IMRAN AHMED

Led end-to-end operations for a multi-million-dollar duty-free business across luxury categories (fashion, fragrances, electronics, confectionery, tobacco), driving commercial growth through KPI-focused strategies targeting sales conversion, ATV, UPT, stock turnover, margin enhancement, and guest satisfaction.

Developed and inspired multicultural teams of 30+ associates, fostering a high-performance, customer-centric culture through structured training, advanced selling techniques, and performance coaching, consistently exceeding sales and margin targets.

Elevated VIP and VVIP guest experiences through tailored engagement, product storytelling, and luxury service, leading commercial initiatives including upselling, cross-selling, promotions, experiential selling, and incentive programs maximizing conversion, basket size, and revenue per passenger.

Planned and executed traffic-driven workforce deployment and shift optimization, balancing passenger flow, labor productivity, and cost efficiency while analyzing market trends, passenger demographics, and competitor activity to recalibrate sales strategies and promotional campaigns in real time.

Oversaw inventory planning, demand forecasting, and stock optimization, ensuring availability, rotation, and space productivity while collaborating cross-functionally with Product, Warehouse, Logistics, and Inventory teams to enforce SOPs, streamline replenishment flows, and control shrinkage.

Partnered with Operations, Security, Customs, Immigration, MOI, and Airport stakeholders, ensuring compliance and operational alignment while reinforcing visual merchandising and brand standards, contributing to annual budget planning, CAPEX allocation, and sustainable growth initiatives.

Directed multi-unit retail operations, optimizing store performance, enforcing brand standards, and strengthening operational compliance, delivering a **10% increase in sales productivity**.

Monitored key retail KPIs including Sales, ATV, UPT, Conversion, Margin, Sell-Through, Shrinkage, NPS, and Store Contribution to drive strategic decision-making and achieve targets.

Exercised ownership of a **KWD 1.6M P&L**, delivering sustained revenue growth by implementing structured sales initiatives, tracking operational performance, and executing corrective measures aligned with YoY objectives.

Designed and executed region-specific sales strategies based on daily market awareness, seasonal demand cycles, promotional calendars, and consumer buying behavior, resulting in sustained revenue growth and improved conversion rates.

Strengthened market share by **10%** through continuous market scans, competitor benchmarking, and price positioning analysis to identify growth opportunities and support new product introductions.

Implemented omni-channel retail solutions, including Click & Collect and express home delivery within 1 hour, significantly enhancing customer convenience, satisfaction, and brand loyalty.

Built, trained, and mentored high-performing store teams through structured coaching, product-level training, and performance reviews, focusing on succession planning, engagement, and capability building to sustain long-term business growth.

Partnered with merchandising and supply chain teams to manage inventory efficiency, improve stock rotation, and execute liquidation strategies for slow-moving items while protecting margins and availability of top-selling SKUs.

Managed day-to-day gallery operations, ensuring seamless execution of all functions from inventory management to customer service, enhancing operational efficiency and contributing to a **15% reduction in costs**.

Developed and executed a personalized customer journey strategy, blending both digital and physical touchpoints, which led to a significant increase in client retention and sales conversion rates.

Organized bespoke art exhibitions, private viewings, and VIP client events, driving gallery attendance and increasing revenue from high-net-worth individuals by **20%**.

Utilized advanced data analytics and CRM tools to manage inventory, optimize stock levels, forecast demand, and personalize art offerings, ensuring timely replenishment and reducing shrinkage.

Led and coached a high-performing sales team, delivering tailored training programs that resulted in a **15% improvement** in customer satisfaction and overall sales performance.

Fostered long-term relationships with key clients, curators, and investors, providing personalized art advisory services and securing repeat business, significantly boosting loyalty and repeat visits.

Forged partnerships with luxury brands, hotels, and art institutions, organizing collaborative events that expanded the gallery's visibility and attracted a new, affluent clientele.

Developed and executed high-impact sales strategies, directly contributing to the achievement of KPIs, maximizing revenue generation, and consistently optimizing profit margins across all retail locations.

Conducted strategic performance reviews and action-oriented meetings with store teams to drive continuous improvement in sales, customer service standards, and overall team productivity.

Championed visual merchandising excellence by conducting regular store assessments to ensure product placements, displays, and store layout adhered to premium brand standards, driving a positive and memorable customer experience.

Collaborated with the buying and inventory teams to forecast demand, ensuring timely stock replenishment and strategic seasonal stock selections that aligned with market trends and customer demands.

Led extensive training initiatives focused on advanced sales techniques, product expertise, and customer relationship management, empowering teams to exceed sales targets and elevate customer satisfaction levels.

Continuously evaluated and optimized store performance, identifying underperforming areas, and implementing strategic action plans that resulted in the consistent achievement of sales goals and enhanced operational efficiency.

Provided senior management with in-depth performance insights, analyzing sales data, identifying growth opportunities, and recommending strategies to improve sales, customer engagement, and KPI attainment.

Ensured the store environment consistently met brand standards through daily floor inspections, driving operational excellence and ensuring an exceptional and consistent shopping experience for all customers.

Delivered premium customer experiences by proactively engaging with clients, swiftly resolving inquiries, and expertly guiding purchasing decisions—elevating satisfaction and brand loyalty.

Resolved complex customer concerns with empathy, active listening, and solution-oriented communication, preserving brand integrity and enhancing retention.

Curated tailored product recommendations by aligning customer needs with product offerings, driving repeat business and boosting conversion rates.

Executed consistent post-sale follow-ups to ensure complete satisfaction, address potential concerns, and foster long-term customer relationships.

Participated in continuous development programs, enhancing product expertise, interpersonal skills, and operational efficiency for service excellence.

Maximized sales through strategic upselling and cross-selling techniques, significantly increasing average transaction values and overall store revenue.