUs while championing sustainable and ethical sourcing practices.
• Delivered double digit net sales growth for each of the past 5 years (£7.8m to £14.3m) with 10% margin improvement through data-driven buying strategies, category performance reviews, and optimised stock management.
• Fully accountable for strategic buying decisions aligned with Daylesford's B Corp certification and sustainability commitments.
• Led and mentored a multidisciplinary team of buyers, product developers, and visual merchandisers, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and innovation.
• Directed the visual merchandising team to deliver cohesive campaigns through product storytelling and brand alignment across flagship and satellite stores.
• Crafted visually compelling multi-location retail environments that enhanced customer experience, embodied brand values of wellness, sustainability, and craftsmanship, and supported commercial goals.
• Owned divisional P&L, driving margin improvement and cost optimisation through retail price architecture, margin management, and strategic sourcing.

Director of Home + Theme at The Bamford Collection (2017-01)

Role held at The Bamford Collection

Head of Homeware at The Bamford Collection (2010-01 – 2017-01)

Role held at The Bamford Collection

Merchandise Manager at The Bamford Collection (2008-01 – 2010-01)

Role held at The Bamford Collection

Merchandise Manager at Graham & Green (2006-06 – 2008-06)

Managed end-to-end merchandise planning and product lifecycle to support margin and revenue targets.

• Managed end-to-end merchandise planning, including forecasting, inventory control, and replenishment, to ensure optimal stock availability and sell-through.
• Oversaw product lifecycle from intake to markdown, supporting margin and revenue targets through effective stock management and placement strategies.
• Enabled data-driven decision-making by delivering timely and accurate performance reporting.

Master in Fine Arts – Birmingham School of Art

BA in Fine Arts – Northumbria University, Newcastle