Atiya Sewell

Fashion marketing and management

Professor of fashion marketing and management, 2020–present, Savannah College of Art and Design, Atlanta, GA

District visual manager, 2014–20, Forever 21, Atlanta, GA
Developed creative strategy for 17 stores planning and execution of the company's visual presentation and operational initiatives for the Atlanta Market which grossed over $65 million in revenue. Responsible for the overall leadership, visual merchandising and display presentation, fixture layout, and visual operation within the district. Collaborated with district manager to integrate both operational and visual objectives; supported the hiring/training of employees. Conducted store visits to drive a consistent visual brand among stores and ensure that visual directives were read/interpreted in a consistent manner. Directed critical daily store functions while driving profitable sales growth through a range of strategic initiatives including new business execution, profit based analysis, fixture usage, validation of merchandising, team collaboration, influencing, and training. Participated in 20 local and international store openings and corporate store floor-sets as needed. Cultivated strategic relationships and ensured smooth store integration. Drove store visual teams to execute their job duties while creating a fun and challenging environment.

Merchandise team manager, 2013–14, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF Fifth, Adventura, FL
Increased sales, profitability, and an exceptional customer experience through developing and executing merchandising and sales strategies. Managed a merchandising staff which included a merchandise team coordinator, visual associates, and a selling and service staff of 38 associates. Set visual directives according to corporate standards with proper signage. Managed controllable expenses as well as facilitated administration of human resource functions. Ensured effective scheduling and hiring of merchandising team staff as well as stock room staff. Directed merchandising staff on merchandise replenishment on selling floor according to department's requirements.

Visual Merchandising manager, 2010–13, Forever 21, Sunrise, FL
Ensured execution of all company visual policies and standards through effective planning, communication, and follow up. Successfully developed and coached the visual team in the Bogota, Colombia store for three months with the partnership of the DM and Corp team. Provided styling and visual merchandising support for United States store opening such as South Beach, Boca Raton, PGA, Tampa, Dolphin Mall, and Aventura. Successfully led my team to deliver maximum financial results through strategic merchandising strategy, which resulted in making the Sawgrass store the number three store in the district for KPI results. Managed a team of 10 visual merchandisers, eight stock associates, 150 associates, and seven assistant managers on visual standards as they executed stocking of new merchandise into the store.

Branding director, 2010–12, Lisa Riedt Swimwear, Miami, FL
Promoted the brand, ensuring consistent brand expression through all consumer and cultural touch points, both external and internal. Developed and executed a rolling 12-month marketing and promotional calendar to drive traffic, profitable sales, and engage the target customer with the brand. Led the creative development of each collections brand themes that convey the brand point-of-view, and business targets for the quarter. Attended several trade shows to market and pushed the brand to international and domestic buyers.

Publications