Justin Abbott Email & Phone Number

• Managed a team of 16 merchants with annual sales of $350M.
• Negotiated markdown support on behalf of the buyers.

• Developed and executed a plan to reduce inventory levels in small format hometown stores by creating smaller pack sizes allowing for more assortment and fewer markdowns.
• Aided in the development of an assortment tool that helped reduce inventory and improve profitability.
• Built seasonal financial plans to the category level.
• Strategically worked with 2 large national brands to reduce cost and increase profitability by 400 basis points.
• Promoted 2 Assistant Buyers to Buyer and 1 Buyer to Senior Buyer.
• Responsible for all trend analysis to provide guidance on financial plan rollups.

• Launched a private label cold weather accessories program with $500K in sales in year 1.

Build seasonal financial plans to effectively drive sales and profit while optimizing inventory investments.Manage open to buy on a weekly basis to ensure financial goals are achieved.Collaborate daily with private label team and vendor partners to grow private label business.Collaborate weekly with national brand partners to grow market.

Built seasonal financial plans for all major sporting leagues(NFL,MLB,NBA,NCAA)Managed open to buy on a weekly basis to ensure financial goals were achieved.Collaborated with vendor partners to drive sales on quick turn product based on team performance.Developed strategies for all major special events(Super Bowl,World Series,March Madness,etc...)..

Buying responsibility included Young Men's graphic tees and fleece.Planned departments promotional pricing cadence based on current trends and historical sales information.Managed advertising process from sample selection to proofing of weekly ads.

Menomonee Falls, WI

Menomonee Falls, WI

Brookfield, WI