Ross and dd’s Merchandising Handbooks

My first project with Ross Stores was on contract. They needed someone to consolidate the dd’s Merchandising handbook into InDesign. It had been kept as a series of Word documents and ad-hoc edited pdfs, and had become difficult to update easily. Later, I also updated and redesigned the Ross Stores Merchandising handbook using the same process and I was responsible for ensuring the Ross handbook was updated as direction changed.

I created modular templates and styles in InDesign to create consistency across both books while allowing them to be visually brand-specific. That also allowed content to be taken from one handbook and pasted easily into the other without having to redo the formatting. I then used the Book functions and kept each chapter as separate files to facilitate digital updates.

I expanded and created “explainer” sections so that store associates understood the whys, not just the whats. Someone who understands the reasons behind a request is more likely to be able to execute the request in a way that meets those goals.

These handbooks were delivered to stores in both print and digital form, and I was also responsible for working with the print vendor and internal communications department to ensure timely printing and digital delivery of both versions.