Between 2008-2011, achieved a net increase of 19% in sales in the footwear division.Between 2008-2010, achieved a 7% increase in gross margin percentage; achieved a 36% increase in gross margin return on investment; managed the business to achieve a 35% increase in sock sales.As Merchandise Planner for footwear, I am the CFO and COO of the Product Team. In collaboration with Product Team partners in Merchandising, Sourcing, and Design, I establish a sound financial, assortment and demand chain architecture that maximizes sales growth potential and ROI; develop an operating plan which delivers focused, customized and coordinated store and web assortments; manage all elements of the demand chain to optimize the ability to react to consumer trends in-season; and facilitate the execution of the brand from concept to customer for footwear.

Through analysis of inventory flow in collaboration with distribution center changes in distribution of bicycles reduced shipping costs up to $56 per unit.Collaborated with IT to initiate product hierarchy changes to realize $70,000 savings in annual shipping costs.Managed vendor direct to store inventory; allocated and controlled flow of inventory through the EMS distribution facility; projected product level demand by store and operated replenishment system; worked directly with vendors to optimize turn, sales and in-stock position to meet customer needs; analyzed product and store demand and worked with team to establish the best assortment; worked with vendors to establish communications and standards to incorporate them into the direct to store replenishment system.

Achieved the highest rate in increased product turn among all divisions and departments.• Forecasted product sales and business trends.• Designed and produced analytic reports for upper management, both routine and case-specific, reflecting profitability trends.• Reviewed sales patterns, industry trends and upcoming marketing initiatives to create more profitable product mixes.• Scheduled product deliveries to ensure customer satisfaction and company cash flow needs were met.• Allocated product to stores and regions to maximize sales.• Worked with product team to develop optimal product mix and new products.• Acted as lead contact for stores to meet customers’ product needs.• Gathered marketing information to bring to the product development process.

Achievements: Increased store sales 49% over a 30-month period; increased payroll productivity 25%; reduced employee turnover 66%.• Hired and developed a management staff to assist in the running of the store.• Assisted in the development of district training seminars for assistant managers and supervisors.• Tailored product mix with product managers to achieve a successful store product selection.• Monitored and controlled store expenses, payroll and expenditures, projected sales and payroll figures.• Analyzed sales and product trends to maximize profitability.• Oversaw all store functions of the assistant managers.• Communicated and upheld company values and expectations to staff.• Oversaw hiring, training and development of sales staff, exceeding company averages in employee retention and sales productivity.