LAURA RALSTON (SLEJKO)

** ***** ***** ****, ******** Woods, IL 60047-9121

Tel: 847-***-**** Cell: 847-***-****

abni3h@r.postjobfree.com

www.linkedin.com/in/lauraralstonslejko

SENIOR EXECUTIVE – RETAIL AND WHOLESALE CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Retail and Wholesale industry experience with proven ability to position organizations for increased revenue and

profitability in competitive markets. Able to employ innovative solutions within business models and

understands/utilizes the ‘power of culture’ to build and align teams committed to achieving business objectives.

Additional expertise includes:

• Business Model Strategy in Multiple Industries

• Fortune 500 Multi-Store Operations

• Wholesale and Specialty Store

• Managing Sales and Key Accounts

• Marketing & Brand Strategy

• Product Development and International Sourcing

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND CORE COMPETENCIES

• STRATEGIC BUSINESS MODEL: Created a merchandise, brand and marketing strategy for

Sears resulting in a $30M increase in sales, $14.5M increase in margin, reduced inventory and

higher turns.

• P&L RESPONSIBILITIES: Managed $560M division of Sears Intimate Apparel.

• LEADERSHIP AND CULTURE: Motivated and trained teams to engage use of strategic

planning, financial and decision making tools. Create strong partnerships with customers.

• E-COMMERCE: Created and launched e-commerce strategy for Club Libby Lu.

• MARKETING: Executed printed brochures, mailers, catalogs, signing, packaging and displays

for both retail and wholesale businesses.

• INNOVATION: Developed and implemented exclusive licensed and proprietary branded multi-

category product lines, marketing and in-store experiences for Club Libby Lu.

• ENTREPRENEUR: Pioneered, led development and sales strategy for new girl’s sleepwear

division at Richard Leeds International.

• BRAND AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT: Successfully led R&D, design and all phases of

executing product in multiple categories: Apparel, Accessories, Costume Jewelry, Footwear,

Cosmetics, Room Décor, Gifts, Stationary, Luggage, Toys, Electronics and Candy.

• INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE: Shopped, developed product, sourced, and negotiated

multi-million dollar transactions with manufactures in over 24 countries.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

CLUB LIBBY LU (Saks, Incorporated), Chicago, IL 2006 - 2009

Vice President, DMM of Merchandising and Product Development

Led a merchant and product team of 10 in the creation and execution of exclusive brands, unique products and in

store experiences for 98-store national specialty chain. Owned P&L for a $35M multi-category business.

• Realized a 20% comparable store sales increase and a 400 basis point gross margin increase in 2007

through a more innovative and focused target-right product mix.

• Created exclusive product lines, direct mail pieces and in store launches for key tween properties.

Built a strong partnership with Disney Consumer Products and Music divisions to develop unique

experiences and products.

• Launched a new E-Commerce merchandise strategy to establish direct mail as a product revenue

channel. Executed quarterly mailers for new product launches and Holiday Catalog.

SEARS HOLDINGS CORPORATION, Hoffman Estates, IL 2005 -2006

Director of Merchandising – Soft lines – Sears Essentials and Sears Grand

Created and directed implementation of strategic merchandising plans for off the mall new format stores.

Developed unique assortments, presentation standards and marketing integrating the best of Sears and Kmart.

• Developed a “Store within Store” model with Lands End across multiple merchandise categories,

resulting in a 10% increase over plan in first three months.

• Conducted marketplace and space analysis and targeted assortments to regional demographics for 8

new test concept Sears Essentials stores.

• Led the strategic planning and execution of innovative new store layouts, merchandise presentation,

graphics, signing and marketing.

RICHARD LEEDS INTERNATIONAL, New York, NY, 2001 – 2005

Vice President of Sales and Merchandising

Directed and implemented sales and merchandising strategy and developed product lines for Richard Leeds

International, a manufacturer of women’s, girl’s and men’s sleepwear, loungewear and daywear.

• Created unique key item branding strategies for each major account that increased sales revenue

by 48% and gross profit by 42%.

• Managed sales and financial plans by account.

• Maintained strong partnerships with key accounts to achieve sales and profit goals.

• Developed product and launched new businesses – daywear and girl’s sleepwear.

SEARS, ROEBUCK & COMPANY, Hoffman Estates, IL, 1994 – 2001

Divisional Merchandise Manager – Intimate Apparel, 1999 – 2001

Managed merchandise strategy, financial and marketing plans for a $560 million Intimate Apparel business in 850

stores; 24+ direct and indirect reports.

• Executed strategic plans to increase National Brand dominance resulting in a $6.5 million increase

in revenue.

• Devised and coordinated private brand strategy creating a focused, easy-to-shop department by

reducing assortment 45%.

• Instrumental in improving relationships with key vendors, resulting in better product assortments,

terms and pricing.

Buyer – Sleepwear, 1994 – 1999

Responsible for line structure, domestic & import sourcing and buying, product development, marketing, sales and

profit of $145 million sleepwear, loungewear and robe department

• Increased sales by $30 million and gross margin by $14.5 million while consistently meeting or

exceeding annual sales, profit and turnover goals.

• Upgraded quality and styling by developing, sourcing and negotiating exclusive products through

domestic manufacturers and direct import programs.

• Received Apparel Buyer of the Year award in 1996.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

MONTGOMERY WARD, Chicago, IL, Buyer – Sleepwear.

Fashion Director – Intimate Apparel and Accessories

UNIFORMS TO YOU, Chicago, IL, Director – Merchandising and Promotions

ABRAHAM AND STRAUS, Brooklyn, NY, Fashion Director – Intimate Apparel, Accessories and Shoes

HONEY BEE, New York, NY, Buyer – Contemporary Sportswear and Accessories

AUGUST MAX, New York, NY, Regional Manager East Coast,

Buyer – Contemporary Sportswear and Accessories

ABRAHAM AND STRAUS, Brooklyn, NY, Associate Buyer, Department Manager and Assistant Buyer.

EDUCATION

TOBE COBURN, New York, NY HARPER COLLEGE, Palatine IL

A.O.S. Fashion Merchandising A.A.S. Fashion Design

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