Michele D'Avanzo Email & Phone Number

New Jersey, United States

Wall, New Jersey

Oversee Product Development and Central Marketing for all international markets and analyze pricing, design, and consumer trends to maintain a thorough understanding of the competitive landscape. Establish project calendars based on launch dates, solicit required approvals, and identify capacity constraints. Facilitate positive relationships with business partners in key markets in EMEA, Americas, and Asia/PAC to develop brand awareness and capitalize on new growth opportunities.•Collaborate with design teams to plan and deliver products that meet with budgets and specified criteria•Adhere to strict deadlines and timetables, balance project priorities, and help to reduce operational costs•Dictate pricing structures by market to promote consistency of global branding and positioning•Monitor project status to identify milestones, mitigate risks, and keep accurate documentation•Work closely with Product Supply representatives to deliver financials on various NPI projects•Manage SKU rationalization from the NPI pipeline to plan global integration and eliminate redundancies•Evaluate KPIs, generate reports, present to stakeholders, and implement continuous improvements

Analyzed sales data, market trends, competitive intelligence, and other key inputs to accurately prepare final wholesale forecasts and support organizational improvements. Worked collaboratively with sales segment leaders, sourcing and material planners, product development specialists, and customer service agents to develop and implement effective business strategies, assortment plans, and new product suggestions.•Reviewed monthly buy plans and recommended adjustments based on changing business needs•Monitored the product life cycle and helped determine product availability and ship dates •Met with key accounts monthly, assessed needs, and streamlined various supply chain issues•Supervised and directed the forecasting and ordering process for new market introductions

Support the growth of the Lenox Brand by defining, creating, maintaining, and managing compelling Tabletop product assortments for both the Wholesale and Direct Channels. Developed and implemented consumer-focused assortments to enhance brand equity, built customer loyalty, drive sales, and improve overall margins. Effectively managed pricing and promotional programs to maximize revenues and profitability.•Monitored the SKU count, maintained corporate systems, and developed tools to streamline processes•Responded to inquiries and served as the key liaison with Wholesales and Direct channel partners•Implemented strategies based on monthly, quarterly, and annual sales, cost, and margin analysis•Worked closely with product development and sourcing to build the brand and address customer needs

Greater New York City Area

March 2000 - October 2002 Merchandise PlannerNovember 1998 – February 2000 Product Analyst• Responsible for budget management of the brands. Develop seasonal plans (by: month, class, style/sku, delivery) to achieve profit goals. Make recommendations based on analysis of retail history and market bookings. Analyze and manage class plans, open-to-buys by class, cluster plans, ladder plans. Plan exit strategies; develop models and flows for key items. Communicate with merchandisers and account planners, to drive original plans and make adjustments as business needs arise. • Played an integral part in the development of the newly created position of merchandise planner. Brainstormed to determine job responsibilities and objectives, short and long-term goals of the planning team, and methods of interaction and involvement with all departments of the Casual Division. Build and maintain Access Databases to better manage cross-brand planning and analysis.

Greater New York City Area

• Responsible for distribution and allocation of merchandise to the 145 London Fog Retail Stores, including Factory Outlet Stores and New Concept Stores. Instrumental in product assortment and flow for 51 new store openings.• Responsible for $12 million volume of eight product categories. Played a major role in the merchandise buys and flow planning of product. Mid-Season, negotiated back-up inventory with outside vendors to decrease product liabilities. Involved in the monthly operating plan process; responsible for identifying proper markdowns to drive sales and profits. Strong relationship with internal and external customers. Initiator of ongoing communication to ensure proper product flow, timely payment, product development/modification, customer service and business control.

Greater New York City Area

January 1992 – December 1996 Store ManagerNovember 1989 – December 1991 Assistant Manager • Store Manager of the Gap Kids and Baby Gap Stores, 55th and Madison, New York City. Multi-Store management of this flagship, 2-level store. Previously, store manager of Seaport, Village and 42nd and 3rd Gap Kid / Baby Gap Stores.• Responsible for promoting quality customer service. Generated sales to meet and exceed established sales and payroll goals. Used creativity and product knowledge to appropriately merchandise selling floor and ensure timely turnover. Managed personnel administration, recruited and interviewed candidates for sales and management positions. Monitored EEO and federal state labor law compliance. Controlled payroll and expenses. Managed inventory. Implemented training programs. Responsible for promotions, training of assistant managers and sales staff. Supervised a new store opening.