• Managed the design, merchandising, and production teams for all 9 of Naartjies’ depts, including girls & boys 0-10 yrs, girl tween, baby bedding and décor• Grew retail sales by 250% over 8 years taking the business from start-up phase to a small specialty retailer with 55 stores and rapidly growing ecommerce businesses in US and Canada• Created web only assortments that catered to the unique online customer; managed many of the back-end functions like loading products and managing promotions• Created tops down and bottoms up financial plans with a focus on maximizing sales and GM%• Determined markdown strategy for each season; created and executed all in store and web promotions in order to maximize sales during a very competitive retail environment • Balanced historical analysis with market trends to build compelling assortments that drove bottom line sales and profitability• Directed design team to create trend and market appropriate designs for the USA market from concept to consumer ; strong ability to communicate in a clear and positive manner• Designed and launched a full line of infant bedding and décor on a shoe string budget with no help from the design team• Extensive trend shopping experience in US and overseas; ability to translate today’s trends into compelling baby appropriate styles and collections• Eye for details and ability to identify new and interesting fabrics and trims to elevate the brand• Trained, mentored and managed merchant, production and design teams• Was instrumental in creating and overseeing a production office in the US.• Worked collaboratively with production team on all production approvals, fit approvals, trouble shooting production issues, factory sourcing, cost negotiations and cost engineering