Experience

Crane USA

• United States
• Health, Wellness & Fitness
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Key Sales Manager at Crane USA/Crane Baby

  • Apr 2022 - Present



Taylor Brands a Division of Lifetimebrands Inc.

• Oak Brook, Illinois, United States

• Category Manager

  • Sep 2019 - Present

  2020 sales nearly doubled the forecasted budget and with a 65% increase YOY. Provide innovation through development of new concepts, procedures, price- points, packaging, web content, and presentation ideas. Focus on increasing profitability of existing products to developing new products for the company. Familiar with all levels and types of retailers including traditional “Brick and Mortar” as well as ecommerce. Collaborate with internal departments (industrial design, engineering, creative/graphics, program manager) to ensure timelines are on track and relevant information is provided within a timely matter. Provide direct support to the retailer regarding packaging, presentations, and execution, coupled with programs and products innovative enough to deliver better margins for all involved while ensuring placement and support of product(s). Understand and facilitate the supplier's needs for accurate and timely information concerning product design, packaging, samples, regulatory requirements, production requirements and shipping dates. Develop an understanding of the production process and materials used to improve comprehension of how goods are manufactured. Create and maintain price lists, catalog sheets, presentations, and all other sales support material for customers. Visit stores on a regular basis to remain up to date on what competitors are doing and to increase knowledge regarding competitive factors relative to newness, uniqueness, and creativity.



Sears

• United States
• Retail
• 700 & Above Employee

• Buyer of Lawn and Garden

  • Jan 2018 - Sep 2019

  Spearheaded collaborative efforts between buying and inventory manager to drive sales for a $200 Million business. Responsible for product planning and execution throughout the product life cycle. This includes gathering and prioritizing product and customer requirements, defining the product vision, and working closely with design, engineering, customer management support to ensure revenue and customer satisfaction goals are met. Worked with advertising teams to create, deploy, and optimize marketing initiatives for Sears customers. Visited stores to evaluate merchandise mix, observe competition, weigh individual store needs and translate findings into executable product plans. Developed seasonal and annual plans based on market data, extensive competitive analysis, and maximum profit scenarios. Coached the store associates on education of the product and proper selling techniques. Managed an Associate and Assistant Buyer on their development of higher level creative thinking and presentation skills.



Claire's Corporation

• Global Merchandise Buyer for Jewelry and Accessories

  • Nov 2013 - Aug 2017

  Developed, communicated, and drove merchandise strategies for the division that met or exceeded financial goals for $300 Million Jewelry Business in 3,000+ stores in North America and European market. Built impactful, cohesive assortments based on historical, competitive, and current trend data through sourcing and product development while partnering with international and domestic vendors.Collaborated with Planning and and Allocation leaders to set initial pricing strategies, promotional & clearance strategies and tactical plans. Refines and reacted as needed during season to meet competitive pressures and manage inventories.Executed continuous competitor and market analysis by researching various mediums for emerging trends, price points and promotional campaigns. Industry expert regarding competitor trends while executing both a tactical and strategic level to drive selection, sales, and margin growth and manage in-season opportunities or risk.Continually refined the assortment based on quantitative (financial analysis of performance including sales, margins, best sellers, poor performers, and markdowns) and qualitative (customer, store associate feedback) analysis.Partnered with cross functional areas including Planning, Allocation, Design, Marketing and Visual to build strong partnerships, develop strategies, achieve collective goals and foster teamwork.Set goals and expectations. Trained Associate and Assistant Buyers as well as support the team.

• Icing Buyer

  • Aug 2008 - Nov 2013

  Buy, plan and merchandise $100 Million business in order to emphasize the market position of Icing through increased sales and profits.Grew area of responsibility to 50% of sales for Icing brand, delivering 5 years of consecutive increases.Lead product development and sourcing for Fashion Jewelry; traveled to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Qingdao and Korea to work directly with factories.Analyzed business weekly, maintained in-stock position on all items, developed assortment plans, and analyzed trends. Translated them into new styles, maintained knowledge of current market trends and ideas, negotiated with vendors, both domestic and international, for price and delivery.Partnered with Ecommerce Planner on developing the brick and mortar assortment on line and exclusive buys to build top line sales. Developed strong marketing strategies with the team to achieve collective goals and customer loyalty.Collaborated with HR to create and implement Assistant Buyer training program, mentor Assistant and Associate Buyers, inspire team creating an engaging and fun work environment.

• Associate Buyer

  • Oct 2005 - Aug 2008

  Worked independently and directly with Buyer to make proper business decisions based on trends and financial direction.Consistently pushed domestic and international vendors to find lower costs for products while maintaining the intrinsic value of the items.Analyzed sales and data reports to forecast growth throughout the seasons.Partnered with planning teams to maintain proper inventory level and determine markdowns.Developed best selling styles into key volume driving programs to maximize sales.Consistently shopped the competition and worked with the product development teams for new inspirations.

• Assistant Buyer

  • Nov 2001 - Oct 2005