Mihaela Popa

Commercially focused retail professional with 10+ years of experience across fashion retail, visual merchandising, store operations, sales performance and team leadership. Experienced in analysing sales performance, identifying product and customer trends, supporting merchandising strategies, managing stock and driving commercial results in fast-paced retail environments.

Currently General

Manager at Oysho, with previous experience as Deputy Manager, Visual Merchandiser Manager and Town Merchandiser at JD Sports. Strong understanding of how product selection, merchandising, customer behaviour and commercial performance interact at store level. Confident working with sales data, identifying opportunities, forecasting trends and translating commercial insights into actions.

Now seeking to transition into an Assistant Buyer or Junior Buyer role within fashion/apparel, bringing strong product awareness, commercial understanding, analytical ability and hands-on experience of the retail environment.

GENERAL MANAGER - OYSHO - LONDON

(2026-04)

• Lead day-to-day commercial and operational performance of the store, with responsibility for sales growth, profitability and achievement of business KPIs.
• Monitor commercial performance and use sales insights to identify opportunities to improve product performance and overall store results.
• Manage stock control and operational costs, supporting efficient inventory management and commercial performance.
• Analyse customer behaviour and product performance within the store environment to inform commercial and merchandising decisions.
• Work closely with the management team to ensure product presentation and merchandising support sales objectives.
• Manage budgets, payroll and operational costs while maintaining focus on productivity and profitability.
• Lead, coach and develop the management team and store colleagues to deliver consistent commercial standards.

DEPUTY MANAGER - OYSHO - LONDON

(2024-01 - 2026-04)

• Supported commercial performance through analysis of sales results, KPI tracking and effective retail planning.
• Analysed sales data and implemented merchandising strategies designed to improve product performance and profitability.
• Monitored customer response to products and merchandising, using store-level insights to support commercial decisions.
• Supported stock management and efficient store operations to maximise availability and sales opportunities.
• Consistently achieved and exceeded sales targets through strategic planning and strong understanding of customer and product performance.
• Led, motivated and developed a high-performing team through coaching, performance management and regular feedback.
• Worked in a fast-paced fashion retail environment with responsibility for balancing commercial priorities, customer demand and operational requirements.

VISUAL MERCHANDISER MANAGER - JD SPORTS - LONDON

(2023-01 - 2024-01)

• Led a team of 6 Visual Merchandisers and managed the execution of the visual merchandising strategy.
• Developed and implemented merchandising plans aligned with brand identity and commercial objectives.
• Used product awareness, customer behaviour and commercial priorities to influence product presentation and store performance.
• Collaborated with marketing teams to integrate promotional activity and campaigns into product displays.
• Trained colleagues on product awareness, visual merchandising techniques and current trends.
• Ensured product presentation supported customer engagement and commercial performance.

TOWN MERCHANDISER - JD SPORTS - LONDON

(2020-02 - 2023-01)

• Managed visual merchandising activity across 4 stores, ensuring consistent commercial and brand standards.
• Analysed area sales performance to identify trends and forecast future opportunities.
• Used sales insights to support merchandising decisions and optimise commercial results.
• Supported new store openings in Greece and Italy, ensuring merchandising implementation and operational readiness.
• Worked across multiple locations, adapting merchandising activity to local store performance and customer requirements.
• Coordinated with store teams to translate commercial priorities into effective product presentation.

SUPERVISOR - JD SPORTS - LONDON

(2018-10 - 2020-02)

• Managed and supervised a team of 30+ employees within a high-volume fashion retail environment.
• Set performance objectives and coordinated manpower requirements according to business needs.
• Recruited and trained new employees to support store performance and commercial targets.
• Developed strong understanding of customer behaviour, product performance and day-to-day retail operations.

CALL CENTRE CUSTOMER SERVICE - AVON - CHISINAU

(2017-01 - 2018-09)

• Managed a high volume of customer enquiries while maintaining accuracy and service standards.
• Processed customer orders, account updates and service requests with strong attention to detail.
• Resolved customer issues and maintained high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Developed strong understanding of customer needs and order processes within a retail environment.

ACCOUNTANT - QNET - CHISINAU

(2015-10 - 2017-01)

• Prepared financial statements and analysed operational information.
• Analysed financial data to identify discrepancies and improve reporting accuracy.
• Supported operational efficiency through accurate financial analysis and attention to detail.
• Ensured compliance with accounting standards and maintained accurate records.

CHARITY FUNDRAISER - QNET

(2017-03 - 2018-03)

Volunteer Experience

• Supported fundraising campaigns and community awareness initiatives.
• Secured essential funds for local schools and children.

Bachelor of Business and Administration - Business and Administration - University of Economic Studies ASEM (2016-05) Chisinau

Accounting Course - Accounting - ASEM (2015)

High School Diploma - Art School Nicolae Sulac (2012-05) Chisinau