Divisional Merchandise Manager
Managed and trained seven category managers as well as 15 other supporting staff members in purchasing department. Held responsibility for buying for the entire chain for categories including Electronics, Batteries, Gift and Phone Cards, Computer Accessories, Picture Frames, Photo Albums, Cameras, Film, Digital Media, Pre-recorded Audio and Video DVDs/CDs, Candy, Groceries, Pet Supplies, Snacks, Cookies and Peanuts. Achieved $3,300,000,000 in sales annually. Developed an imported Sunglass and Reader Glass program for company at extensive cost savings of $1,100,000. Trained several new Category Managers/Assistant Category Managers and support staff to obtain best programs and products from suppliers. Held responsibility for importing merchandise from Asia. Managed Package Design and Product Development. Oversaw Vendor negotiations involving contracts, pricing, cash terms, advertising monies, new item tag monies, defective allowances, guaranteed sales, and store manager marketing seminar monies Developed and built Private Label programs to complement National Brand product lines.Category Manager Responsible for Hallmark, Cameras, Film, Picture Frames, Photo Albums, Sunglasses, Reading Glasses. $1,200,000,000 in sales. Grew categories by 12% annually. Duties included Inventory Management, implementation of an Imported Sunglass and Reading Glass program - over 200 SKUS of each, increasing bottom-line profit by 34%, Vendor Negotiations on product pricing, cash terms, advertising monies, new item tag monies, Marketing Seminar monies over and above monies to support rebate programs, markdown monies, guaranteed sale programs - increased monies brought into the company from vendors by 11% year over year. Other positions held include: Replenishment Buyer, Basic Department Coordinator, Corporate Field Trainer and Store Manager
