Open to opportunities

Katy Blunden

@katyblunden

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Experienced retail space planner and store manager driving sales and visual excellence.

United Kingdom

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What I'm looking for

I am seeking a retail role focused on space planning or visual merchandising where I can lead store openings, coach teams, drive KPI growth, and work in a collaborative, customer-focused company that values creativity and progression.

I am a dedicated retail space planner and assistant store manager with over ten years of retail experience, specialising in visual merchandising, space optimisation and new store openings.

I have managed major store refreshes and relocations, coordinated multiple new store openings and led range planning and stock packaging across regions; I received a colleague Special Recognition Award at Lakeland in 2023 for my work on the Handforth refresh.

I consistently drive store KPIs, coach and train colleagues using platforms such as LIME, manage customer experience improvements including NPS growth, and collaborate closely with Retail Operations, Area Managers and VM leadership.

Earlier experience in childcare and running a small baking enterprise taught me strong organisational skills, attention to detail and initiative, and I bring that practical, customer-focused approach to every retail project I lead.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Sales Assistant

Lakeland

Sep 2018 - Sep 2021 (3 years)

Served as main merchandiser for the Trafford Centre store while working part-time, implementing central merchandising guidelines and high visual standards to support seasonal launches. Managed opening/closing procedures, banking, stock replenishment and weekly social media updates to drive customer engagement.

Visual Merchandising Merchandising Stock Control Customer Service Social Media Management Inventory Management Store Open Close

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Leeds

Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Childhood, Education and Culture

2005 - 2008

Grade: 2:1

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Childhood, Education and Culture, classified 2:1, studied from 2005 to 2008.

Stretford Grammar School

A-Levels, Business Studies; English Language; Psychology

Completed A-Levels in Business Studies (B), English Language (B), and Psychology (B) in 2005.

Stretford Grammar School

GCSEs, GCSEs

Completed GCSEs including English, Maths, Science, Business Studies, French, Geography, RE, Statistics and Technology with a range of A–B grades in 2003.