Gail Spaulding Email and Phone Number

Selected in competitive process for role in Buyer’s Department; comprehensively trained in all aspects of the purchasing process for both domestic and cross-border buying of both Generic and Licensed costumes. Company buying workflow is deeply connected with the design process; responsible for seasonal Style Guide, a comprehensive document used as firm-wide template for product selection. Brainstorm product ideas for next season line for both Generic and Licensed Costumes (Fabrics/Silhouette/Execution); use varied resources (Pinterest, Etsy, etc.) for sourcing of product and design ideas. ● Work closely with Visual Merchandising team on floor plans and layouts for seasonal stores; ensure visual appeal with on-site peak season visits.● Perform as point of contact for key vendors/suppliers; manage relationships to ensure appropriate delivery timing, QC management and buying/price concessions.● Review and approve all samples for current line, ensuring build and manufacturing quality meet Spirit standards; track samples and coordinate with vendors/manufacturers on pending, not-booked orders.● Collaborate with Creative Team for Social Media photoshoots with costume/family play ideas.

Developed relationships with major clients, including Costco and Wal-Mart, for this Dutch floral products company; wrote competitive presentations encompassing key metrics to support the process of securing new accounts.● Designed ad campaigns in Illustrator and InDesign for presentation in Sales meetings.● Managed the Holiday and Indoor product lines; responsible for detailed sales forecasting, packaging design finalization and sales material product photography. ● Ensured purchase order entry integrity and created year-end summary presentations for senior management.

Managed relationships with third party retail partners in 13 different international markets; promoted annual line to each partner, tailored to their specific country’s style preferences and market norms.● Regularly updated pricing materials, communicating pricing change rationales to each partner.● Planned bi-annual conferences and trade show events including product presentations and CEO sit-downs, managed all accommodations and hospitality for visiting international clients.● Streamlined ordering and payment process for International accounts, working closely with Finance and Treasury Departments; resulted in immediately improved revenue and cash flow.● Formally recognized by Board of Directors for adeptly managing supply chain crisis, preserving $9.5mm in International Division revenue for FY 2017.● Partnered with production vendors in Asia, Portugal and Vietnam to ensure quality control; negotiated cost concessions.

Managed seven person retail staff; supervised and trained new hires, including assistant managers and store managers for Aerosoles US store network. Consistently ranked as the top store in district for sales and customer service, month over month.● Designed effective new product event promotions, measurably increasing unit sales.● Analyzed and reported on payroll and budgeted sales on a daily, weekly, yearly basis.● Managed seven person retail staff; supervised and trained new hires, including assistant managers and store managers for Aerosoles US store network.