Experience

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  Self-employed

  • Campus Store Consultant

    • Jul 2021 - Present

    Author of popular collegiate merchandise trends in semi-annual Paula's Picks reviews and Facebook posts. Assortment planning, visual merchandising & space optimization, buyer and merchandiser coaching, business operations analysis including margin, turn, and SKU optimization.

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  Independent College Bookstore Association (ICBA)

  • Greater Chicago Area

  • Vice President Programs & Services

    • Jun 2017 - Jul 2021
    • Greater Chicago Area

    Enhancing opportunities for 200+ Member stores (independent institutionally-affiliated campus stores) and vendor partners through ICBA programs and services. Author and presenter of ICBA Trend Chats, featuring what's hot in the campus store marketplace.

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  Connect2One

  • Vice President Retail Services

    • Aug 2013 - May 2017

    Paula Haerr is recognized as one of the leading experts on products and merchandising in the college bookstore industry. From a career that began in the mid-70’s as a buyer at the University of Cincinnati Bookstores, Paula’s knowledge of the channel has made her a frequent speaker at national, state and regional events. A self described “professional shopper,” Paula shares her insider tips on the latest trends in retailing in the semi-annual What's Hot report and Paula's Picks awards online www.connect2one.com. Paula is a staunch advocate for independent self-op college store management and has provided consulting services to independent stores seeking best practices guidance.

  • Associate Executive Director

    • Jun 2005 - Jul 2013

    As associate executive director of the Connect2One buying group, Paula Haerr is recognized as one of the leading experts on products and merchandising in the college bookstore industry. From a career that began in the mid-70’s as a buyer at the University of Cincinnati Bookstores, Paula’s knowledge of the channel has made her a frequent speaker at national, state and regional events. A self described “professional shopper,” Paula shares her insider tips on the latest trends in retailing in the semi-annual What's Hot report, Paula's Picks awards and online at paulaspicksatconnect2one.blogspot.com.

  • Program Manager

    • Mar 1998 - Jun 2005

    Developed, negotiated and communicated programs in supply categories - school & office, art, tech products, store operations - with 60+ vendors. Created "Paula's Picks" to market key products and influence program participation.

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  UC Bookstores

  • Senior Buyer, General Merchandise Department Manager

    • Apr 1976 - Feb 1998

    Buyer for multi-store locations for school & office supplies, art supplies, health sciences, consumer electronics, computer hardware and software. Merchandise planning, store layouts, coordinator for all print advertising and promotions.