The new Retail Buying and Merchandising (RBM) service, previously known as Retail Division, continues to thrive six months after Associated Independent Stores (AIS), the UK and Ireland’s leading buying group for independent retail in fashion, home, and leisure, launched its refreshed vision, with the appointment of Tracie Charity in the role of Retail Operations Manager, and its enhanced focus on succession planning to support AIS Members.
Driven by intelligent thinking
Tracie, an accomplished Retail Operations Manager with AIS for the past four-and-half years and previous experiences at Fenwick and House of Fraser, will take direct responsibility for leading the RBM partnership with AIS Members across both homewares and fashion.
Commenting on the new appointment, Karen Almond, Product Director, said; “It’s an exciting time for RBM and Tracie’s experience across multiple product categories and major Highstreet retailers will be invaluable in this role. She will support Members with annual planning, budgeting, and trading strategy, as well as embedding strong principles to drive success, and improve margins and profitability through analysis, performance review, phasing, and forecasting.”
Enhanced team of expertise
Tracie will work alongside Ben Wright, Merchandising Manager, to bring together industry best practice across merchandising and budget management with the aim of helping Members drive forward and thrive in 2023 and beyond.
Reporting into Tracie will be Steve Smart as Senior Retail Co-Ordinator. Steve will be responsible for driving sales and profitability for the RBM membership, providing retail support through store visits and advising on best practice, visual merchandising, and range execution.
Access to industry excellence for AIS Members
Operating exclusively to AIS Members only, RBMis a bespoke service that delivers industry excellence for today’s fashion and homewares environment, within independent retail. If you're already an AIS Member and would like to learn more RBM please complete the Contact Form.
If you're interested in becoming an AIS Member and benefit from the expertise of the RBM team, please complete the membership enquiry AIS Membership Enquiry Form.
