María Thomas

Experience

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  Universidad Creativa

  Jan 2008 - Dec 2013

  My course involves art history, concept developing, drawing and design basis on 2 and 3 dimensions to be able to propose sensitive and honest projects on different disciplines, is very complete regarding conceptual experimentation in theory and practice. Complies Architecture, Interior design, Decoration, Graphic design, Fashion design, Web design and Photography. What we try to implement is the concept as a basic and strong fundament on everything you need no matter what discipline/career you are involved in. Show less

  • Professor

    Jan 2008 - Dec 2013

  • Freelance Designer

    Jan 2008 - Oct 2013
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  BoConcept

  Jan 2013 - Dec 2014

  Country Sales Manager

  Costa Rica's franchize manager. Comercial, administrative, logistics and visual merchandiser coordinator.

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  Arista

  Jan 2015 - May 2016

  Retail Specialist Manager

  ► ROLE: Act as Retail Specialist Manager Retail Manager at Arista in Costa Rica, I was responsible for overseeing daily operations, managing a high-performing sales team, and driving the overall retail strategy to deliver exceptional customer service and maximize sales performance. My role involved implementing effective sales tactics, managing inventory, and ensuring that the store environment remained aligned with Arista's brand standards.★ ACHIEVEMENTS: Led a team of sales associates to achieve a 15% increase in overall sales during my management period through targeted strategies and ongoing team development.Successfully won competitive bids, securing valuable contracts and contributing to the company's market expansion.Enhanced customer satisfaction and brand loyalty by implementing personalized sales approaches and product knowledge training for staff.Managed inventory and stock control processes, ensuring optimal product availability and reducing stockouts.Developed and implemented in-store promotional strategies, resulting in a significant boost in foot traffic and sales during key promotional periods. Show less

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  Crate and Barrel

  Jun 2016 - now

  ► ROLE: Act as a Senior Buyer and Merch Category with experience in Global Sourcing and Product Development. With demonstrated history of working in the retail industry, adding value and positive impact for the top clients, create and curate product, customer experiences and brand collaborations that add beauty and value to the consumers locally and internationally, helping carry the legacy of the brand to inspire people to build a home with beauty and purpose.★ ACHIEVEMENTS: I successfully thrived at executing innovative fast-paced business strategies by leading cross-functional teams, introducing innovative and curated products, managing budgets and vendor negotiation achieving and exiting sales goals. Show less ► ROLE: As a Brand Visual Merchandiser at Crate and Barrel, I play a key role in creating visually compelling in-store displays that showcase our products and enhance the brand experience for customers. My responsibilities include interpreting brand guidelines, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and designing layouts that reflect the brand's style while driving customer engagement and sales.Tasked with ensuring the aesthetic consistency of the store displays and product presentations, all while aligning with current trends and customer preferences. I work closely with marketing, sales, and store teams to implement visual merchandising strategies that highlight new collections, seasonal offerings, and exclusive promotions.★ ACHIEVEMENTS: Led the visual merchandising strategy for the opening of three new store locations, ensuring all displays, layouts, and installations adhered to Crate and Barrel’s standards and were tailored to each location’s unique space.Collaborated with regional and store teams to implement consistent visual standards across multiple locations, ensuring brand integrity and a cohesive shopping experience.Analyzed sales data and customer feedback to optimize product placement and maximize visual impact, leading to improved product visibility and customer engagement.Trained and mentored store teams on visual merchandising best practices, ensuring effective and on-brand execution of visual strategies.My passion lies in creating unique, customer-focused visual experiences that not only highlight our products but also tell a compelling story, encouraging customers to connect with the Crate and Barrel brand on a deeper level. Show less

  • Senior Buyer

    Oct 2020 - now

  • Brand Visual Merchandiser

    Jun 2016 - Oct 2020