Lawrence Epstein Email & Phone Number

New York, Ny, Us

New York, Ny

Founded company manufacturing decorative trimmings and narrow technical textile products. Manufacturing and distributing products for Hobby and Crafts, Apparel, Home Fashions and Technical Textile markets. The company is fully EDI compliant and maintains direct replenishment fulfillment to retail locations throughout North America.

Greater New York City Area

Greater New York City Area

Managing Director at DACTOY USA. We are a direct factory resource for the design, development, prototyping and production of high quality plush toys. In addition we carry the Pal Arounds line of Plush Toys/Toddler Luggage and Bear Hands & Buddies Scarves, Hats & Gloves for Kids and Adults.

Restructured one of the largest U.S. suppliers of specialty textiles to the apparel and home fashions industries by reducing dependence on manufactured product and developing a diversified sourcing structure including local, near shore and off shore resources. Maximized speed to market while reducing total production costs and diversifying product line to include consumer packaged merchandise and licensed product. Traveled extensively throughout Asia, and North America to establish supply chain. Selected and established relationships with factory resources base upon inspection and evaluation of facilities for compliance with quality, production and safety standards. Negotiated supply contracts, provided technical assistance, and transferred technologies resulting in dramatically reduced costs by 40%, and improved speed to market by 6 months while maintaining 98% on-time fulfillment and diversifying product line by 50%.Directed and coordinated efforts of the creative design and product development teams in the U.S. and overseas resulting in the successful execution of sourcing and distribution strategies for weekly replenishment and seasonal promotions supplying 1600 SKU’s to 6000 retail locations in the U.S. and Canada, from more than 50 suppliers in 8 countries. Created a consumer oriented e-commerce sales channel. Grew online sales by 30% per month in first 6 months using online marketing tools including social networking, Facebook advertising, Google Adwords, and organic search engine optimization. Monitored and provided feedback to team members for merchandise selection and online transaction process improvement through Google Analytics.

Directed sales for Retail Distribution Channel including Wal-Mart and Joann Stores. Maintained high level contacts; achieved sales in excess of $6 million in 2005. Initiated Direct Import Sales from Asia to Major US Retail Chains including Wal-Mart Stores of soft goods merchandise. Managed additional direct sales markets include home furnishings.Conducted Point of Sales retail analysis, became expert in use of Wal-Mart "Retail link" and Joann Stores "Vendor Portal". Planned and implemented information systems upgrade in support of the launch of distribution to Wal-Mart stores in 2002 including EDI integration.Achieved 100% on-time delivery of initial shipments to 2578 retail stores and maintained on-time performance throughout the re-order cycles. Managed all network information systems including specification, purchasing, provisioning, installation and network administration for all divisions and related companies.Developed e-commerce platform encompassing, extranet, B2B and B2C e-commerce, online product catalogs and online support for retail distribution. Orchestrated the sale of Texcraft division to parent company and integrated operations including inventory, costing and production management systems.

Founded company and started operations to supply the wholesale intimate apparel and home fashions market. Created business plan, secured financing, hired and trained personnel, negotiated leases and contracts for organization of business.

Recruited and managed national sales force of 15, achieved sales goal in excess of $25 million.Executed marketing plan, reviewed sales forecasts and budgets and maintained gross margins.Initiated and maintained sales relationships with senior management at key national accounts.Supervised New York Sales office of including Design, Sales and Customer Service personnel. Directed sales for home furnishings market.Exceeded sales targets in each year culminating in over $12 million in regional sales.Earlier Experience included DATA SYSTEMS CONSULTANT STONE & WEBSTER ENGINEERING

M.S, Computer Science; Concentration Business Information Systems

B.S, Business Administration; Finance; Information Systems