Alumni Stories

FRA Alumni selected in Drapers 30 Under 30 2022

arrowBack

7th February 2022

Congratulations to Alannah Gold, a Fashion Retail Academy alumni student, who has been selected as one of Drapers 30 under 30 for 2022!

Alannah knew she wanted to work in fashion from the age of 16 and during sixth form, she was mentored by M&S’s international merchandise manager. She studied Level 4 Merchandising for Fashion and graduated in 2013, receiving three job offers before she’d even finished studying with us!

She started her fashion career at River Island in 2012, aged 18, progressing to allocator in 2013 and merchandiser in 2014. In 2020, she became an e-commerce trading manager.

Alannah started her current role as International Digital Trading Manager at River Island in May 2021. Since starting she’s been praised for “phenomenal results”. She tripled digital growth in American markets in the second half of 2021 by updating the US website more towards the target consumer and introducing direct marketing.

She's not a conventional problem solver. She thinks outside the box and that approach is truly valuable.
James Malysz, Head of Digital Trading & Operations at River Island, Drapers 30 Under 30 alumni 2017

If you'd like to follow in Alannah's footsteps and work in fashion merchandising, we have a range of fantastic courses that can supercharge your career. You could be ready for an entry-level role in just 22 weeks with our Level 4 Fast Track Buying & Merchandising programme, or take your understanding to the next level on our accelerated 2 year BA (Hons) Buying & Merchandising degree.

Latest News

News

After the FRA: Joey, BAA at River Island

We spoke to Joey, Buyers Admin Assistant at River Island, about his career since leaving the Fashion Retail Academy. Joey studied Level 4 Fast Track Buying & Merchandising.

Author:

24th June 2020

News

Fashion Careers: Guide to Fashion Merchandising

Fashion merchandising is one of the most essential roles in the fashion industry. Working closely with a wide range of departments, merchandisers provide valuable insights that allow businesses to make key strategic decisions to maximise sales and profits.

Author:

27th September 2021

News

Brands Behind the Scenes: Merchandising at M&S

We recently went to M&S head office to catch up with our FRA alumni, Charles and Molly, who graduated from BA (Hons) Buying & Merchandising in 2018.

Author:

14th September 2021

News

A Day In the Life of A Merchandiser

Being a fashion merchandiser requires an equal balance of analytical skills and creativity. You'll need to use your knowledge of trends to plan effectively, but also make strategic decisions that make good business sense. It's an exciting and highly rewarding role with fantastic opportunities for professional growth.

Author:

4th June 2020

Open Days

Register for an Open Day

Register Now

running on Production