Iris H. Schnee ac3ik3@r.postjobfree.com

*** ******** *****, ******, ** 07430 Cell: 201-***-****, Home: 201-***-****

Profile

Senior Retail Buyer whose extensive experience spans regular, off-price, and e-commerce purchasing, planning, and merchandising of women’s activewear and legwear for a department store chain and a large specialty store chain. Known as an energetic, forward-thinking team player with a flair for color, design, and display. Excels in partnering with vendors to identify emerging trends. Expertise encompasses:

Inventory Control ~ Assortment Planning ~ Sales Forecasting ~ Pricing ~ Vendor Relations ~ Negotiations

Market Trend & Competitive Analysis ~ Relationship Building ~ Staff Training & Development

Product & Package Development ~ Private Labeling ~ Visual Merchandising ~ Promotions

Career Track

Century 21 Department Stores New York, NY

Senior Buyer – Women’s Legwear, Active Apparel, and Accessories 1996 to 2016

Managed a team of four employees. Served as buyer for in-line and close-out merchandise. Analyzed market trends to determine buying needs and define product assortment. Selected merchandise to fulfill retail market demand. Established and developed business relationships with vendors, collaborating and maintaining open lines of communication.

Delivered a 7% increase in gross margin.

Earned recognition as an effective negotiator, supporting company goals to provide customers with designer and branded merchandise at the best possible value.

Played an instrumental role in the company being named by New York Metro Newspaper ‘The Best of 2012’ in retail and fashion as well as the best store for affordable and stylish hosiery.

Exceeded target goals for opening eight stores and an e-commerce site with a well-rounded assortment of designer and branded legwear and active wear.

Continually expanded the roster of designer and branded merchandise.

Petrie Retail, Inc. Secaucus, NJ

Vice President/Buyer – Junior and Plus Size Legwear Prior to 1996

Managed a team of three employees. Conducted comprehensive analyses of trend and market information; utilized findings to plan regional purchases. Initiated and maintained new vendor contacts. Traveled to stores and identified program needs based on regional trends. Tracked sales levels to calculate requirements for product volume, replenishment, and allocation.

Held buying responsibility for 1,000+ stores throughout the US and the Caribbean.

Designed and implemented an effective unbranded legwear program.

Conceptualized an innovative new strategy for package development.

Collaborated with manufacturers to develop numerous new products.

Formulated effective pricing to meet market demand.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Textiles and Apparel, Concentration in Fashion Merchandising, University of Maryland, College Park, MD

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