Expert product and visual merchandising
consulting services to take your business
to the next level.
Expert product and visual merchandising
consulting services to take your business
to the next level.
Welcome to MDJ Consulting, boasting 30 years of experience in retail product sourcing, in-store visual merchandising, seasonal concept design and styling. Marco offers flexible, tailored solutions to assist you in meeting your business objectives and achieving success. Affordable day rates makes him accessible to all.
Marco de Jongh Consulting offers a range of services for businesses, including product sourcing, visual merchandising, trade fair stand styling, retail seasonal changeovers, seasonal concept design and photo shoot styling. With expertise in homeware and specialising in all categories of Christmas.
"I provide comprehensive and flexible solutions to help my clients succeed in their seasonal retail goals."
Retail is highly influenced by the seasons, and lacking a distinct theme for each can make product sourcing difficult. I offer seasonal themes for both Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter to guide and inform your purchasing strategy.
Boasting 30 years of expertise in seasonal product sourcing both domestically and from the Far East, spanning food, cookshop items, giftware, homeware, as well as indoor and outdoor furniture, and everything related to Christmas. Should your business require assistance or a new perspective in any of these areas, I am at your service.
From the shop floor layout, wall planograms, and product placement to seasonal installations and theatrical displays, everything is designed to capture your customers' attention and create a 'wow' effect.
With extensive experience in trade stand setup, I offer assistance with stand design, merchandising, and theatrical displays.
Seasonal photoshoot styling, including Christmas, lifestyle, and home staging themes.
Decorated Christmas Tree Installation and Removal Service for Residential Complexes, Hotel Lobbies, and Office Buildings Across Central and Greater London
I relocated to the UK from South Africa in 2002 at the age of 26. My childhood was spent in the scenic Overberg region, nestled along the beautiful Garden Route, near the esteemed winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. I pursued Horticulture at the Cape Town University of Technology, which steered my profound love for plants, nature, and design towards a professional path. My career commenced at the German-owned Super Plants Garden Centres, where I began as a salesperson, advanced to operations manager, and ultimately became a visual merchandising manager, a role in which I honed my keen eye and creativity.
I was incredibly lucky to begin my UK journey at Sunshine Garden Centre, a gem in North London. The owner, Eamon, along with MD Paul, allowed me the liberty to expand the business with my natural flair for product selection and visual merchandising. The business thrived, earning numerous accolades and awards.
After 13 years at Sunshine, I took the opportunity to join Notcutts, a group with 18 garden centres, as the Head of Visual Merchandising. Over five years, I contributed to a significant rebranding and the comprehensive refurbishment of all sites. Subsequently, I was promoted to Category Head for Furniture and Christmas, sourcing innovative products from Far East trade fairs.
Later, I transitioned to the renowned Blue Diamond group, which boasts 45 garden centres. Initially hired as a Creative Retail Enrichment Manager, I eventually took over as Category Manager for Outdoor Leisure and Christmas.
Spring 2024 marks the start of a new chapter as I embrace a lifelong ambition to launch my own consulting business. With three decades of rich experience in the retail Garden Centre industry, covering a vast array of categories and business facets, I've gained invaluable insights that are truly priceless.
My knack for visual merchandising and product selection has consistently translated into delightful shopping experiences and profitable results. My goal is to leverage this expertise to aid businesses in expanding their market share through creative seasonal purchasing and engaging product displays.
Additionally, I offer support in trade fair stand setup and photoshoot styling.
My services are offered at a day rate fee, ensuring accessibility for all businesses, from start-ups to established retail chains.