Visual mechandising: Deepak Kumar

Name: Deepak Kumar

Job: Visual manager

Area of work: Visual merchandising

Employer: New Look

Qualifications: BA fashion design, De Montfort University

I worked part time as a sales assistant at New Look while I was at university and after I graduated I became a full-time head of department. I managed several different departments before moving to head office to become a buyer’s admin assistant. I loved the job but missed the interaction with customers, so I went for a visual merchandising position at a new store that was opening.

My job

My job is to improve sales by making the shopping experience as easy as possible for the customer. This involves making sure that key items are in a prominent position and priced correctly, mannequins are dressed effectively and that staff understand the visual concept. I also assemble the window displays according to designs I’m given, but I can use my own creativity to adapt them for the local market.

Weekly structure

My week retains the same structure but each day is quite varied. I work Monday to Friday and one Saturday a month, and although I start early at 7.30 am I get to go home at 4.30 pm. About twice a year we have to significantly reorganise the shop floor, which means working overnight while the store is closed. There’s so much more to retail than customer service and sales. It’s very creative and there’s the flexibility to change where you work and what you do, so you never get bored.