Harry Cunningham is Vice President, Retail Brand Experience for Vera Bradley. In this role, Harry is responsible for developing and implementing creative and innovative store design and visual merchandising, marketing, and packaging for the Vera Bradley brand.
During Harry’s time at Vera Bradley, the company has successfully launched new flagship stores in Disney Springs, Florida and the Soho district of New York City. Through a partnership with Google and Obsess VR, Harry developed the first shoppable virtual reality experience, expanding retail beyond its four walls.
Prior to joining Vera Bradley, Harry held the post of Senior Vice President of Store Planning, Design and Visual Merchandising at Saks Fifth Avenue. Harry previously held various visual merchandising roles of increasing responsibility with Liz Claiborne, Saks Department Store Group and Dillard's.
During his time at Saks, Harry oversaw the re-launch of the company's award-winning men's stores in Beverly Hills and Chicago and the complete reinvention of Saks’ full line store design. He also developed the luxury retailer's award-winning fashion windows and legendary holiday displays, and launched new designs for the company's signature designer and contemporary businesses, and 10022-SHOE. Harry also oversaw the development of the revolutionary store design and creative for Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH.
Harry is the recipient of numerous industry awards including Design: Retail magazine's prestigious Markopoulos Award. He has also recognized by the publication as a "Retail Design Luminary" and a "Retail Design Influencer". In December 2017, Harry received VMSD’s “Excellence in Store Design and Visual Merchandising” award. Harry is very involved in the industry, serving as president of the board of directors of PAVE, and is a member of several educational advisory boards including LIM in New York and FIDM in Los Angeles. In 2015, Harry was elected to the board of Shop!, the global non-profit trade association, dedicated to enhancing retail environments and experiences.
Harry is regularly invited to participate in speaking engagements and panel discussions worldwide, sharing his experiences and knowledge with students and industry professionals alike.
Work Experience
Vera Bradley, VP Retail Brand Experience
Saks Fifth Avenue, SVP Store Design, Planning + Visual
Liz Claiborne Inc., Director, Global Visual
Dillard's Inc., Regional Visual Manager
Contact
harrycunningham2@yahoo.com
212.203.3837