FAQs
What does a merchandising consultant actually do?
A merchandising consultant brings senior commercial expertise to your brand without the full-time hire. I work across the full product cycle - from collection briefs and range architecture through to buying, inventory strategy, and in-season trading - helping brands make better decisions about what to make, how much to buy, how to price it, and how to make it sell.
How do I know if my brand needs one?
If you're experiencing any of the following, it's probably time: sell-through is consistently below expectations, you're ending seasons with too much excess stock, your buying feels reactive rather than planned, your creative and commercial teams aren't aligned, or you're scaling into new markets or channels without the planning infrastructure to support it. You don't need a crisis to benefit from this kind of support - many brands bring me in to build the right foundations before problems develop.
Do you only work with large, established brands?
Not at all - my work spans the full spectrum. I work with emerging designers who need a commercial foundation for the first time, scaling brands that have outgrown founder-led decision-making, and established labels that need senior interim cover or a focused sprint on a specific problem. The approach is always tailored to where the brand is and what it actually needs, not a one-size-fits-all framework.
We already have an in-house team. Can you still help?
Yes - and this is often where the work is most valuable. I work alongside existing teams rather than replacing them, bringing a level of seniority and cross-brand perspective that's hard to develop internally. Whether it's elevating the team's capabilities through training, providing strategic oversight during a complex season, or filling a gap while you hire, I embed in the business rather than advising from the outside.
Speed, flexibility, and cost. A fractional engagement gives you senior merchandising leadership from day one, without the time and expense of a full-time executive hire. You get the expertise when you need it, at the level you need it, without a long-term fixed commitment. For most brands at the £5m–£50m revenue stage, this is a significantly more efficient model than a permanent C-suite appointment.
What's the difference between working with you and hiring a full-time CMO?
How do we get started?
The first step is a free 15-minute intro call - no commitment, no agenda other than understanding what your brand needs and whether I'm the right person to help. From there, I'll put together a proposal outlining the scope, approach, and engagement model that makes most sense for your situation. Get in touch at petra@kovacspetra.com or use the contact form.