Developed and managed strategic planning, sales, margins and inventory for $45 million gift categories for a 430 specialty gift store chain.Generated line list to provide direction on development of gift programs which include product specification (materials, attachments etc.), target cost, target retails, packaging, merchandising and marketing strategiesDecisive, focused decision -maker and problem solver, using analytical information to make decisions.Improved inventory productivity through narrowed assortments, reduced case packs and timely markdown execution.Negotiated vendor terms that resulted in $600K in markdown support and $500K in volume rebates and marketing allowances annually.Partnered cross functionally with multiple departments including Merchandising, Creative, Import, Visual, Marketing, Store Operations, Distribution, Accounting and Vendors to increase sales.

Developed and managed strategic planning, sales, margins and inventory for $45 million gift categories including collectibles, home décor, memory keeping, candles and plaques for a 430 store chain.

Collaborated with planning team and successfully transitioned two largest programs into centralized distribution center to improve sales, inventory and flow of product.Partnered cross functionally with multiple departments including Merchandising, Creative, Import, Visual, Marketing, Store Operations, Planning, Distribution and Accounting to increase sales.Win with Cards Initiative Team (2003 to 2004)Selected for special team to analyze and make recommendations to improve card performance. Analyzed and improved the caption balance of the everyday and seasonal card programs by store that successfully increased sales of cards by 5%. Improved performance of alternative cards by 8% by introducing outside vendor programs coupled with new corporate programs to improve selection and profitability of space.Improved performance of Carlton retail’s value offering by introducing value line that offered a better selection by caption of $.99 cards for the card and gift channel.Dedicated team was appointed to continue lessons learned as a result of the team’s success.; Developed and managed strategic planning, sales, margins and inventory for $18 million gift categories including baby, wedding, water globes, musicals, plaques, frames, and animals.Collaborated with the creative team to develop exclusive import programs through product conception, pricing, SKU count, copy request, package specifications, merchandising, promotions, marketing and analysis of sales.Revamped the wedding section by positioning the assortment by demographic product offering. Category exceeded plan by $199K for a 24.8% increase.Identified and introduced $5 and under key volume impulse items generating $700K.Collaborated with multiple departments to improve and streamline the clearance sale strategy. Sales increased by 24% for the three week summer sale and 15% for the three week winter sale.

Assisted in managing the strategic planning, sales, margins, and inventory for $40 million gift categories. Participated in testing committee to develop consistent procedures to accurately identify incremental business opportunities with minimal inventory investment. Secured vendor participation for disposition of test items.Negotiated vendor terms, discounts, freight, returns, markdown, advertising and volume discount allowance with principals of major suppliers.Assisted in the development of a “store with-in-a store” concept that featured products to be personalized. Headed product selection, store visual and marketing initiatives.

Division of American Greetings. Owners and operators of specialty retail card and gift stores in the United States and Canada.

Assisted in managing the strategic planning, sales, margins and inventory for $30 million Basic categories.Analyzed data and recommended products to be featured in the weekly advertising pre-prints.Developed and managed a tracking process to ensure timely delivery of "Basic products" to ensure a 98% fill rate or better.

$1.8 billion publicly traded specialty retailer of fabric and crafts with 800+ stores in 47 states.

Managed strategic planning, sales, margins and inventory for $30 million basic categories including batting, fleece, muslin, interfacing, fiberfill and pillow forms for 640 store chain.; Limited Brands recorded sales of $9 billion, products available in over 3,000 specialty stores.