Managed and maintained forecast and inventory using JDA AWR/E-3 forecasting module for as many as 50K warehouse SKU combinations.Monitored demand forecasting, sales, inventory availability, consumer fill rates and returns.Managed inventory investment within monthly, quarterly and annual financial plans.Partnered with Merchandising to manage category analysis to include promotions, purchase opportunities and discontinuation of less productive items.Improved product sell-through while increasing customer fill rates and inventory turn and reducing backorders and inventory overstock.Reduced the overall inventory days on hand and vendor return rates for assigned categoriesIncreased the number of textbook titles with seasonal profiles to better meet demand.Monitored thousands of daily, weekly and monthly SKU exceptions to ensure inventory stayed in line with an ever-changing publishing and online marketplace.Used various reporting platforms such as Oracle Discoverer or MS Access to provide both scheduled and ad-hoc reports to assist Planners and Merchants with analysis as well as special projects.

Increased volume and revenue in the territory through incremental sales and effective supply chain management.Cultivated strong relationships with customers by providing outstanding service and exceeding expectations.Developed and implemented inventory systems to ensure product turn and reduce overstocks and outdated product.Exceeded company sales and profit objectives on a consistent basis.Communicated current market trends to retailers to create retail merchandising plans to boost sales.Coached, trained, and developed new account managers.Increased equipment placements and brand dominance in all segments of target areas.

Created recommended school spirit core assortment plans with private and branded vendors.Developed itemized seasonal financial plans. Analyzed sales to support the assortment planning process and ranked stores based on volume.Developed detailed assortment plans by month and store subset making sure to fit within departments financial standards for 600+ stores.Managed all financial metrics including open to buy, gross margin, rebate and markdown plan.Resolved merchandising issues with B&N Management and vendors.Monitored sales of key programs to forecast and identify key opportunities and liabilities.Identified and initiated change to processes and/or reports.Traveled to trade shows, stores, market, and vendor facilities in order to negotiate merchandise purchases.Wrote articles for monthly store planner highlighting sales strategies and new product introductions.Managed replenishment additions and changes.

Operated successful home-based business and consistently exceeded sales objectives.Successfully promoted product line of home décor at home parties, providing service to hostess and guests.Recruited, trained and supported a team of 17 independent consultants.Earned director’s retreat and 2 consultant incentive trips for exceeding sales goals.

Developed plans for the purchase of selected items utilizing forecasting system.Negotiated cost and delivery with vendors.Ensured efficient in-season re-buying of best sellers and liquidation of identified overstock.Reported sales, overstock, and total purchases versus plan.

Buyer of Signature Jewelry Collection with sales exceeding $22 million dollars.Developed assortment plans to maximize sales through all distribution channels.Created rolling forecast for vendors to maximize manufacturing capacity and ensure timely delivery.Prepared OTB, detailed sales analysis to identify sales trends and best sellers.Planned and implemented markdown strategies to reduce inventory of slow turning items.Collaborated with Product Development to create new SKU’s for select price point initiatives.

Analyzed sales and stock levels to maintain balanced merchandise inventory for 22 locations.Developed financial plans and negotiated end-of-season resolutions with vendors.Conducted store visits to review implementation of merchandising standards with managers.Implemented basics/quick response system to improve turnover ratio.Planned product information seminars for 60+ managers including divisional managers.Manager - Supervised and trained team in customer sales/service.Planned schedules and prepared evaluations for staff of 14 associates. Merchandised selling floor and communicated with Buying Office to help fuel sales in departments.