Independent contractor for a China based trading house specializing in Home Decor product. Sales, product development and trend direction for specialty retailers. Seasonal, decorative accessories, lawn & garden and floral.

*Managed KPI's for furniture, lighting, decorative accessories, fragrance, textiles, housewares and gift*Collaborated with cross-functional partners within planning, visual, marketing, E-commerce and store operations to execute merchandising strategies*Successfully stood up direct sourcing initiative with partnership of Global Sourcing Team and achieved 4 year targets; extensive overseas travel prior to pandemic*Grew furniture sales to over 25% of total Company business over a 3 year period by increased focus on sku productivity, design, quality and pricing*Managed pricing and promotions within all categories to optimize top line sales and to ensure exit strategy of seasonal product

*Awarded Buyer of the Year for best category turnaround*Improved GM% +350 BPS by eliminating unproductive inventory and negotiating better first costs*Changed buying approach and visual direction of #1 classification, Accent Pillows, which resulted in an increase of sales of over $2.0m*Grew the Throw classification to over $10m in sales. Established key item price point programs which drove sales, traffic and conversion both in stores and online.

*Maintained and distributed daily/weekly reports for entire Company*Partnered with merchant team to develop quarterly bottoms up sales plans and strategies by category*Managed company retail open to buy; approved funding by category both pre-season and in-season*Monitored sales and inventory of key item Core sku's which represented almost 40% of total Company sales*Led, developed and coached a team of 8 planners/ associate planners

*Managed $25M Millennial Pyramid (Juniors, Seasonal, Activewear, Contemporary Sportswear and Children's) driving sales, margin and inventory turn in 9 stores.*Developed bottom-up financial sales plans by store to support localized strategies and assortments.*Recommended assortment/allocation changes to Central organization to maximize sales and profitability by location.*Translated customer feedback, competitive analysis and historical performance into actionable strategies to drive sales and profit.*Partnered with Senior leadership store teams to identify strategic sales opportunities.*Collaborated with District Merchant on merchandise execution and floor space allocation.*Provided support and direction to District Vice President.*Delivered #1 financial performance in the Midwest Region in Childrens for three consecutive years.*Successfully launched five new brands in three stores and improved sales by $1.0M.*Presented business updates and assortment strategies on many occasions to top-level executives, including CEO.*Selected to assist with onboarding and training of all new District Planners within the Region.

*Managed $60M sales in multi-classification Junior Sportswear business (knits, wovens, sweaters and outerwear).*Developed seasonal plans by department to support sales, margin and inventory turn goals.*Responsible for product selection from +50 vendor resources and participated in monthly market trips both in New York and Los Angeles.*Partnered with planning organization to develop compelling assortments for 258 stores and 36 markets.*Collaborated with vendor community on developing climate right assortments for Hawaii district.*Implemented pricing and marketing strategies to support financial objectives of the Junior Division and total company.*Successfully managed business through mergers and acquisitions; adapted quickly to system conversions.*Recognized as team leader with strong vendor relationships, negotiation skills and ability to identify fashion trends early.

*Managed $35M sales in multiple departments (Better Social, Moderate Social, Petites and Evening Separates).*Recognized for entrepreneurial skills in the development of a Bridesmaid program exclusive to Macy's West including marketing, special events and on-line special order process.*Received Buyer of the Year award in 1999.