Chris Epp Email & Phone Number

• Attending Networking Events• Researching Industry Leaders• Tracking Industry Trends• Participating in Industry Discussions

Responsible for conceptualizing, sourcing, merchandising and marketing multiple lines of silk floral, dried floral and home décor products. Product lines consist of over 1,000 SKU’s per season. Key clients include Michael’s Stores, JoAnn Stores, Garden Ridge, Hobby Lobby, AC Moore, Target, Tuesday Morning and Bed, Bath and Beyond. Lead the transformation of the company’s product lines from a single line to multiple lines for domestic distribution and direct import.Source and market… Show more Responsible for conceptualizing, sourcing, merchandising and marketing multiple lines of silk floral, dried floral and home décor products. Product lines consist of over 1,000 SKU’s per season. Key clients include Michael’s Stores, JoAnn Stores, Garden Ridge, Hobby Lobby, AC Moore, Target, Tuesday Morning and Bed, Bath and Beyond. Lead the transformation of the company’s product lines from a single line to multiple lines for domestic distribution and direct import.Source and market multi-million dollar lines in glass vases, metal containers, natural vases, premade silk and greenery, sea shells and natural floral product. Participate in all key account presentations.Develop customer specific merchandise programs using knowledge of color and consumer trends as well as seasonal influences.Establish a network of direct factory contacts in China, India, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand and Europe.Extensive travel experience in all regions averaging 140 days per yearEstablish and maintain showrooms in the U.S and Hong Kong. Coordinate participation in major trade shows in the U.S.Establish direct import operations office in China with staff of 4 to manage quality control, order processing, production scheduling, sourcing and transportation logistics. Prepare budgets for Merchandising department and insure overall gross margin requirements are met.Prepare samples and support material for sales force.Negotiate inbound and outbound freight programs to maximize cost savings. Extensive experience with FedEx, UPS, Expeditors International and Air Tiger. Show less

Found and manage a 3 store specialty retail chain selling seasonal, floral, and home décor products.Design store layouts and coordinated all store setup activities.Manage all vendor sourcing and product selection. Develop, negotiate, and manage all advertising and public relations campaigns. Prepare annual operating budgets for review and approval by Board of Directors. Responsible for all financial negotiations and new investor presentations.

Responsible for overall day to day operations of a $4M retail craft store, part of a 17 store chain ultimately acquired by Michael’s Craft Stores.Supervise staff of 20-30 employees.Led domestic and international sourcing and procurement activities for all 17 stores. Led all merchandising activities and managed associated vendor relationships for 8 stores of South region.Evaluate new site locations and negotiated associated lease terms.Manage all advertising and media… Show more Responsible for overall day to day operations of a $4M retail craft store, part of a 17 store chain ultimately acquired by Michael’s Craft Stores.Supervise staff of 20-30 employees.Led domestic and international sourcing and procurement activities for all 17 stores. Led all merchandising activities and managed associated vendor relationships for 8 stores of South region.Evaluate new site locations and negotiated associated lease terms.Manage all advertising and media campaigns for the South region. Show less

Responsible for increasing key account customer base for manufacturing company selling to craft and floral distributors, chain stores and independent retailers. Grew annual sales from $3M to $6M.Supervise in-house sales staff and 12-14 independent rep groups across the United States.Advise Vice President of Design on new product decisions.Coordinate sales materials for key account presentations.Consult on acquisitions of additional manufacturing capacity and expansion of… Show more Responsible for increasing key account customer base for manufacturing company selling to craft and floral distributors, chain stores and independent retailers. Grew annual sales from $3M to $6M.Supervise in-house sales staff and 12-14 independent rep groups across the United States.Advise Vice President of Design on new product decisions.Coordinate sales materials for key account presentations.Consult on acquisitions of additional manufacturing capacity and expansion of distribution facilities. Show less