Ivan Roman

Brand-driven visual and merchandising leader with 15+ years of experience shaping consumer-facing environments for fashion and lifestyle brands. Proven ability to translate brand vision into compelling physical and digital experiences that drive engagement, conversion, and long-term brand equity. Adept at bridging creative direction, merchandising strategy, and operational execution across multi-channel retail environments.

Known for elevating brand storytelling through data-informed visual strategies, cross-functional collaboration, and disciplined creative leadership.

Bilingual: English & Spanish.

Assistant Manager, Visual Merchandising - VUORI - Chicago, IL

(2023-01)

• Translate corporate brand vision into localized, high-impact visual executions across floor sets, windows, and storytelling moments, ensuring consistency with Vuori’s lifestyle positioning.
• Partner with regional visual leadership to execute seasonal campaigns, product launches, and brand directives with precision and creative integrity.
• Leverage sales and traffic insights to optimize visual placement, product adjacencies, and customer flow, contributing to improved conversion and sell-through.
• Lead and mentor store teams on visual standards, brand storytelling principles, and customer engagement behaviors.
• Serve as a key liaison between creative direction and store operations, ensuring brand expression is scalable, operationally sound, and commercially effective.

Assistant Studio Manager - EXPRESS - Chicago, IL

(2021-10 - 2023-01)

• Oversaw execution of brand-aligned visual merchandising and styling strategies to elevate in-store experience and reinforce Express’s fashion authority.
• Led performance-driven merchandising decisions using KPI analysis, trend insights, and customer behavior data.
• Recruited, trained, and developed creative and customer-facing talent to deliver consistent brand expression.
• Collaborated with leadership on operational and visual initiatives supporting omnichannel engagement.

Marketing & Merchandising Fashion Consultant - GEORGE GREENE - Chicago, IL

(2020-08 - 2022-09)

• Developed and executed merchandising and visual strategies tailored to brand identity, seasonal narratives, and target customer profiles.
• Partnered with vendors and internal stakeholders to align product presentation, pricing strategy, and promotional storytelling.
• Designed in-store visual standards and marketing initiatives that increased traffic and strengthened brand presence.
• Delivered training and guidance on visual storytelling and merchandising best practices.

Assistant Store Manager / Assistant Buyer - UNCLE DAN’S OUTDOOR STORE - Chicago, IL

(2018-08 - 2020-08)

• Supported buying and assortment strategies informed by sales performance, market trends, and customer demand.
• Collaborated on visual merchandising and storytelling initiatives that reinforced brand credibility within the outdoor lifestyle space.
• Coordinated social media content and supported e-commerce fulfillment to ensure cohesive brand representation across channels.

General Manager / Executive Assistant - OROMO CAFÉ - Chicago, IL

(2016-10 - 2018-10)

• Led end-to-end brand experience for a founder-led hospitality concept, overseeing operations, visual presentation, and customer engagement.
• Supported brand marketing efforts and social media storytelling to drive awareness and loyalty.

Customer Service Lead - PLS Loan Store

Progressive leadership roles supporting operations, customer experience, inventory, and digital fulfillment.

Shift Lead / Web Support - AKIRA

Progressive leadership roles supporting operations, customer experience, inventory, and digital fulfillment.

Assistant Store Manager - Family Dollar

Progressive leadership roles supporting operations, customer experience, inventory, and digital fulfillment.

Bachelor of Arts - Fashion Merchandising - Parsons School of Design (2024)