Began buying career with category sets representing less than 1% of total company sales and most recently managed a category set representing more than 4% of total company sales ($70M+). Responsible for the overall financial success of assigned categories for all channels of business. Oversee all aspects of the category including:•Assortment, replenishment strategies, inventory management, marketing, e-marketing, e-mail campaigns, social media outreach, vendor relationships and negotiations, product development, financial planning and forecasting, sales trend analysis, customer research and competitive analysis.Negotiate exclusive content, product and marketing opportunities, including contests, author interviews, proprietary product, and external partnerships.Develop and implement marketing and merchandising plans across all channels.Increase market share through comprehensive marketing, in-depth assortment reviews, and competitive analysis.Develop and introduce new product lines that are in line with consumer research and sales trends.Merchandising Project Manager for the Dodge Poetry Festival. Managed assortment, inventory, product flow, and internal communication.

Assisted multiple Buyers with a variety of categories in all aspects of in store and on-line marketing, from planning stages to execution.Partnered with multiple departments to meet goals.Negotiated with vendors to maximize co-op and promotional opportunities.Served as marketing lead for the launch of the ESPN strategic alliance.Collaborated with Creative Services to create the Borders Pet Catalog.Assisted in the development of the Borders proprietary title Pet Tails.Instrumental in securing prime promotional space for Wellness during the critical New Year New You season, resulting in increased market share.

Assisted in multiple aspects of television production for pre-taped and live programs, in studio and in the field, including initial show concepts, booking guests, research, videography, sound, lighting, floor directing, and editing.