Linda Marous Email and Phone Number

Drove product strategy to maximize the brand position, sales and margin.. Merged store and online teams into an omnichannel organization of 20, providing leadership and direction for the new team and the new brand strategy.. Transitioned team to new assortment planning process including strategy planning, lifecycle management, and assortment planning with a focus on growth categories.. Initiated test to showcase expanded assortment of online product in store, resulting in 150 basis point improvement in test stores over balance of chain. Significant expansion of concept planned for spring 2015.

Developed the online business for Things Remembered.• Tripled direct revenues and margin in six years through strategic expansion of products and improved site merchandising. Drove six consecutive years of growth over 20%, bringing the direct penetration from 8% to 22% of total sales.• Developed three-year strategic plans to build direct business, driven by online exclusive products and new forms of personalization. Achieved target penetration of online exclusive products at 36% to total online business one year ahead of schedule. • Built online catalog to over 5,000 customer choices from 800 in 2008, including a robust assortment of “better” and “best” products and over 20 new third-party suppliers.• Improved conversion with better site merchandising, streamlined categorization, improved cross sells and optimized presentation of expanded assortment.• Hired and trained new team for product expansion and site merchandising, with five of eight promoted to take on additional responsibility within the company.

Hired to position five-store chain and web business for national rollout of 150-store potential.• Developed and led strategy, sales, margin, product development, vendor management, and five-year merchandising growth plan.• Achieved 30% comp sales increase in 2007, and 23% in Q1 2008 with 3-point margin improvement.

Brought on board to re-position assortment from traditional beauty supply store to aspirational beauty boutique and salon chain. Launched over 30 new upscale brands.• Developed and executed the “brand store” assortment with sales improvements of 35% over balance of company in less than eight months and positioned chain for concept roll-out.• Managed staff of 15 (80% new) including planning and allocation team.

Led strategic planning, product development, sourcing and sales as a consultant for clients such as Yankee Candle, Things Remembered, Hickory Farms and PureBeauty.Served as VP of Sourcing and Merchandising for Accel, Inc. (an innovative contract packaging and assembly company) assisting in presentations to Target, Kohl's and other retailers.

Executed launch of Bath and Body Works concept out of the accessory business at Limited Express.• Opened the first 10 stores and managed the business for first year while running Accessory business for Express.• Directly responsible for over $250 million in sales growth.• Introduced, developed and sourced the gift, accessory, fragrance and home businesses for Bath and Body Works. • Served on Management Committee that grew concept to $800 million.

Directed sales, margin, assortment planning, product development, and sourcing for Accessory division.• Grew sales to $150 million during tenure, doubling average store penetration.• Developed direct program for private label accessories from Europe and Far East. Introduced new categories including fashion watches, personal care, and gifts.• Developed team of 15, and promoted eight to higher levels of responsibility.