Melissa Barlow Email & Phone Number

Salt Lake City, Ut

Manager of all international awards for recognition programs globally. Gift Card buyer for the US award recognition platform.Collaborated with our overseas offices in India, Australia, UK, Canada and Singapore and responsible for 83 countries globally.Strategic Sourcing for our international award catalog for clients’ recognition platforms.Strategically reported upwards to Executive VP of Supply Chain as well as other leaders in other areas.Maintained breadth of catalogs, effective pricing, SLA’s, sourcing new suppliers and/or catalogs, etc.Initiated and implemented SLA agreements for all suppliers across the purchasing department.Managed over 300 gift card brands, 100 suppliers.Guided global merchandising strategy outside the US for international clients; Inside the US for Gift Cards, Experiences and Cash Cards.

Phoenix, Az

National and International Loyalty accounts include Marriott, Capital One, Caesar’s Entertainment, MGM International and Hard Rock Las Vegas Casino. Managed products placed in rewards programs for all accounts. Increased sales with brand awareness by leveraging national brands, imagery, useful navigation & search functions, and additional online videos to promote customer awareness.Successfully launched Virgin Airlines Redemption Program in 2009.Implemented Processes to help streamline catalog production internally with Loyalty, Marketing, and Account Manager.Created promotional web based programs and brand recognitions for Marriott Rewards, such examples include Mother’s Day promotions, Black Friday promotion, virtual catalogs, National brand categories, etc. Negotiated with vendors on product wholesale costs, manage supply chain for all rewards programs, and create special buys to drive additional business for ecommerce, resulting in 1-2% margin points YOY.Managed the Great Gift Wrap Up for Caesar’s Entertainment. Bringing in over 2,000 product samples, 40+ suppliers, floor plans, decor, and staffing. Launched eCommerce site for Mandalay Bay in October 2014.

SkyMall was acquired by Connexions Loyalty in 2014

Corporate Retail Buyer for Men’s Woven’s and Outerwear in over 150 stores. Drove yearly sales dollars up 11%.Drove gross margin dollars up 20%. Responsible for maintaining monthly financial plans, bi-monthly “Open to Buy” forecasts and presented contingencies and opportunities to management in response to ever changing shifts in business. Accountable for developing senior level relationships; negotiating and implementing million dollar sales contracts with key accounts; developed program marketing and Ad Plans that supported company initiatives; and negotiated with accounts to maximize profits and help drive sales. Identified and developed new business strategies as well as market opportunities while improving overall profitability.

Corporate retail buyer responsible for business in over 260 stores nationwide. Managed business of over $45 million dollars yearly in sales volume. Drove and maximized sales volume in businesses by developing contingency plans and securing additional stock opportunities. Partnered with major national accounts to secure profitable year end results through gross margin guarantees. Worked in cross company committees for Target Corporation linking in processes for Mervyn’s, Target, and Marshall Fields. Assisted in the recruiting, hiring, and training of new team members.