A girl's best friend; Emma Thompson meets SUZANNE ROBINSON, visual merchandising manager, David M Robinson, Jewellers.

Byline: Emma Thompson 

SUZANNE ROBINSON spends a large part of her working week doing what most girls can only dream of.

As visual merchandising manager for one of the region's most stylish jewellers and watch suppliers, David M Robinson, Suzanne surrounds herself in stunning diamond jewellery and ladies' and gents' timepieces.

Looking after the visual merchandising and display for seven busy stores in Liverpool, Southport, Chester, Altrincham, Manchester and London, Suzanne handles diamonds of all shapes and sizes with price tags to match.

She said: "After 18 years in the jewellery trade, I know I should be past the point of being impressed or spellbound by a stunning piece of jewellery or an amazing watch, but, as every diamond is unique, therefore every single piece is different in some way. I know the way I display the piece needs to show it to its best."

Suzanne studied display and exhibition design at the Kent Institute of Art and Design, and has endeavoured to stay ahead in her profession with a mixture of inspirational visits to design exhibitions in Paris, London, New York and Switzerland.

"Whenever I walk past a shop, I am always looking at the display or the lighting or the theme for ideas," she added.

Suzanne said: "I have recently spent a lot of my time redesigning the shop front windows in the stores with a dramatic display which literally draws your eyes to the displays in the window.

"Working with some of the most sought-after watch brands in the world, it is important to ensure that our display is what they expect from a chosen supplier."

Another part of Suzanne's role is to co-ordinate the look of any in-store or external promotional events. "This is enormously satisfying, as we normally get to see first hand the response of large numbers of people to our stunning designs, and the 'wow factor' that we create in the cabinets can be seen on people's faces," said Suzanne.