Willie Lambert Email & Phone Number

Freeport, Me

Salt Lake City, Ut

OVERSTOCK.COM, Salt Lake City, UT 2010 – 2011Merchandise Manager, Footwear, Computer, Media and Health and Beauty.Responsible for all merchandising and financial aspects of diverse $171-million division. In addition to the Merchandise Manager role, directly responsible for the Buying of Footwear and Hosiery. Other responsibilities while at Overstock include Merchandise Management of Sports and Outdoor division after joining the company as a Footwear Buyer in August of 2010.

Oversaw operations of a start up Running Specialty Store with $750,000 in yearly revenue. Leadership based on demonstrated ability to lead team of 14 sales associates, foster customer loyalty and work with vendors to carry an exciting mix of merchandise unique to the local market. Full financial responsibility including profit & loss, balance sheets, accounts payable, debt management, and Bank relations. Supervise and work with store team to create and implement high quality customer service model. Manage buying, merchandising and sales promotion through effective management skills.Established event management efforts as Race Director for seven running events annually.Launched a non-profit organization, "Moving Forward, Inc." with an advocacy to promote physical fitness to both adults and children.

Product Development, Line Building and Buying for $260.0 million dollar division reporting to the Senior Vice President of Women's Footwear.

Responsible for line building, buying, and sourcing for a 4,600-store, $270-million Footwear Division. Reported to Senior Vice-President for Women's Footwear while accountable for 2 Buyers and 1 Administrative Assistant. Directed sales planning, vendor sourcing, inventory control, gross margins, and turns.Led cross-functional teams of 15 associates in development of 12 unique customer-focused assortments four times per year. Increased both sales and margins three years in a row.Attractively set up merchandise to brighten up store environment and entice customers to buy products. Ensured neatness and orderliness throughout the department.Conducted various business travels within Europe and Asia to promote product lines. Improved margins through growth of direct sourcing. Worked closely with Taipei office to grow direct business to over 40% of total.

Directed all business operations for 29 Payless/Shop-Ko stores in Minneapolis area. Reported to Director of Retail Operations while accountable for 29 Store Managers. Managed all fiscal responsibilities; prepared and reviewed all budgets. Developed and implemented comprehensive sales programs. Analyzed market trends and oversaw merchandising and store layout.Implemented "New Store Within A Store" concept for Payless within Shop-Ko Stores, and opened 14 stores in 90 days.Contributed in implementation of new customer service model within various store locations.

Buyer, Men's Dress and Casuals/Skate ShoesDirected line building, buying, and sourcing for a 4,600-store, $200-million Footwear Department. Reported to Senior Vice-President for Men's Footwear while accountable for 1 Associate Buyer and 1 Administrative Assistant. Coordinated with internal support teams and outside agents. Managed sales planning, vendor sourcing, inventory control, gross margins, and turns. Utilized re-focused assortment strategies in improving product lines in comparison with competitors.Conducted various business travels within Asia to promote product lines.Established business efforts to improve efficiency and quality of existing factory base through implementing effective sourcing techniques, production management and quality control.

Responsible for business activities including sales and inventory performance for a $24-million, 8-store Capital Region. Reported to Vice-President and Regional General Manager while accountable for 5 Buyers. Oversaw implementation of famous 'Nordstrom level' of customer service. Established efforts to achieve goals through leading relationships between buying team and vendor base.Coordinated with Buyers on product selection and inventory control, resulting in a decreased markdown and increased gross margin in a span of two years.Executed product development by implementing Private Label programs to raise mark-up and increase sales volume.

Supervised all aspects of retail operations, including inventory control, vendor sourcing, product mix, profit margins, and customer service. Managed opening of Pentagon City, a $5-million Shoe Department, from initial site selection to store stock levels, staffing requirements and grand-opening events.Led and developed a crew of 16 associates.Directed all operations of Tyson's Corner, a $6-million Shoe Department, including stock levels, merchandising, and floor logistics, and generated $260,000 in personal sales.Worked collaboratively with vendors to reposition product mix in addressing the needs of a culturally diverse base.Implemented employee training on providing 100% customer service to ensure long-time customer loyalty and securing future sales. Awarded 7x in two years as Department of the Month for outstanding sales performance.