Phone 519-***-****

E-mail:

acbpqw@r.postjobfree.com

m

** ****** ***** ****

Brantford, Ontario

N3R 1R5, Canada

Brandon J. Bower

Dedicated merchandising and marketing professional with over 6 years corporate purchasing and

advertising experience.

Professional Overview

Exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced in sales, product assortment planning and retail

marketing. Extremely organized and process driven. Creative and passionate, allowing me to

strive for the highest level of achievements and to thrive in changing environments.

Remarkable communication skills both verbal and written and a strong knowledge of resource

planning and forecasting. Successful relationships with vendors across North America have

showcased my excellence in leadership, negotiation, connectivity and planning.

Demonstrates flexibility and confidence; can work under very tight deadlines in high-pressure

situations. Able to multi task effectively and have superior organization, an eye for detail and

outstanding project management skills. Provides support to a large retail chain across Canada.

Handling of merchandising directives, markdown/clearance cadence communication and floor

plan transition strategies for seasonal and special events to over 1,400 employees.

• Corporate retail purchasing & advertising • Brand development

• Creative and innovative with a good eye for detail • Promotional & sales materials

• Excellent presentation and communication skills • Event planning & execution

• Vendor relationship building • Product planning & market research

• Budgeting & allocation • Competition analysis & benchmarking

Overview of Achievements

Outstanding execution of process knowledge; cost and income recovery; successfully restoring

and re-allocating lost funds as well as maintain inventory integrity

Managed merchandising directions to an 80 storewide chain

Developed and expanded programs from product selection to store set up and display

presentation

Private label development in the Pet, Home Organization, Chemicals, Cleaning and Laundry

departments

Grew and nurtured over 120 vendor relationships across North America

Directing and providing new marketing initiatives and signage for stores throughout Canada;

working along side major brand representatives such as Serta to roll out new mattress programs to

all stores

Created product assortments using market trend analysis information as well as managing

sales and margins

Key point person and liaison to a US corporate office including the merchant and customs

departments; spending time in Columbus, OH to streamline a import process, classifying duty rates

and NAFTA certificate validation

Implemented standardized weekly reporting that has since been used as an on demand

resource for the entire company

Take initiative to learn new concepts and expand knowledge as well as actively engage in

complex problem solving

Proven excellence in logistical coordination; well versed in freight, customs taxation and supply

chain

Finely tuned business ready skills in Microsoft software such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Experienced with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator & Photoshop

Well versed the Mac OSX environment

Experience & Employment History

Marketing Coordinator September

2011 - Present

Big Lots! Canada, Brantford, ON

Responsible for weekly store signage, directives and presentation guides for seasonal and

special events

Establishing in store advertising for top brands showcasing the value proposition as well as

features and benefits

Purchased and managed merchandise, signage and fixtures through the supply chain

Accurate and timely project execution, ensuring deadlines are met and working beyond the

expectations

Working closely with vendors on new product and presentation initiatives

Up to date on current market trends and competition

Appointed as the Global Sourcing lead for the company; working closely with overseas agents

and acting as a liaison to the US office

Analyze and interpret data with respect to sales, markdowns, inventory, margins to enhance

buyer productivity

In depth sales and advertising analysis along with store visits to review strategies

Collaborated with purchasing, planning and allocation on weekly forecasting and provided

assistance to the merchandising group offer solutions in regards to advertising, value

proposition and sales lift opportunities

Responsible for a wide variety of complex software service functions in a fast pace environment

Working closely with allocation team to select merchandise quantities by DC and/or store as

required

Receiving/RTV Coordinator September 2007 –

September 2011

Lowes Canada, Brantford, ON

Engage in loss prevention to ensure store wide consistency when making inventory

adjustments

Training ambassador for new stores during their mass receiving and merchandising set up

Liaise service level organizational changes supported by the customer service group

representatives to coordinate promotions, buybacks, inventory replenishments,

discontinuances, repairs and other functions as required by daily operations

Working with vendors for promotional programs, inventory management, sales planning, and

forecasting

Special order service in addition to replacement parts/expensed parts order service

Music Instructor January 2002 –

September 2011

Private Instruction

Specialized and personal training in guitar, bass, mandolin and percussion

Facilitated general music instruction to over 100 students ranging from ages 6 to 60.

Lead musical workshops and recitals with the Kiwanis Music Festival; tracked progress,

collaborated with parents to build confidence in children and allowing them to achieve

excellence

Education

North Park Collegiate and Vocational School September

2001 – June 2004

Diploma received; Courses in Science, Mathematics, English and Communications.

Lowes Management Training Program February 2010 –

November 2010

Successfully completed management training program (EMPT) in 2010

Hazardous material, waste management and WHMIS training; engage in compliance with

federal, provincial and environmental laws/regulations

Contact this candidate