Melissa Ewers Nichols Email & Phone Number

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Huntsville, Alabama Area

Greater Atlanta Area

Global baby gear and toy company with over $200 million in annual sales. Led and managed all aspects of soft good’s product lifecycle with 4 brands: Bright Starts, Comfort & Harmony and licensed, Baby Einstein and Baby Disney.• Nominated “Rookie of the Year” 2010 Excellence Awards.• Increased category sales by 88%; responsible for P&L.• Integrated competitive analysis, market trends, and consumer research to create strategic roadmaps and design direction/assortment.• Managed team through out development of nursing pillow to launch 2012: legal, patents, innovation, consumer testing, medical professionals, platform design, fashion, packaging, costing, and pricing.• Successfully led team in creation of new category, travel accessories, to be sold into Target.• Collaborated with Asia factories and engineering to develop prototypes and improve cost/margins while maintaining quality and perceived consumer value; included travel to Asia.• Partnered with sales and accounts: sales collateral, training, and presentations.

Children’s apparel manufacturer with over $1 billion in annual sales. Managed the design, product development, and marketing of newborn through size 4-7 apparel product line.•Led a group of cross-functional teams in the creation of a $36 million seasonal product line. •Researched market for trend and color, competitive product, pricing, consumer insights, branding and marketing ideas.•Created original concepts that encompassed style, color, fabric, art, and art application for seasonal product.•Directed, inspired, and collaborated with creative team to produce fresh, innovative art. •Increased Carter’s playwear MU by 2 points while upgrading benefits/value and improving product.•Partnered with global sourcing team, agents, suppliers to negotiate prices.•Served as member of numerous cross-functional teams, focusing on time and action calendar, implementation of computer system, internal processes and system improvement.•Reviewed product execution, manufacturing feasibility, branding, quality, legal issues, cost-saving opportunities, budget, and adherence to calendar. •Responsible for product presentations for corporate teams, buyers and sales meetings.•Accountable for product set up at trade shows, corporate events, and retail stores.

Children’s apparel manufacturer with $375 million in annual sales. Designed and merchandised for Duck Head boy’s infant through size 4-7, PGA TOUR boy’s 8-20, and private label (Walmart). •Researched market: determine emerging trends, understand consumer, improve value proposition, and develop business strategy.•Increased business by creating innovative and Brand “right” product for various lines and licenses.•Responsible for creation and launch of new product line upon acquisition of PGA Golf license.•Interpreted seasonal fashion direction and emerging trends, assortment opportunities, and merchandise trends for areas of responsibilities.•Sourced product: communicated with over seas vendors, negotiated prices, and placed product.•Accountable for development cycle, approval, and execution of new product.•Responsible for presentation to vendors, suppliers, and sales/accounts.•Assisted with tradeshows, photo shoots, and promotional material.

Children’s apparel manufacturer with $450 million in annual sales. In initial year, Dress category generated over $30 million in annual sales. Designed newborn through 4-6x dresses and swimwear.•Involved in creative development of line including directing artists.•Assisted in costing, forecasting, and pricing procedures utilizing Microsoft Office•Communicated and collaborated with various departments through all stages of product development.•Approved all aspects of creative and product development: prototypes, submits, pre-production samples and quality control.•Fit approval from 1st sample to production.•Participated and prepared presentations to sales force and company employees.•Prepared flat sketch designs and story boards for new designs utilizing Illustrator and U4ia.