Joanne Gibson
PGCLTHE, HEA Fellow, MA
Lecturer
Department of Art and Music
Biography
Jo graduated from Southampton Solent University with a BA (Hons) in Fashion Promotion. Since graduating Jo has worked in various roles within the fashion industry, including public relations, trend forecasting, sourcing and buying. The majority of Jo’s experience is within retail buying for high street fashion and homeware businesses including Monsoon and River Island.
Jo has experience in product development, sourcing and trading across several product categories including accessories, outerwear and home interiors. She spent several years focusing on product development and business strategy for an international home improvement company. Working within their décor department she developed ranges for international markets and worked on creating unique product for the business. This involved travelling regularly to Europe to understand the market, visit vendors and explore tradeshows.
Jo joined the fashion lecturing team in early 2019. She completed her Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (PGCLTHE) in 2020, and went on to earn a distinction in her MA in Visual Communication, which she completed in early 2025. Her MA project focused on reconnecting with nature to promote sustainability, using plant and mineral-based dyes alongside eco-photography. Selected work from the project was exhibited at the Brighton Photo Fringe OPEN Eco Exhibition.
Further information
Retail Buying – Kingfisher PLC, River Island and Monsoon
Kingfisher PLC – Over 1,300 stores across 10 countries (including UK based B&Q)
- Product Lead (Buyer) for the Surfaces and Décor Department
- Responsible for a product category worth £45M
- Developed a new strategy for the category to implement across all European operating companies.
- Conducted in-depth consumer research across international markets to understand customer needs.
- Frequently travelled nationally and internationally to visit vendors and operating companies.
- Completed detailed sales analysis to identify best sellers, trends and commercial opportunities.
- Regularly presented product ranges and sales analysis internally to director level and externally at tradeshow events.
River Island
- Assistant Buyer on Men’s Outerwear and Men’s Accessories.
- Worked closely with the Buyer and Merchandiser on quarterly range building in line with budget and strategy across a wide number of product options.
- Traded the best AW16 on Men’s Outerwear at +30% YOY and increased the department profit margin by 3% YOY.
Monsoon
- Sourcing Assistant
- Working with the sourcing team to support all buying departments.
Blow PR
- Showroom Assistant
- Worked with over thirty designer collections, ranging from avant-garde womenswear and menswear to milliners, accessories and jewellery designers.
Courses
