Associate Buyer under the categories of greeting cards and social stationery category -April 2006 to Feb. 2010Managed #1 traffic producing category in the company selling 40 million units per year. Developed a high energy Greeting Card offering and visual sign package that produced the best value greeting card offering in the US. Purchased and implemented strategic programs in the gift wrap category. Implemented a new value greeting card program of over 3000 SKUs that reversed a negative 6.5% sales trend to positive 2.5% in sales after completionIntegrated a multi-tier pricing strategy in the value greeting card category that resulted in an increase in sales by 3%Led merchandising activities during the period of the greeting card reset that involved meetings with several key departmentsManaged two employees in the rolls of replenishment specialist and inventory analystCoordinated with the marketing department on designs for sign packages for new programsDeveloped visual presentations for both the seasonal and basic category of greeting cardsReviewed and updated the social stationery category to keep in line with trends and design Provided direction to 185 stores with communications, visual presentations and detailed instructionsCoordinated functional areas including replenishment, finance, distribution and operations

Provided analytical reports on products and categories in functional formats for the Merchandising teamAssisted in the development of merchandise plans for seasonal and basic departmentsRecapped advertising performance for the Merchandising team

Assistant to four different buyers in this time period under the following categories: Party goods, balloons, candy, party favors, giftware.Provided sales analysis and recaps for the merchandise buyers. Processed and managed product maintenance as well as advertising and promotional campaigns. Managed import process for all seasonal and basic purchases. Processed RTV and store to warehouse transfers.Assisted in the Party Expansion initiative to increase selection by 30% which provided a sales increase of 34%Received Team Award in 2003 for implementing a Juvenile Party reset in 185 storesImplemented 12 linear feet of sports party program which boosted positive comp sales by 24%Assisted in the reset of four major categories: toys, novelty candy, pinatas and personalized noveltiesAssisted in the reduction of company inventory by $6.4 million

Assistant to Merchandise Manager

Assistant to Director of New Store Development and Director of Construction

Took on several rolls at this small company during this time frame that included Receptionist, Travel Coordinator, Administrative Assistant, Office Manager and HR