Being Kids internship
Embedded Files
With Eng Yi Hui
ABOUT BEING KIDS
ABOUT BEING KIDS
Being Kids, founded in 2005 by my two bosses, Keson and Nai, is a toy distribution company that mainly focuses on soft toys, with our biggest client being Bon Bon Toys, which carries popular characters like Snoopy and Miffy. We also distribute other well-loved characters such as Rilakkuma, Sumikko Gurashi, and Pusheen. The work environment is dynamic, as I go to different locations around Singapore every day following a schedule I create myself, which I enjoy because it keeps me active and constantly engaged. In terms of workplace safety, facilities, and equipment, I have observed that the environment is generally well-maintained and conducive for carrying out daily tasks efficiently. (Our office is at 994 Bendemeer Rd)
ROLES AND DUTIES
ROLES AND DUTIES
Visual Merchandising (VM)
Visual Merchandising (VM)
Work Done
Managed 11 stores (Mothercare & Toys R Us, minus 1 closure on Aug 15)
Regular store visits; Oceanarium twice weekly with team of 4+
Tasks: stock-taking, replenishment, organizing displays (colour, size, material), tidying details (e.g. Miffy hands overlap)
Created personal chat group to log staff requests/updates immediately
Maintained communication with store managers to solve issues quickly
Strengths
Efficient in stock & replenishment
Adaptable to different store needs
Confident communicator with managers
Detail-focused when slowing down
Areas for improvement
Balance speed with patience for tidier results
Better system to track each store’s unique needs
Challenges & management
Remembering requirements → solved with chat logs
Oceanarium pass → solved by applying 5+ days early
On-the-spot solutions → treated as learning for problem-solving
What I learnt
Balance efficiency & detail
Clearer communication builds trust
Being open about issues helps resolution
Staying calm in high-stress situations improves outcomes
Other reflections
VM taught me organization, problem-solving, and patience — valuable skills for future business goals.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for VM
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for VM
Work done
Drafted SOP covering: stock-taking, replenishment, display organization, and photo documentation
Included “Why we do” explanations for each step (proof, consistency, alignment)
Strengths
Clear and logical breakdown of tasks
Structured step-by-step instructions
Analytical approach to highlighting importance of each step
Areas for improvement
Could make SOP more visual (checklists, flowcharts)
Challenges & management
Balancing detail vs. simplicity → solved by summarizing steps while keeping purpose clear
What I learnt
SOPs create consistency and clarity across outlets
Documentation is as important as execution
Other reflections
Gained management skills, which align with long-term business aspirations.
INSIGHTS
INSIGHTS
Networking Insights
Networking Insights
Networking was a daily task, maintaining regular contact with store managers and staff.
Interactions with colleagues led to additional opportunities, e.g., being entrusted with the Miffy design project.
Staff suggestions and questions helped me identify solutions that benefit both the stores and customers.
Learned to balance interpersonal skills: calming others while ensuring tasks meet strict deadlines.
Being direct and transparent about issues allowed problems to be addressed quickly and efficiently.
Gained understanding that effective networking combines clear communication, responsiveness, and managing people under pressure — key skills in fashion and retail.
INDUSTRY Insights
INDUSTRY Insights
Current Developments and Trends
The retail industry is putting more emphasis on experiences, such as using eco-friendly display materials, making stores more interactive, and combining digital and physical elements. Brands use data analytics to find out how people shop and then change how they show their products based on what they find out. Also, store layouts are becoming "Instagrammable" so that people will post pictures of them online, and visual displays are starting to look more like what people like on social media.
Impact on Industry Outlook
Because of these changes, VM professionals will need to be both creative and good with technology. The role is growing to include digital presentations, online store displays, and brand stories in addition to physical sets. Sustainability and innovation will keep having an effect on retail design.
Career Pathways and Impact of Developments
VM designers, retail stylists, digital merchandisers, retail experience managers, and brand display strategists are among the current job options in visual merchandising. As retail and e-commerce combine, VM positions are getting more competitive and require expertise in digital platforms, data analytics, and AI-driven design tools.
Insights from Mentor
My mentor stressed the value of flexibility and attention to detail because store layouts and brand directions can change rapidly. They also emphasized how important cooperation and communication are to maintaining brand consistency across multiple locations.
Other Reflections
Design, marketing, and technology are all combined in the quickly developing field of visual merchandising. Following the most recent developments and constantly getting better
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION
Working as an intern at Being Kids, a toy distribution company that specialized in soft toys like Pusheen, Snoopy, Rilakkuma, and Miffy, provided me with hands-on exposure in a variety of areas. These included operations management, visual merchandising (VM), design projects, product photography, and website editing.
I learnt how to mix creativity, efficiency, and attention to detail with visual merchandising while managing 11 retail locations. Multiple store visits and interactions with managers helped me enhance my interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Working on the VM SOP, I discovered how documentation develops professionalism and consistency.
I improved technical design accuracy and quickly adjusted to manufacturer changes by using the Miffy Design Project to express my creativity within practical limitations. Modernizing the Being Kids website and utilizing AI technology enhanced my digital literacy and efficiency, while the product photography session enhanced my comprehension of visual presentation and adaptation in specific situations.
Regular networking and conversation with store teams and management helped me strengthen my confidence and leadership skills. I also saw how important initiative, honesty, and collaboration are in the retail industry.
I learned a lot about how marketing, retail, and design interact to affect consumer experience and brand recognition overall from my internship. My abilities to be organized, manage myself, and be flexible therefore improved, all of which are essential for a job in corporate management or the creative professions.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse