Maria Pesin Email and Phone Number

Business consulting firm that specializes in helping companies start new divisions, turn around existing ones, or bringing companies to the next level. Our specialties are sales and marketing, merchandising, organizational efficencies, and managing Profit/Loss.

Division President, Jessica Simpson Coats/Kensie Coats – Recruited to build organization and launch new division. Recruited new design and sales teams, including the sales manager. Established division budgets. • Directed development and merchandising of line from concept through to final approvals, including costing and pricing, fabric selection, and fit of coats, missy, special sizes, and girls 7–16. • Liaised and negotiated with licensor on contract, changes, approvals, and seasonal direction. • Developed seasonal business plans; directed merchandising, managed sales and inventory plans, and negotiated gross margin agreements. • Opened Dillard’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Von Maur, Sears Canada, Belk, Bon Ton, Boscov’s, and Burlington Coat. • Generated $8M Jessica Simpson sales in 2010 with 2011 tracking at $12M. • Negotiated and secured Kensie outerwear license (Liz Claiborne) in 2009; added $1.5M in 2010; 2011 projected at $3M; opened Macy’s, Macys.com, Burlington, and Dillard’s the first season. • Awarded new licenses by the Camuto Group (master Jessica Simpson licensor) in response to success of Jessica Simpson coats, including Jessica Simpson kids and special sizes as well as Vince Camuto coats.

Worked with Jennie to hire a sales manager and put together a road force.

Merchandising, sales, and production

Selected by president of GIII to open a new leather branded and private label Bridge Division with full responsibility for sales, product development, merchandising, production, distribution, and P & L. Successfully developed into a leading vendor in the leather apparel market; built sales to $20M+. • Hired and worked closely with design staff to develop and merchandise seasonal collections and private label programs; established seasonal merchandise calendars, color palettes, and silhouettes; selected fabrics and skins. • Establish divisional plans (budgets, inventory, volume, margin). • Recruited and trained sales staff; hired road force. • Developed strong private label business with leading retailers and catalogs; personally opened and managed key accounts, including Neiman Marcus, Neiman Marcus Direct, Nordstrom’s, Marshall Field, Saks Fifth Avenue, Spiegel’s, Victoria’s Secret, Bloomingdale’s By Mail, Lillie Rubin, and Coldwater Creek. • Interfaced with corporate production team to source all materials, choose skins, fabrics, factories, mills, and tanneries; negotiated and placed orders. • Worked closely with shipping department to ensure on time shipments and vendor compliance.