Nancy S. Sparks Email and Phone Number

Managed implementation and deployment of SAS Assortment Planning system to apparel, footwear, home and fine jewelry businesses to assist in creating sales, markdown, inventory and gross profit assortment plans by item. Key Accomplishments:►Ensured training and processes were reflective of user’s needs by creating and deploying comprehensive training program for Assortment Planning system.►Created process flows, interpreting business needs into consistent process solutions and anticipating potential problems/gaps by creating strategic vision►Achieved process enhancements through application upgrades while managing continuous improvements to system and planning process.►Established project expectations and managed ongoing enterprise-wide change management at all levels of management by utilizing effective communication skills.►Ensured successful deployment by serving as liaison between business units and project team and IT team.

Managed all aspects of merchandise planning, negotiating, advertising, planogramming, sourcing, inventory managements, vendor relations and managing staff for Boys 4-7 and Lands’ End Kids area.Key Accomplishments:► Developed profitable Private Label assortment by managing integration with Product Development team regarding design, sourcing and brand development.►Increased sales and profit by identifying business opportunity of Character product by introducing CARS Character Shop.►Reinvented Lands’ End business through edited and focused assortments which were relevant to customer within the Sears Stores.►Developed and maintained profitable sales and margin in annual sales volume through addition of National Brands – Osh Kosh, Southpole, Dockers►Built harmonious, profitable relationships both internally and externally through effective communication skills.

Developed customer focused merchandise strategies, category assortments and buy quantities for kid’s division within Lands' End shops within Sears stores. Partnered with corporate teams to achieve financial plans that met corporate goals for Sears and Lands’ End.

Developed seasonal and long term strategies to drive sales, margins and turnover for $280M Boy’s Division. Developed and executed branding strategy by determining balance of National and Private Brands within Boys Division and by building strategic partnerships with key vendors.

Created effective merchandise strategies and assortments that met sales, margin and inventory goals for a $160M Boys 8-20 business. Increased denim and casual bottom businesses by building strategic partnerships with key vendors. Increased Private Label penetration by adding ‘Best Value’ pricing strategy and thru expansion of direct sourced product. Traveled extensively overseas (Asia, Middle East) sourcing all direct imported product.