Nicole Arnold Email and Phone Number

*Managed relationship with factories regarding Product Development, sampling & construction*Managed cost review meetings in wholesale/retail analysis and first cost negotiations with factory partners to meet target margins with Vice President, Sales & CEO. *Facilitated T&A calendar with cross-functional lead managers specific to production calendar post order submission to ensure exit/delivery dates are not jeopardized through raw good orders and production labor.*Partnered with Purchasing/Quality Control team to ensure each retailer/vendor's request for specific testing is met through thorough review and understanding of customer’s testing guidelines. Includes coordinating testing and quality assurance inspections are met on timely manner for appropriate production timeline. *Collaborated with factory, tannery & Design partners with seasonal sourcing of raw goods for 5 major New York markets annually. Includes coordinating with Art Director on catalog, web & cost publications. *Performed SWOT Analysis and floor mapping seasonally for Private Label and Lodis Special Make lines. *Responsible for factory allocation of development and production base off production capacity to maximize companies’ goal of zero air tolerance of goods.

*Oversaw product development and production process from design to order fulfillment*Entered styles into PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) and uses system to track style-specific tasks that need to be completed to meet development & production deadlines*Communicated with overseas vendors to ensure quality at all stages of development & production *Communicated daily with California and New York based sales executives on sales related tasks *Ensured product packaging and stamping information is correct per customer standards*Handled pre-production and post-production specification approvals*Produced and completed production spec sheets for overseas factories

* Trained and supervised 15+ store team members* Maintained all visual standards of the store and assisted in all shipping and receiving * Insured that all pricing guidelines were in compliance with company standards* Participated and understood all cashiering and cash office functions* Retained payroll control and loss prevention responsibilities

* Managed multiple projects and as a result developed strong organizational skills* Aided in trade show booth construction and facilitated trade shows* Researched competitor information, market opportunities, and trends to drive business* Created company directives for sales associates to help merchandise product* Demonstrated flexibility by traveling around the United States and to China to help fuel sales

* Achieved a 10.8% increase ($357,200) for departments by goal setting with associates, which resulted in a ranking of #3 out of 25 stores * Planned events to promote business try-on events, successful Handbag/Watch Trade in Events, Fit for the Cure Events October 2010 & March 2011* Trained associates on selling skills, product knowledge, and procedures* Ensured all advertised product is merchandised, signed, and communicated to sales associates

* Contributed to increased retail sales through product knowledge & suggestions* Prepared in-store marketing & visual standards to draw customers' attention* Actively promoted an encouraging & cooperative working atmosphere