MARIA I. RENTERIA

**** ** ***** ** ■ N. Miami Beach, FL ■ 617-***-**** ■ mgmz16@r.postjobfree.com

SUMMARY

Accomplished Merchant Professional with experience in buying, merchandising, and product development experience; strong negotiating, analytical, planning, and forecasting skills; highly competitive self-starter, with a true passion for the business.

CAPABILITIES

New Product Development Excellent Negotiating Skills

Quality Team Member Cultivates First-Rate Relationships

Proven Leadership Ability Experienced Trainer and Facilitator

SELECTED CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS

• Achieved 14.5% on average consistent sales increase to last year (Quick Weight Loss)

• Grew weekly client traffic to 50+ per week (Quick Weight Loss)

• Sold 80% of all program consultations at a rate of $698.00 (Quick Weight Loss)

• Developed private label programs in sandals, bra pads, hats, cover-ups and dresses (Swim ‘N Sport)

• Negotiated all cost directly with vendors and consistently achieved 70% mark-up (Swim ‘N Sport)

• Created new packaging for Bra Pad, woven labels and hang tags (Swim ‘N Sport)

• Increase sales by 50% in dresses and cover-ups (Swim ‘N Sport)

• Changed sunglass assortment vendors, increase retails, increased sales by 20% (Swim ‘N Sport)

• Coordination and layout of Refine Sportswear Catalog (Talbots)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Quick Weight Loss Center, Miami, Florida – 14 Centers Aug 2009 – present

Manager (Dec 2009-Present)

• Drive weekly sales and generate traffic

• Analyze sales and develop strategies for new business

• Develop and train staff in all facets of the business

• Problem solve with clients and assist them to achieve their goals

• Manage centers financial reports and commissions

Assistant Manager (Nov 2009-Dec 2009)

• Assist in driving weekly sales goals and generating traffic

• Implement strategies for new business

• Assist manager with all sales reports

• Counsel clients and assist them to achieve their goals

• Present nutritional classes to new clients

• Counsel clients during their program

Counselor (Aug 2009-Oct 2009)

• Counsel and encourage clients during their program

• Strategies with clients to help them achieve their goal

• Make program corrections to clients programs

• Present nutritional classes to all new clients

• Assure clients have all necessary products for their program

Swim ‘N Sport Inc., Miami, Florida – 50 Stores 2006 –2009

Buyer – Sportswear & Accessories - annual business of $20 million

• Weekly Sales Analysis of prior week’s business

• Analyzed sales by vendor to determine and project re-orders

• Negotiated all costs, discounts, terms and deliveries with vendors

• Analyzed sales performance to determine markdowns to maximize sales

• Analyzed and adjusted store distribution based on sales trend

• Implemented weekly transfers, consolidation and markdowns to maximize sales.

• Sourced vendors for all new product and product development for private label

• Developed beneficial vendor relationships

• Developed seasonal assortment, business strategies and goals for each year

• Supervised and mentored assistant buyer

May Company, Filene’s/ Kaufmann’s Division, Boston, MA – 102 Stores 2004 - 2006

Associate Buyer - Moderate Career Dresses – annual business of $29 million

• Weekly open to buy reconciliation

• Analyzed and adjusted store distribution. Ensured timely delivery of merchandise through consistent communication and follow-up with vendors and distribution center.

• Managed and projected markdowns and daily sale projections.

• Manipulated spreadsheets and reports to complete thorough business analysis. Analyzed sales performance and made recommendations to maximize sales.

• Obtained samples and presented advertisement turn-ins.

• Implemented weekly POS markdowns and permanent markdowns

• Negotiated vendor terms and Ad co-op for advertising

Talbots Inc. Hingham, MA – 600 Stores 1999 - 2004

Assistant Buyer- (2002-2004) Catalog Refined Sportswear – annual business of $71 million

• Created and presented an assortment review of 22 annual catalogs

• Researched and compiled quarterly bestseller reports

• Projected a seasonal financial analysis based on current business trends and previous year history

• Final proof, edit and review of each individual annual catalog

• Responsible for tracking all samples for catalog model and flat layouts

• Provided training and support to all newly hired assistant buyers

Assistant Buyer-(2000-2002) Jewelry, Fashion Accessories & Hosiery – annual business of $40 million

• Balanced monthly Open to Buy reconciliation for each department

• Recapped best and slow sellers through a quarterly analysis report

• Forecasted next year sales based on current year and last year actuals

• Collaborated with vendors to develop products for Talbots stores

• Responsible for all jewelry store merchandising and photography

Merchandise Analyst – (1999-2000) Missy Refined Sportswear and Collection

• Developed distribution strategies and allocation for 400 stores

• Prepared quarterly Assortment Reviews; planned and allocated merchandise for New Stores

• Provided stores with Consolidation recommendations for the best selling items

• Determined volume groups and provided analysis to support buyers during Financial Planning

• Trained all new hire merchandise analyst

Saks Incorporated, Bal Harbour FL and Boston, MA – 53 Stores 1996-1999

Merchandise Administrator

• Maintained all store transfers, consolidations, special orders, RTV’s and price change documents

• Participated in planning all clinics, seminars, fashions shows, trunk shows and focus days

• Maintained net sales reports

• Responsible for staff scheduling

EDUCATION, COMPUTER SKILLS AND LANGUAGES

Northeastern University, Boston, MA - Early Childhood Education/Psychology

Harvard University, Cambridge, MA - Business Courses

Proficient in all Microsoft Office; Excel, and Word, PowerPoint, Lotus Notes, Outlook, Fluent in Spanish

References furnished upon request

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