Buyer

NIKI ATHANASAKOS

*** ****** ***** **-*******, Quebec H4M 1Y5

Home: 514-***-**** Cell: 514-***-****

PROFILE

Experienced Buyer and Product Manager with a unique combination of creative, technical and financial knowledge.

Dynamic motivator and problem-solver with excellent organizational and analytical skills in prioritizing tasks and project

coordination. Proven communication skills and ability to motivate team.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Purchasing - contract negotiations Computer Skills – Excel,Word&Outlook

Financial Management - budget control Strategic Communications – customer relations

Inventory Control – purchase order preparation Personnel Administration- training, coaching &

development

Strategic Business Development- financial

Market Analysis & Sourcing

forecasting

Analysis &Reporting – sales evaluation

Research and Development

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Danawares August 2013 - Present

Category Manager : Accessories & Toys

Creating and executing a seasonal product line based on market research and trends.

Sourcing product with existing overseas vendors while developing new opportunities.

Managing all aspects of product development process; costing, testing, factory registration, packaging,

development of art and seasonal catalogues.

Executing and managing all compliances and regulations set by Licensors.

Managing timelines from conception to final product in accordance with Art and Sales Department while working

closely with Sourcing Manager.

Lindor Inc. 2006 - 2012

Buyer : Sportswear/Accessories

Buying of all sportswear and accessories with a purchasing budget of $ 20 million.

Built collections and tailored merchandise mix to the needs of a new target customer by introducing new product

and sourcing new vendors.

Managed departments by controlling open to buy, inventory levels, and markdowns that maximized Gross Profit

dollars.

Established and implemented assortment plan based on strategy, financial forecasting and resource evaluation of

the market and competition.

Capitalized on opportunity to grow casual business by developing and sourcing Denim business.

Introduced promotional Key Item business in accessories to promote and increase UPT’s, while maintaining GP

and increasing sales.

Sears Canada 2003 -2006

Product Manager : Jessica Brand - Retail and Catalogue

Developed and planned exclusive product while managing time and action calendars from conception to final

product in collaboration with three departments.

Created and presented concept boards, themes and key items to buying department.

Executed and coordinated Bill of Material by style to overseas buying office while coordinating all related

functions with CAD Designers and Technical Analysts.

Created new hangtags and labels to reflect the new brand identity and ensure consistency in the brand in order to

attract a new target customer.

Elevated a superior quality of product while decreasing costs thru strong negotiations with key vendors.

Increased GP – thru focused key item business and implemented powerful promotional strategies to achieve

financial objectives.

D'allaird, Comark Canada 1999 - 2003

Product Merchandiser : Sportswear

Developed and merchandised seasonal collection from concept to final product while providing guidelines on

brand's direction in terms of fabric, color and silhouettes.

Directed two Sourcing Buyers with an annual purchasing budget of $ 35 million.

Implemented a brand identity in conjunction with marketing and visual departments.

Ensured productive and cost efficient market trips by purchasing samples and identifying important trends.

Developed and implemented new promotional strategy by creating key item business at competitive price points,

while maintaining a markup of 64 %.

Raised the overall mark up to 70 % through a shift of business from domestic purchasing to working with a

C.M.T. process and with Li & Fung as direct importers.

Addition Elle, Shirmax 1995 - 1999

Buyer : Knitwear/Blouses/Accessories

Buying of all knitwear, blouses and accessories with a purchasing budget of $ 22 million.

Training of one junior buyer.

Increased sales and mark up to 75% by developing key items in knitwear with overseas importers as traditionally

done by domestic makers at competitive price points.

Achieved a 55% gross profit rate through a blend of higher markups, lower markdowns and off – price buys.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts, Major: Economics

Concordia University

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