Patrick Heron Email & Phone Number

A 27-store, luxury watch and jewelry retailer operating out of resort locations in the Caribbean, Alaska, and Mexico. Lead all activities related to merchandising, sales, marketing, operations, product development, QA/QC, business planning, internal audit and manufacturing. Improved sales distribution methodologies through defined sales territories, quotas, goals, and comprehensive training programs for over 100 staff members. Assessed marketing potential of new and existing retail locations, considering cost vs. benefit ratios. Key accomplishments included: Consistently achieve 40%+ comparable store sales increase through direct management of merchandising, operations, marketing and sales operations teams. Successfully created, developed and launched 3 proprietary jewelry brands, accounting for more than 30% of Company revenue at a gross margin exceeding 65%. Developed and launched 5-year plan to add 21 new stores in 8 new markets. Established a new “Open to Buy” system to optimize positive cash flow and inventory effectiveness. Initiated “Standards of Excellence” Human Resources program Company-wide.

Premier luxury watch, jewelry, giftware and accessories retailer operating 26 stores (14 markets) in the Caribbean region. Spearheaded overall branding and merchandise strategy deployment/implementation Company-wide, including OTB management for 15 direct report merchants. Established and delivered comprehensive training programs for approximately 400 sales professionals—including visual merchandising, product knowledge, and sales techniques. At the retail store level, formulated all visual guidelines, product displays and packaging. Key accomplishments included: Recognized as Caribbean World Magazine’s “Outstanding Luxury Retail Store Design and Retailer of the Year” – 2004 through 2007 Integral in due diligence leading to the subsequent sale to Tiffany and Co. and its transformation of 24 stores, including repositioning as a premium luxury retailer in the Caribbean duty-free market. Layered in 20% growth of Company sales by introduction of new brands (e.g., COACH, Bentley, Movado, etc.). Boosted gross margins over 15% and increased sales by 25% by launching Private Label brands for fine jewelry accessories and giftware. Successfully negotiated the introduction of the first and only Breitling Boutique in the western hemisphere in Nassau, Bahamas—with first year sales exceeding $3.2M in 700 sq. ft. Initiated and established an online inventory, sales forecasting and replenishment system at all locations for a turnover of $93M annually.

Served in key leadership merchandising role for this preeminent luxury watch retailer. Responsible for the selection, marketing and purchase of merchandise at the most favorable price, consistent with quality, quantify, specifications and other relevant factors. Continuously analyzed and monitored sales records, trends and economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns to predict sales patterns and inventory needs. Spearheaded comprehensive retail sales force training program, including product sales techniques and visual display best practices. Key accomplishments included: Increased the private label strap and accessory business from $300K to over $5M within 7 POS. Shifted the strap business focus, increasing gross margin from 35% to 75%. Successfully managed marketing and merchandising strategy for 32 luxury watch brands (e.g., Breitling, Cartier, Panerai, Omega, etc.). Played a key role in launching the largest (17,000 sf) watch store worldwide in NYC. Partnered with head of IT to develop and roll out inventory case management system and a sales/inventory forecast tool.