Mari L. Harkins Email & Phone Number

Greater New York City Area

Recruited by Star Branding to spearhead the launch of Nicki Minaj and Adam Levine contemporary denim and sportswear brands in 500 Kmart doors and on ShopYourWay.com. Targeted to achieve $165M in sales revenue in first year at a net 40%GMFocus on product, design and musical artist collaboration in building compelling full line apparel and accessory collections owning the process from conception to sell thru % on floor. Implemented effective merchandising and marketing strategies, balanced assortments and in-store visual merchandising presentations to drive sales and profitability.Provided leadership and direction to the design teams, product development, buying staff, finance and inventory teams- governing planning, purchasing, inventory management and profitability targets.Ensured that brand integrity was conveyed thru dynamic visual in-store merchandising and marketing presentations that reflected the point of view of the musical celebrity artist while building consumer brand recognition.Partnered with Marketing to develop in-store and on-line marketing plans to increase brand awareness and to drive sales volume.

Greater New York City Area

Led all aspects of Merchandising, Planning and Inventory Management for luxury apparel collections including Bobby Jones Golf, Hickey Freeman and Harts Schaffner & MarxImplemented internal reporting format, drove operational efficiencies reducing costs and over-development, created a team dynamic, known for pro-active leadership and driving results

Recruited to join a new management team with the mission of turning around a recent acquisition to restore it's profitability and drive sales growth. Strategized how to integrate this denim and sportswear driven business into Liz Claiborne structure. Implemented best practices in line planning, R&D calendar development and adherence and driving international and margin growth.Doubled net profits in first year by applying best practices in the re-structure, increased initial margin from 48% to 57% and had a 30% sales increase by offering more competitive price points and a broader, better merchandised category offering and expanding the women's business which contributed to substantial growth within department store sector

Launched DJU, denim and sportswear brand at JC Penney, grew business from 0 to $65M in two years, managed go in margin at 65%; developed additional growth opportunities by offering an upscale collection - Denim Academy, a better spin off brand targeted toward specialty store distributionCreated efficiencies and processes in newly formed division resulting in lower head count, reducing over-development and increasing net profit; oversaw all aspects of product development and management to protect initial GM targetsResponsible for all Merchandising activities. Developed line plans, created and lead T&A calendars, directed all phases of product development, managed margin goals, issued seasonal financial buy plans by classification and led communication between cross-functional teams

Greater New York City Area

Part of a dynamic leadership team in turning around the DKNY Men's business; 240% sales growth $25M to $85M in 3 years by resourcing new factory base, expanding categories and adding competitive price points within the designer assortment

Bachelor, Marketing And Sales Management

Activities and Societies: Phi Theta Kappa Marketing / Sales Management

Associate Of Arts And Sciences (Aas), Fashion Buying And Merchandising

Activities and Societies: Phi Theta Kappa