Michael Laemel Email & Phone Number

United States

New Haven, Ct, Us

Torrington, Connecticut, Us

Experienced Retail Buyer with a track record of driving sales growth and profitability in the competitive apparel and footwear industry. Recognized as a top buyer for three consecutive years, achieving remarkable increases in gross profit dollars and margins.Notable achievements:•Built a private label business from scratch, generating $1.2M in year one and $2.5M in year two.•Transformed men's licensed headwear, quadrupling sales in four weeks and becoming a Top 10 New Era Cap US Account within a year.•Spearheaded comprehensive merchandising taxonomy restructuring, migrating to the advanced Celerant Command Retail system.•Initiated executive leadership, buying staff, and district manager meetings, improving communication and driving strategic recommendations.•Led collaboration with Google for first digital presence in the company’s 70 year history, launching successful live inventory website & ad campaign.•Skilled in market trend analysis, supplier negotiation, strategic partnerships, and data-driven merchandising. Committed to driving growth and customer satisfaction in retail.

Transformed a historic army and navy store into Connecticut's premier destination for sneakers and streetwear. Successfully repositioned the brand to align with evolving trends, propelling Jimmy's to a leadership position in the apparel and footwear market. Recognized as one of The 25 Best Sneaker Stores in New England, Jimmy's legacy of 'lacing kids since the early 80's' remains a testament to our commitment to freshest gear and latest sneakers.Led expansion efforts, growing the business from two to seven stores. Orchestrated a $1M renovation across all locations, collaborating with design/build firms to ensure impeccable store designs. Managing a team of over 75 employees, I've fostered a positive work environment and provided focused mentorship. My approach is rooted in leading by example, motivating my team to embrace daily learning. I firmly believe that experience translates to knowledge, and knowledge empowers success.My responsibilities encompass the oversight of all locations and their comprehensive operations. I orchestrate the planning and purchasing of merchandise, spanning footwear, clothing, and accessories from renowned brands like Nike, Jordan, Adidas, Vans, Timberland, Levi’s, and New Era. Leveraging trend, budget, and profit analyses, I manage a 5,000 sq. ft. central warehouse and inventory, ensuring seamless supply chain continuity and performance. With full P&L responsibility, I harness Key Performance Indicators to drive positive business outcomes. Adept in recruitment, I am committed to identifying, selecting, and retaining the most qualified individuals who contribute to our growth.