New York, New York, United States
As a highly accomplished and results-oriented professional, I have a great track record of creating and implementing successful sales strategies, selecting appropriate product lines, and managing inventory levels. Additionally, I have acquired vast experience in determining pricing and merchandising activities that elevate the company's visibility in order to meet its objectives. My expertise also extends to the efficient utilization of analytical tools to measure the performance of products and identify emerging trends to improve sales and maximize profitability. Additionally, I am exceptionally well-versed in determining appropriate stock levels, anticipating market fluctuations, establishing stock control procedures to manage surplus stock, and enhancing in-store and online customer experiences through creative displays and effective presentation techniques. Furthermore, I have demonstrated a remarkable capacity to ensure that products comply with industry standards and support sustainability guidelines. Further, my areas of expertise are the following: • Project Management • Budget and Sales Planning • P&L Management • Retail Performance Presentations • Market Trend Analysis • Strategic Planning & Execution • Regulatory Compliance • Revenue Optimization • Brand Performance Improvement • Team Building & Leadership • Merchandising Strategy Execution • Cross-Functional Collaboration
Orchestrated cross-functional collaboration with design, production, and marketing teams. Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to optimize product selection and maximize profitability. Led development and execution of creative visual merchandising displays, enhancing in-store and online customer experiences to drive increased foot traffic and online engagement. The following are my renowned contributions: ❖ Appointed by President to spearhead buying and visual merchandising team in support of company's strategic expansion, evolution, and brand elevation following triple-digit growth in 2021. ❖Oversaw $500M retail store and eCommerce operation encompassing Men’s and Women’s full category collections, Home, Children’s, and Jeans Collections. ❖ Achieved double-digit growth in 2022 for Women’s Ready-to-Wear and Leather Goods through inventory management and precise visual merchandising strategies. ❖ Spearheaded vendor negotiations and supplier relationships, resulting in cost savings and improved product quality across multiple categories.
I pride myself on providing excellent service for managing all trade-related projects and overseeing the NYC Showroom/Retail Flagship . Utilizing my project management, sales, and customer service capabilities, I was able to effectively manage and improve a wide range of product categories, including furniture, fabric, wallpaper, and home accessories. By ensuring first-rate execution for clients and the brand, I achieved company sales and growth projections. Some of my key accomplishments associated with this job role include: ❖ Oversaw wholesale/trade and retail operations on interim basis for North American business valued at $50M.
As Director of Merchandising, I managed a six-person team and drove an annual turnover of $100M in Ready to Wear, Accessories, and Licensed Products for Directly Managed Retail and Concessions. I achieved high success in this role by tapping into market trends and consumer needs, allowing me to develop the business continuously. Moreover, I worked closely with key stakeholders including store managers, visual merchandisers, planners, retail directors, logistics personnel, licensed partners, and headquarters to build a successful business. Management and growth of Licensed Products for Giorgio Armani and Emporio Armani included L'Oreal Fragrances and Beauty, Luxottica Sunglasses, Fossil Watches and Jewelry, and Venchi Dolci. My key highlights in this role include: ❖ Selected for the role in the retail sector by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and General Merchandise Manager (GMM) based on achievements in the wholesale division. ❖ Accomplished double-digit increase in RTW sales volume and triple-digit growth in active wear through investment minimization, an agglomerated selection, enlarged range of products, and top-line sales surge. ❖ Achieved remarkable volume increases in historically tailored clothing driven brand: Denim +34%, T-Shirts +42%, Jersey wear +89%, and Sneakers +35% in first year. ❖ Established highly effective replenishment program in close collaboration with headquarters for RTW and Leather Accessories, resulting in 35% increase in sales during the inaugural season.
Led Emporio Armani wholesale division with strategic vision and fostered strong relationships with key partners to amplify brand presence and drive sales growth. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment of product assortments with brand's identity, resulting in enhanced marketability and demand among wholesale clients. My signature achievements were the following: ❖ Spearheaded negotiations with wholesale clients to secure favorable terms, promotions, and exclusives, bolstering Emporio Armani's positioning within competitive wholesale market. ❖ Pioneered development of strategic selling approach following introduction of Emporio Armani brand to wholesale distribution for two seasons, focusing on key department store clients. ❖ Drove 80% increase in men's Ready-to-Wear sales in first year at Saks Fifth Avenue through initiatives such as SKU reduction, establishment of suit replenishment program, and successful launch of activewear in NYC flagship. ❖ Executed successful expansion of activewear line, extending to 20 locations and realizing astounding 3000% increase in sales volume.
As the lead for the men's wholesale business , I managed major department store and specialty store accounts. I was responsible for creating post-market, end-of-season, and trend recaps which enabled me to make adjustments to the product offering. I cultivated lasting partnerships with senior management at Barney’s, Holt Renfrew, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Additionally, I spearheaded the full DSA and Intern Program. My key successes during this role were: ❖ Achieved 15% growth in Linea Rossa men's sportswear business, resulting in $35M business with 90 retail outlets over three seasons. ❖ Boosted sales of men's accessories division by 25% in two seasons to maintain continuous growth.
I collaborated closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, creative, and technical departments, to deliver integrated solutions that met client goals during brand launch. I identified and resolved issues or conflicts promptly, maintaining a positive client experience and project momentum. Some of my key accomplishments associated with this job role include: ❖ Initiated and oversaw contemporary sportswear collections for both men and women, catering to global department stores and specialty retailers. ❖ Enhanced the growth of the women's designer business, Lagerfeld Gallery, by implementing strategic initiatives.