Let’s meet Ivona Brekalo Stošić, Retail Manager at Designer Outlet Croatia

We are excited to welcome Ivona Brekalo Stošić as Retail Manager at Designer Outlet Croatia. With her extensive experience in both retail and store mangement, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from different perspectives.

We caught up with Ivona to learn more about her professional journey and what excites her most about this new role she has taken on.

What are your key goals for the first few months in your new role?

One of my primary goals will be to focus on getting to know all our brand partners and establish good communication with all of them. By establishing a relationship with our brand partners first I want to ensure the best possible future results and facilitate a smooth transition.

In these first few months, it is also important to me to familiarise myself with this new role and further expand my knowledge.

What’s your approach when it comes to building strong partnerships with brands?

In my opinion brand awareness and a strong market presence are essential in strong brand partnerships.
It is not only essential to listen to brands partners and explore their needs, but also to find solutions that work everyone and that meet both ROS’ and the brand’s standards. After all, their success is linked to the centre’s success in the long run.

You’ve just moved into your role—any unexpected “first week” moments worth sharing?

I would like to mention my first day at work - I participated in a manager meeting that day and not only was it my first day at Designer Outlet Croatia in general, but also my first time participating in a meeting like this in my new role.

What’s your approach when it comes to building strong partnerships with brands?

When working with brands, I always try to be open and approachable. I keep an open mind and try to keep the brand’s perspective in mind.

My previous experience and ideas enable me to strengthen our brand partners’ businesses while also keeping an eye on the broader picture.

What’s something surprising about you that your new team might not expect?

Although I sometimes tend to appear rather serious and extremely focused on my work, I also have quite a creative personality. I am cheerful and energetic, and I like to have fun!