Storage, Frames, Candles and Home Accents Categories▪ Managed domestic and import purchasing and inventory holdings, in three warehouse and 870 store locations and web site, of four unique and highly visible categories while adhering to budgetary guidelines with focus on shifting space based on productivity and strategic growth▪ Developed strategies for each category segment in partnership with leadership and ensured implementation and execution; oversaw multiple strategies at varying stages during any point in time▪ Maintained frequent and ongoing communication with large domestic and import vendor group to ensure best costs, timely deliveries, monitor competitors’ strategies and negotiate marketing initiatives and allowances▪ Managed product through entire lifecycle and continuously offered product newness in each category by utilizing trend analysis and customer demand reporting while mitigating margin risks▪ Delivered increased sales and margin dollars year over year by updating product assortments and modifying pricing and promotional activity▪ Partnered with vendors to mitigate cost increases due to tariff implementation; modified methods of purchasing to prevent negative impact to margin dollars ▪ Directed initiative to reduce clearance inventory within 6 months while driving increased sales and margin ▪ Planned pricing and promotional activity to drive sales, gross margin and traffic, utilizing post event analysis and forecasting the impact of company’s initiatives▪ Managed 23 planograms and 30+ fashion programs per year with internal and external cross-functional partnerships▪ Managed team of 3 direct reports and 10 supporting team members

Home Decor Division▪ Directed two Buying teams in the purchasing of domestic and imported products and inventory holdings in three warehouses, 870 store locations and web site, while ensuring teams were adhering to OTB requirements and achieving financial goals▪ Oversaw strategy development for each Buying teams’ category segment in partnership with leadership and ensured timely implementation and execution according to established calendar of events▪ Delivered increased sales and margin dollars by exploiting best selling items, introducing trend right products and launching a new private label branded program▪ Supervised extensive assortment change to HD Fabric program; guided initiative to drive improved sell thru of clearance product with new promotional handle and planned events▪ Oversaw vendor negotiations to ensure collection of supporting rebates and allowances▪ Spearheaded development of new private label brand, product design and assortment planning, with goal to bring two product categories together to drive customers to increased purchases of trending design aesthetic▪ Consolidated number of vendors to streamline purchasing and inventory management of 6,000+ skus▪ Managed team of 3 direct reports and 14 supporting team members

Dining and Outdoor Categories▪ Managed product assortments for 60+ stores utilizing sales and trend analysis while ensuring alliance with Field Managers, Product Development and Merchandise Planning▪ Managed inventory forecasts and purchase order processing with domestic and import suppliers for warehouse and 60+ stores in partnership with Merchandise Planning▪ Streamlined process of assortment selection and execution for Dining Chair Walls in effort to drive sales and margin volume for a flat trending segment of business▪ Led efforts to reduce clearance inventory by end of year by working in partnership with Merchandise Planning, Store Operations and Field Managers▪ Partnered with Merchandise Planning and Product Development for new assortment launches to ensure positive results against planned financial metrics

Licensed Character, Team & Niche Shop▪ Continuously drove sales and gross margin increases in Licensed businesses by launching new properties utilizing trend analysis and customer demand reporting, and monitoring sports results in conjunction with product lead times▪ Managed 160 Team and 12 Niche categories as regional businesses; maintained turn goal by purchasing lower minimum quantities and reviewing site performance annually▪ Led changes to buying methods and techniques to drive efficient use of time, reduce costs and remain competitive in evolving business environment▪ Successfully launched NHL and MLS licensed product assortments

Home Decor Fabric and Trim Shop▪ Led assortment planning process with multiple analyses, including performance reviews of fashion and basic product, current/post season reviews and productivity of article/site combinations, and executed necessary steps to ensure product was allocated appropriately▪ Managed efficient turn around of accurate Buy Plans for basic and fashion categories to ensure team hit all deadlines▪ Maintained accurate Open To Buy financials to the Merchant and Inventory Management teams

Quilt Shop - May 2010 - July 2011Sewing Construction - April 2007 - May 2010Fiber/Foam/HD Hardware - May 2005 - April 2007