CLOUDMOTION: ON X NOTCH

A Merchandising Case Study

CAN RECOVERY WEAR DO MORE THAN JUST SUPPORT THE BODY?

In the fall of 2025, I set out to explore how performance apparel can evolve beyond trend and style. But to serve the body and the data that drives it.

MY MISSION? To create a case study for the Fashion Scholarship Fund competition, I developed a futuristic but feasible collaboration between Swiss performance brand On Running and wearable tech startup Notch Interfaces.

THE CHALLENGE? blend fashion and functionality to design an assortment that supports data-driven recovery, prioritizes modularity, and aligns with the demands of modern runners and athletes across every level.

THE RESULT? CloudMotion: a smart capsule of apparel, footwear, and accessories that helps users track movement, enhance recovery, and personalize performance, executed with the same technical precision and visual simplicity that defines On.

THE ASK:

For the 2026 FSF Case Study, I created a cross-industry assortment and 6-month merchandising plan focused on sales, margin, and distribution KPIs. The concept centered on merging performance and innovation to meet evolving consumer needs.

FASHION SCHOLARSHIP FUND SPECS:

• KEY SKILLS

Assortment Planing

Buying Strategy

Consumer Behavior

Creative Direction

Market Research

Financial Planning

THE INSPIRATION

CloudMotion was inspired by my experience tearing my ACL and meniscus during a volleyball tournament with the VCU Men’s Club Volleyball team.

This concept reflects the tool I wish I had during that journey: wearable recovery wear that empowers athletes to understand their movement, track their progress, and take control of their comeback.

SO. WHAT IS CLOUD MOTION?

CloudMotion is a smart-apparel co-created by On Running and Notch Interfaces that bridges performance and technology.

Each piece features modular motion sensors that sync with the app to deliver real-time biomechanical tracking, stride, alignment, and personalized training insights, all with clinical level accuracy.

It’s designed for runners who want data-driven performance without sacrificing style. CloudMotion turns every run, lift, or recovery into a connected experience, blending On’s precision engineering with Notch’s motion intelligence

WHAT THE DATA SAYS.

The data shows a growing demand for smarter fitness solutions. Most athletes track performance, but few have tools that translate that data into recovery insights.
7 in 10 runners already use tracking tech, and 3 in 4 wearable owners rely on their devices more than ever. With the smart apparel market projected to hit $21.5B, CloudMotion bridges the gap between wearables and performance wear, turning everyday apparel into intelligent recovery tools.

TOOLS USED.

Used as a strategic brainstorming and assistant to refine concept language, develop personas, and structure my merchandising plan.

Used to analyze the projected growth of wearable technology and recoverywear, helping validate the market opportunity.

Used to source consumer data on Gen Z fitness habits, tech adoption, and interest in recovery-focused products to support my target market strategy.

Visited On’s flagship store in New York City to observe in-store merchandising, fixture design, and customer flow, which directly informed the layout, aesthetic, and modular display strategy in my visual merchandising plan for CloudMotion.

WHO IS THE CUSTOMER?

Active, Fitness-focused 18–35-year-olds with middle to upper-middle incomes, appealing to both men and women navigating early careers, wellness, and premium performance lifestyles.
Tech-savvy early adopters who view fitness as a core part of their identity, value recovery and longevity, and seek brands that prioritize innovation, smart devices, and sustainable practices. here
Urban, affluent, and fitness-forward cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. Global markets that embrace running culture and high-tech adoption.
Those who train 3–6 times per week, rely on data to guide their workouts and recovery, and prefer brands that blend performance, innovation, and tech-driven shopping experiences.

BEHAVIORAL INSIGHTS:

But most lack tools for accurate performance feedback

Backs up a strong need for injury prevention tech.

THE ASSORTMENT.

Built for versatility, CloudMotion’s modular design lets you mix and match pieces based on your recovery focus. Whether you’re targeting lower-body movement with tights and sensor-equipped shoes or focusing on upper-body mobility with a base layer, each piece works independently or as a full system, tailored to your needs.

CloudMotion combines motion sensors with On’s apparel and footwear to track movement and recovery. The sensors capture data like alignment, stride, and balance, which syncs to the CloudMotion app for real-time insights and personalized feedback.

SALES STRATEGY.

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Totaled sales projections ($6.45 million) with markdowns planned at (20%) of sales
Initial markup percentage of (67.3%) with a maintained margin of (60.8%)
A sell-through of (40%) is the target to establish Cloudmotion of a core collection

6 MONTH PLAN

SALES ASSUMPTIONS

Sales will peak from November - December due to Holliday and gift-driven demand
Minimal markdowns early in the season to protect margins
More markdowns December- February to stimulate sell-through and manage inventory

DISTRIBUTIONS & CHANNELS

E-Commerce (On.com, App): ~ 40%- Leverages Ons strong DTC margins
Wholesale partners: ~ 30%- Dick’s, Fleet Feet, and JD Sports
Flagship Stores: ~ 20%- Demos and community events drive engagement
Prenium Dept. Stores: ~ 10%- Nordstrom & Selfridges highlight preformance-luxury crossover

Phase 1 (2027–2028): Expand CloudMotion with new apparel, advanced pods, and wider footwear compatibility.
Phase 2 (2027–2029): Grow globally through new markets, channels, and community partners.
Phase 3 (2028–2029): Add premium app tiers and On Membership 2.0.
Phase 4 (2029+): Drive B2B growth, biometric innovation, and core category expansion.

SCALE PLAN

VISUAL MERCHANDISNG.

My visual merchandising strategy was shaped by visiting On’s flagship store in NYC, where I observed clean layouts, modular displays, and interactive product storytelling. These insights guided the design of CloudMotion’s in-store experience, emphasizing tech education and hands-on engagement.

CRITIQUE

Consistent feedback was received from professors, peers, and industry professionals

Their insights strengthened the balance between innovative design and realistic merchandising strategy, making sure the concept aligned with both consumer needs and industry standards.

THE RESULT.

CloudMotion allowed me to explore how fashion and technology can merge to meet evolving consumer needs in recovery and performance wear. I strengthened my skills in assortment planning, forecasting, and visual storytelling, while identifying a key trend: the rise of intelligent, modular recoverywear.

This project ultimately won the 2026 Fashion Scholarship Fund Case Study, earning me recognition as an FSF Scholar.