Marina Tofari

An innovative Visual Merchandiser and Display professional with 30 years' experience creating exciting and inspirational customer-focused visual designs in the food, home, and toy sectors working with brands including Jelly Cat, Estee Lauder, Damson Madder, Lego, Serax & Floral Street. Ability to deliver excellence in visual merchandising through model stores, new stores, refits providing Brand Story Telling, Visual Impact, Space Optimisation and Product placement. Strong presentation and rapport building skills with the proven ability to develop existing and new relationships with concessions, brands, and other business stakeholders.

A dynamic self-starter who responds to change through quick decision making, thorough investigation, and the ability to reach out, seek, and negotiate resources to fulfil demands.

Visual Merchandising Manager at Selfridges (2011-09 – 2026-06)

Working closely with the buying and merchandising team, by attending regular floor walks and meetings to analyse trade reports and reacting quickly to these to maximise sales and profitability. Plan, organise, develop floor moves and standards across all divisions to ensure clear commercial direction. Understanding customer needs, both foreign and domestic, and ensuring these needs are met.

Create and maintain a strong relationship with both concession manager, brand managers, and their Visual merchandising teams

• Disney Christmas was one of the biggest and best Christmas takeovers for the entire store, from the smallest VM creative boxes in Food hall to the biggest and best Christmas shop.
• Working with the Jelly Cat team we helped launch one of the biggest Experiences in the country with exclusive rights to the fish and chip experience.
• Helping to deliver key Property project with the Property teams, from the re-brand of the toys department to the home Fragrance extension in Candles.

Senior Dresser at Harvey Nichols (2008-01 – 2011-09)

Designing, sourcing and implementing interior displays and working within a close budget. Delivering, visually compelling sale driving displays. Working closely with the supervisor/assistant display manager for the smooth running of the large display team. Implementing window displays and working closely with the production team to install to a high standard.

• Maintaining Exceptional Visual standards across Multiple retail environments
• Creating the most magical windows

Senior Dresser World Wide at French Connection (2001-01 – 2007-12)

Regular implementation and maintenance of interior store and window displays nationwide. Working closely with the visual stylist to create window guidelines for the company. Responsible for overseas stores maintaining company image. (Europe, Asia and the Middle East) Travelling around the country and the world to open French Connection branches as a global ambassador for French Connection.

Assistant Visual merchandising Manager at House of Fraser (1999-02 – 2001-01)

• Implementing visual enhancement and maintaining visual standards throughout the store.
• Delegating and planning tasks.
• Merchandising departments.
• Training staff in merchandising and department layouts.

B Tec Diploma in Design Display – Southend College of Art & Design, Essex (1989 – 1989)

A Level in Art & Design – Southend College of Art & Design, Essex (1989 – 1989)

CPVE – Southend College of Art & Design, Essex (1989 – 1989)

O Levels and C.S.E – St Peters High School (1986 – 1986)