retail strategist
experience curator
futurist thinker
Matthew James Arrington
Matthew James Arrington
Hello & Welcome,
Thanks for stopping by. Take a look around to learn a little bit more about me.
Hit me up if you want to connect.
I always love chatting with more folks about retail!
- Matthew
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Visual Merchandising
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Team Leadership
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Fixture Layout + Composition
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Storytelling
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Market + Guest Insights
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Experience Strategy
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Visual Merchandising • Team Leadership • Fixture Layout + Composition • Storytelling • Market + Guest Insights • Experience Strategy •
A data-informed, consumer centric and agile retail leader, I deliver year on year growth through best in-class retail experiences that connect product, space and the guest.
I am known as a solution-minded, influential collaborator who adds value with a unique mix of experience across mass market and specialty.
Motivated by change, I lead teams by example, demonstrating what is possible by challenging the status quo.
A fearless advocate for purpose + culture, I actively look for ways to learn and improve myself and my team.
MATTHEW JAMES ARRINGTON
Author
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Creator
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Builder
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Sculptor
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Author • Creator • Builder • Sculptor •
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Evolving Artist
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Illustrating Concepts
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Experience Strategy
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Brand Launches
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Brand Partnerships
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Assortment Reviews
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Team Building
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Store Innovations
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Store Execution
Ideation to Execution
Lead presentation strategies from ideation to execution across multiple pyramids and complex enterprise initiatives - cyclical assortments, partnerships, national brands, heritage moments and brand launches - resulting in multi-billion dollar sales + improved guest experience.
Drive results by utilizing insights + data, developing + iterating on the process and inspiring the team by creating an environment rooted in creativity + innovation.
Elevating the Experience
Champion collaboration across large cross functional teams by building strong influential relationships - leveraging expertise, driving shared outcomes and developing trust.
Unforgettable experiences with the Guest at the center.
Art + Science = JOY
Illustrating a Strategy
Demonstrates ideas in a hybrid world by blending the physical and the virtual - articulating experience strategy through various mediums, ensuring visual design principles and merchandising guidelines are met.
“QUESTION EVERYTHING”
— Virgil Abloh —
Educational Background
Hult International Business School
Bachelor of Science, Marketing
2007
London College of Fashion
Post Graduate Certificate, Merchandising + Marketing
2009
Forever a Student
Never Stop Looking For Opportunities To Learn
Today
My Time in the Industry
deepening my passion for the work and sharpening my tools
Target
Hybrid
2015 - Current
Director, Guest Marketing Strategy - Style & Culture
Create annual pyramid marketing strategies that drive traffic, guest engagement and deliver year over year growth.
Lead a team culture centered on the consumer with a passion for the industry, continuously evolving to meet the ever changing landscape.
Manage national brand partnership strategies, both bespoke and integrated, that drive relevancy and credibility.
// Program Lead, Diversity Action Committee
Program + facilitate forums for L7+ leaders to continue training and conversations in service of DEI goals, barriers and opportunities
Director, Retail Brand Experience - Apparel & Accessories
Lead presentation strategies from concept to clearance across multiple pyramids and complex enterprise initiatives - partnerships, enterprise gifting, heritage moments and brand launches - resulting in multi-billion dollar sales + improved guest experience
Champion collaboration across large CFTs by building strong influential relationships - leveraging expertise, driving shared outcomes and developing trust
Drive results by utilizing insights + data, developing + innovating on the process and inspiring the team by creating an environment rooted in creativity + innovation
Build enterprise innovations + deliver on enterprise opportunities to fuel growth
Lead a large diverse and dynamic team with a focus on connection and development - bringing out the best in individuals and the work
// Recruiting Captain, Advancing Design Diversity
Lead recruiting efforts for pro bono projects and high school mentorships. Program Goal - deliver long term impact to American design diversity, with a focus on advancing Black talent
Director, Field Visual Merchandising
Coached + developed field leaders and store teams on presentation principals, brand standards and driving sales through experience
Participated and led training processes for store openings, remodels, brand launches, special projects, etc. for improved efficiency in collaboration with VM and Store operations teams
Ann Inc.
New York City
Director, Field Visual Merchandising
Curated assortments and store experiences to drive sales and meet specific guest needs
Uniqlo
New York City
Director, Visual Merchandising - East Coast
Developed seasonal flagship presentation + window strategies for the US market
Forever 21
Detroit
Director, Field Visual Merchandising
Responsible for visual execution in the market to drive sales and deliver exceptional guest experience
