Purchasing

SUMMARY

Successful, experienced, forward-thinking inventory analyst and merchandise buyer. Applies research, managerial, and creative skills to deliver superior margins, turn rate, and sell-through. Manages all staff and activities for purchasing and supplier selection, and confirms all purchase orders.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Merchandise Buyer and Inventory Analyst - Mark’s Card Shops, Inc. Portland, OR (2006-2015)

Planning, merchandise management, and performance monitoring for $3M budget across 40 stores in 4 states utilizing point-of-sale Oracle-based software program (Retek).

Sales data analysis - determine purchases, margins, replenishment, and allocation of goods.

Introduced and grew major gift, apparel and fashion selections in all stores, tiered by region and volume

Grew average markup on merchandise to 65%

Maximize profit through appropriate inventory control - determine the right time to markdown merchandise to maximize sell-through.

Monitored and coordinated all cycle counts

Achieved 70% average seasonal sell through on a consistent basis

Doubled turn rate on all everyday lines

Vendor relationships and sourcing – quoting and negotiating prices, terms, and timing with suppliers.

Monitored all open purchase orders, and communicated any issues to appropriate team members

Reduced cost of goods by at least 10% per order

Flow appropriate information to top-tier managers, warehouse supervisors, and store-level associates.

Coordinate planning, allocation, logistics, merchandising, and financial aspects of all purchases

Provided weekly and monthly analysis of sales data

Stay current in industry and identify new trends. Match new trends to customer needs.

Participates in major national and regional gift and trade shows

Assistant Manager –Mark’s Card Shops, Inc. (2003-2006)

Led 25 employees in a top tier store for one of the largest Hallmark chains in the United States.

Merchandise responsibilities:

Staff responsibilities:

Layout

Hiring

Front-of-store features

Scheduling

Product orders

Customer Service

Performance reviews

Discipline

Lead Sales Associate –Mark’s Card Shops, Inc. (2002-2003)

Responsible for store opening and closing procedures

Promoted to management within five months

Education and Civic Involvement

Portland State University, Portland, OR: MBA

Reed College, Portland, OR: BA, History

Children’s Sunday School Teacher, Episcopal Church of the Incarnation

Cleveland County Choral Society, Shelby, NC

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