Rocking Retail on the First Floor

Career in fashion is an important issue on FashionUnited. With this interview series, we would like to show how versatile the industry is and introduce the professionals who work in fashion.

You must have heard by now, that Harvey Nichols is re-launching the most important floor of fashion in Knightsbridge, the celebrated first floor which is home to the most iconic and prestigious womenswear designers. With this milestone, Harvey Nichols continues to build their reputation around launching and championing international designers and being the local London store for designer fashion. Excitingly, along with this launch comes a whole lot of incredible new talent that the company is bringing (and flying) in! We have spoken to a few new key project managers Harvey Nichols has taken on about their involvement in the first floor project and what they are excited about for the grand opening.

Meet Abigail Pullin, Sales Manager

Tell us about yourself?

I come from a family of retailers - some of whom have been General Managers for department stores themselves, so the passion for retail is very much in my genes. Retail is what we discuss over Christmas dinner! I’m from Portugal originally (believe it or not, Portuguese is actually my first language) and at 18 I moved to the UK to study Retail Management at University. Upon graduating I started my career on the shop floor as a sales assistant. I was very determined to succeed and was lucky to be recognised for the top sales I was doing so that I quickly progressed up to management. After working in management for John Lewis I was looking to step into the luxury world, and that’s how I ended up at Harvey Nichols.

What excites you about the first floor project?

Seeing the final result! Behind the scenes a lot of work has been taking place and it is something everyone has been talking about for a long time so it’s exciting that we are now all counting down the final days. The first floor is going set the tone of our fashion offering with some fabulous brands and from a customer standpoint it will be an environment where they can truly relish a luxury experience. This will grow our name on the map of luxury fashion! I’ve also had the opportunity to recruit in some amazing new people. Probably one of the most favourite parts of my job is getting to know new individuals. We brought in some real gems. There has been real growth in new talent and the core of the team.

Meet Jihaun Wickham, Assistant Department Manager Designer Shoes

Tell us about yourself?

I’m originally from Ohio and I actually studied to be a teacher. However, when I worked part-time with a make-up artist I realised I was a natural seller and I really enjoyed it. So after I graduated I took up a sales position in a beauty drug store. Then the ball started rolling… I became Operations Manager for Clinique at Bloomingdales and subsequently Business Manager at Macy’s and then I was promoted to Sales Manager of Fragrances and Beauty at Macy’s, Brooklyn. After getting engaged with my British fiancée, I crossed the Transatlantic Ocean for love and left New York City to join him in the UK. I am blessed to have now found this amazing position here at Harvey Nichols!

What excites you about the first floor project?

I’m excited about the way it’s going to look and the energy it’s going to bring. Having a new department is like having a new baby! I think the launch is going to create a great buzz. We are the best, the most stylish and knowledgeable - and by having this launch everything will fall right in line with that. The new Designer Shoe department that I am overseeing is also going to be a one-of-its- kind in London. The brands that we carry there and the shoe styles that we’ve chosen are very client-based. We first look at who is coming into the store and what they are selecting. We then say: “this is what our customer wants, let’s go and get it.” It really has that unique personal edge.

Meet Ashleigh White, Brand Consultant The Row

Tell us about yourself?

I studied fashion and textiles at university and ever since I have always worked within the retail industry, starting off in department stores and independent boutiques, and then working around London as a Style Consultant for MatchesFashion. I had my interview for Brand Manager for The Roe in Paris a few days ago (which was amazing) and today is my first day in this new role! I’ve only been here since February, previously being a Style Advisor, so I’m working my way up quite quickly. There are lots of opportunities for career progression at Harvey Nichols and that makes me very excited for what’s to come.

What excites you about the first floor project?

I am really looking forward to the new atmosphere, which is going to do a lot for the business. We’re the only international designer floor in London that has undergone a redevelopment, so we’ll be in the spotlight. We’re not doing it like the rest of them, but in Harvey Nichols style – we are free and fearless! I also look forward to all the amazing new brands coming in and taking off. It will create a lot of publicity and will make us more known than we already are, not just in London but internationally.

With only 42 days to go until the big launch on 29 th June, Harvey Nichols can’t wait to hit the ground running with these awesome new people. Click here to join the team!

This article was created in cooperation with Harvey Nichols.