Steven Anne Email & Phone Number

Arlington Heights, Illinois, United States

Northbrook, IL

Category Manager for Toys, Art, Children's Publishing, Plush, Playing Cards, Games, Spring/Summer Toys, and Licensing for 8,000 Walgreens locations.Responsible for all Toys (including action figures, dolls, infant/preschool, construction, role play, learning toys, vehicles, outdoor play, sports toys, youth electronics, etc.), Children’s Publishing.

Deerfield, IL

Managed two full Category Manager desks. In addition to managing the Direct to License Program, also solely managed the third largest vendor of Walgreens (Hallmark) in sales and the second largest vendor in gross profit. Managed 5% of the company's front end gross profit dollars. Was able to hold sales in many stores where space had been cut between 1/3.

Worked with Category Managers, Licensors, and manufacturers to come up with industry best, exclusive licensed products at prices no other retailer has been able to attain by having Walgreens act as the licensee rather than depending on current licensees. Walgreens is now one of Disney's top ten licensees and has the most all-encompassing contract of any.

Utilized Business Planning to constantly be in the Top 5 categories versus plan on a monthly basis. Negotiated pricing on commodity Back to School merchandise so that Walgreens saved between 3% and 15% on various "must haves" for 2010. By using Ad Planning, increased incremental sales vs. prior year in ad spots, creating a better roto for Walgreens. Made.

Increased propane sales by an average of 30% each week for two years by aggressively pursuing new opportunities in the business and negotiating prices. During this time, propane share for drug increased double digits while mass accounts and home improvement stores both lost share. Increased Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Easter, and Holiday fresh flower.

Took on added responsibilities normally reserved for an Assistant Category Manager including creating and implementing new Private Brands (24/7 Energy Drink, Deerfield Trading Company Premium Soda, and Iceland Pure Premium Spring Water), creating planograms, negotiating with vendors, and making product decisions all while exceeding goals as a replenishment.

Supervised 100-200 people: held one-on-one meetings with employees focusing on individual performance. Facilitated daily team meetings to communicate local and company issues. Worked with a diverse staff from all parts of the world and strengthened teamwork skills within our cast. Event Planning: Responsible for creating, promoting, and maintaining.