Experience

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  Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crfts

  • Hudson, Ohio

  • Corp Buyer

    • 2015 - Feb 2017
    • Hudson, Ohio

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  Things Remembered

  • Cleveland/Akron, Ohio Area

  • Director of Merchandising

    • 2007 - 2014
    • Cleveland/Akron, Ohio Area

    Director of Merchandising for Women's Jewelry / Accessories / Specialty ItemsServed as a critical member of the management team; drove product strategy to maximize the brand proposition. Successfully managed the sterling market in jewelry by increasing margins by 7 points while the cost of sterling reached an all-time high. Achieved by creative design, product mix and innovative marketing programs to encourage increased transactions. Identified a new promotional item that produced over $4M in the first year. Continued to produce incremental sales each year. Established and managed tools for all merchants: set QC Standards: standardized packing guidelines; created analytical tools for floor sets that provided three years at a glance; implemented the import defective program to encourage high QC standards; and designed selling kits for stores to establish a seamless selling experience between merchants, stores and customers.

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  Big Lots

  • Columbus, Ohio Area

  • Senior Buyer

    • 2003 - 2007
    • Columbus, Ohio Area

    Senior Buyer for Home Décor / Candles / Wall Décor / FramesDrove sales from $125M to $155M in 3 years by maximizing new and underdeveloped business by focusing on key items and creating a dynamic product mix of basic to fashion merchandise. Facilitated the combination of closeouts, branded product, private label and global sourcing to maximize sales ($30M growth) and profitability (increased gross margin by 2.1 points). Mentored management trainees and assistant buyers. Worked with HR to standardize protocols.

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  Cost Plus World Market

  • Oakland, California

  • Senior Buyer

    • 2001 - 2003
    • Oakland, California

    Senior Buyer for Cookware / Gadgets / Pantryware / Specialty Collections / Barware Re-invented international product and culture into items for the US market by creative marketing.Identified barware and wine accessories class as a key growth opportunity and in 18 months this class was designated as a department. Initial sales increased from $1M to $5M.

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  Homeplace of America Inc. (Stores closed in 2001)

  • Mrtle Beach, South Carolina

  • Senior Buyer

    • 1998 - 2001
    • Mrtle Beach, South Carolina

    Senior Buyer for Gourmet Food / Candy / Cookware / Gadgets / Storage / Pantryware Secured exclusive introductions in key categories from branded vendors for Homeplace to set the store apart from other retailers.Awarded special recognition by Meyer Corp. for creative marketing. Cookware business grew 30%, driven by dynamic marketing. Meyer utilized the marketing to impact other retailers.

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  Mercantile Stores Company Inc., Fairfield, OH (operation sold in 1998)

  • Fairfield, Ohio

  • Corporate Buyer

    • 1996 - 1998
    • Fairfield, Ohio

    Corporate Buyer for Outdoor Furniture & Appliances / Seasonal Acrylics / Floor Care / Tabletop Kitchen Appliances / Personal Care / Cookware / Gourmet Food - CandyDeveloped a private label program (Market Centre) that impacted overall areas of business, store apparel, packaging, signage and video support materials for in-store marketing. Collaborated on new floor plans to maximize sales-per-square foot productivity. Included fixtures, colors and recommended materials. Coordinated 13 department stores’ (five divisions) corporate marketing and global sourcing for all stores

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  Proffitt's Inc. - Southern Based Department Store

  • Jackson, Mississippi Area

  • Buyer

    • 1989 - 1996
    • Jackson, Mississippi Area

    Buyer for Lifestyle Furniture - RTA / Cookware / Kitchen Appliances / Personal Care Served as a liaison with the Atkins sourcing organization and the coordination of shared marketing with a number of member organizations. Selected as committee member to develop new systems for merchandising area. Presented recommendations to management based on cost and benefit analysis.

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  Federated Dept. Stores - Lazarus

  • Cincinnati, Ohio Area

  • Buyer

    • 1983 - 1989
    • Cincinnati, Ohio Area

    Buyer for Kitchen / Personal Care & Outdoor/Seasonal Appliances (1985-1989)Associate Buyer for Children's & Men's Athletic Shoes (1984-1985)Assistant Buyer for Kitchen Appliances (1983-1984)Corporate team member, responsible for the development of corporate programs, obtaining additional marketing funds, securing incremental dating and discounts, and partnership with branded vendors to provide exclusive products for all Federated stores.Managed special store events that included; product demonstrations, celebrity appearances, and corporate contests. Developed media packages, in store marketing, and timing-action calendars

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  Joanns Fabrics

  • Corp Buyer

    • 1915 - 1917