John Stapleton

Merchandise Buying Director

Greater Melbourne Area

About

A commercially focused, highly skilled and experienced Senior Retail Executive. Demonstrated track record of success in strategic business alignment, delivering sales growth, budget and cost management, enhancing continued EBIT and business growth. Extensive experience across multiple channels in both retail and wholesale businesses which include FMCG, Beauty and Health, Fashion & Lifestyle, General Merchandise and Consumables market sectors. Senior merchandise leadership experience in developing, initiating and implementing business strategies including range and product assortments, new category growth opportunities, private brand development and overseas and local product sourcing. Able to determine effective buying and merchandising strategies on a national scale to support space and range optimisation and promotional effectiveness. Enhances the customer experience through innovative merchandising strategies, delivering value, consistency of execution, differentiated marketing programs and sourcing of the latest trends. Proven leadership skills in successfully building and developing high performing teams to achieve the desired results. Demonstrated change management experience and support, particularly in environments of significant change and growth. Highly skilled in negotiation of product margins, product exclusives and supplier trading terms together with a proven history of building business growth through collaboration, planning and aligned business priorities. Driven to achieve ambitious targets and required financial results through a highly disciplined approach to KPI delivery. A seasoned Senior Retail Executive with significant cross functional experience across Merchandise Buying, Merchandise Planning, Retail Operations, Marketing and Supply Chain.

Experience

  • National Buying Director at Priceline Australia,Priceline Pharmacy, (API)
    May 2012 - Oct 2014 · 2 yrs 6 mos

    Australia's leading Beauty and Health Retailer Incorporating Retail Brands: Priceline Priceline Pharmacy Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API) Incorporating Retail Brands: Soul Pattinson Pharmacist Advice Wholesale Buying for API Distribution Network

  • General Manager at Priceline Australia
    Oct 2006 - May 2012 · 5 yrs 8 mos

    Priceline and Priceline Australia is Australia's leading Beauty and Health retailer with over 400 stores

  • General Manager - Merchandise Buying and Planning at New Clicks/New Price Retail/Australian Pharmaceutical Industries
    Feb 2003 - Nov 2006 · 3 yrs 10 mos

    Incorporating Retail Brands: Priceline Priceline Pharmacy Soul Pattinson Pharmacist Advice House Price Attack Wholesale Buying for API

  • Kmart Australia Limited ()
    • Divisional Merchandise Manager - Home
      Feb 2002 - Dec 2002 · 11 mos

      Kmart Australia is a Discount Department Store (DDS) and is part of the Coles Myer Group. Home Group - Home Textiles, Kitchen Housewares, Electrical Appliances

    • Business Manager
      Aug 1998 - Feb 2002 · 3 yrs 7 mos

      Kmart Australia is a Discount Department Store (DDS) and is part of the Coles Myer Group. Held various Business Manager roles at Kmart covering - Auto, DIY, Outdoor Living, Home Office, Seasonal, Consumables and Fashion Accessories.