Kristin Smrstick

Buyer at Meijer

United States

About

Experience

  • Buyer at Meijer
    Jan 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 7 mos

  • Senior Buyer Women's Apparel at Mason Companies, Inc
    Jun 2021 - Jan 2023 · 1 yr 8 mos

  • JOANN Stores (2 yrs 2 mos)
    • Senior Buyer Jewelry and Craft Textiles
      Jan 2020 - Jun 2021 · 1 yr 6 mos

    • Associate Buyer Craft Textiles
      May 2019 - Jan 2020 · 9 mos

  • Shopko (7 yrs)
    • Senior Buyer/Category Manager Furniture
      Dec 2017 - Apr 2019 · 1 yr 5 mos

      • Manage Furniture, Storage and Organization teams, generating $80M in annual sales across 5 categories of business • Negotiate and build relationships with vendor network of 45+ partners, to maximize profitability • Mentor and develop 3 direct reports to meet individual and team goals • Develop and present in-depth business plans to executive management, showcasing strategy to improve sales, profit and market share • Adept in financial planning and forecasting by utilizing historic and current trends in sales, gross margin and inventory • Direct strategy and communication between cross functional teams, consisting of sourcing, space planning, marketing, e-commerce and inventory analysts

    • Buyer Home Decor
      Jul 2017 - Feb 2018 · 8 mos

      • Achieved sales and gross margin plans for business totaling $30M annually • Identified market trends, evaluated competitors, planned assortments and coordinated end-to-end promotional activities • Planned and analyzed business plans by interpreting key financial metrics, including sales, gross margin and inventory turn • Built and developed strong vendor partnerships • Negotiated costs to optimize profit • Developed private brand candle assortment to penetrate 35% of department volume, while negotiating 6% annual cost of goods reduction

    • Buyer Jewelry & Watches
      Apr 2014 - Jul 2017 · 3 yrs 4 mos

      • Responsible for meeting sales and gross margin plans for business totaling $20M annually • Led team of two direct reports • Negotiated with vendors to achieve results and identify gaps and opportunities • Appointed ‘subject matter expert’ by senior leadership to lead main aisle and end-cap submission and approval process • Grew costume and bridge jewelry 3 consecutive years through updating department to current industry trend • Introduced diamond key item program that drove a 24% increase for Black Friday • Actively engaged and educated stores through live webinars for product introductions and planogram changes • Managed end-to-end packaging development, carded and boxed, for all programs to fit brand expectations and product category

  • Charlotte Russe (5 yrs 10 mos)
    • Manager
      Jul 2009 - May 2012 · 2 yrs 11 mos

      • Effectively track daily, monthly, and yearly sales to ensure financial plans are met • Analyze weekly trends by recognizing opportunities and strengths in marketing, promotions, and merchandise • Manage and develope team • Actively inform team on loss prevention through visual aids, scenarios, and reports

    • Visual Merchandise Manager
      Aug 2006 - Jul 2009 · 3 yrs

      • Lead bi-weekly floor-sets and window updates while using creativity and problem solving skills for merchandise placement • Conduct interviews to increase talent within the team • Maximize selling floor by effectively merchandising fixtures throughout store sections

    • Internship
      Jun 2007 - Aug 2007 · 3 mos

      • Thrive in team setting to demonstrate leadership by mentoring new employees • Contribute as a lead in product training meetings to maximize knowledge of new merchandise • Job shadow Store Manager to gain knowledge on the roles and responsibilities of running the store