William L. Bradley

Merchandise Director / Retail Buyer / Analytics /

Planning / Sales

443-***-****

ad0x1h@r.postjobfree.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-

bradley

HOW I DEFINE MYSELF: GUT Merchant with ANALYTICS strength who thrives on setting strategy and vision and passion watching it all come together. I have a proven record of increasing sales and profits through strong negotiating skills and the ability to exploit opportunities through intense analytical skills. The ability to present to large groups and deliver the PASSION I have, resulting ultimately in increased sales.

VALUE I ADD: I have expertise in merchandising, buying, planning, product development and sales. I love to mentor direct and indirect reports for optimal career development and talent engagement, resulting in business growth.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Boscov’s Department Store, Buyer Men’s Division, Reading, PA May 2023- October 2023

Responsible for merchandising, negotiating, pricing, financial planning, developing private label product, advertising and the implementation of the strategic plan for a 50- store chain. Growing profit year over year though strong vendor relationships, exceptional sourcing, calculated pricing strategy and strict inventory control. Furniture First, Merchandising Director, Middletown, PA July 2016- September 2022

Managed 57 Vendor Partnerships which resulted in annual cost purchases of

$310,000,000 and millions in rebates dollars for Furniture First Members.

As Merchandising Director my responsibility is to act as a liaison between the vendor community and members to bring both parties together and ultimately driving sales and profits.

Attend all Furniture Markets and Premarkets visiting all vendor partners reviewing products, trends and potential opportunities to Members.

Utilize social media at furniture markets highlighting new products, best sellers from vendor partners followed up by a market recap in a digital flip book sent to all members.

Developed strong relationships with senior level executives highlighting market specials, special buys, proprietary products resulting in additional purchases.

Negotiate Vendor Partnerships agreements and promote those vendors to members.

Analyze vendor performance by member and make suggestions on assortments and vendors.

Quarterly Member store visitation reviewing merchandising, assortments, slot counts and make suggestions on my findings.

Make regular Merchandising Presentation at the general membership meetings at Markets highlighting vendors, trends, assortments and new vendor partnerships. Interiors Home, Lancaster, PA 2004 –2016

Responsible for annual sales volume between 15-20 million dollars. Overall Sales increased from 2004 to Present by 48.7%

Accountable for increasing profits for the company. Increased Margin Rate by 230 basis points from 2004 to 2016

Developed strict slotting and floor plan for all stores. Overall furniture mix was merchandised Bronze, Silver and Gold. Top vendors include Flexsteel, Ashley, Stickley, Wesley Hall, Hooker brands and Century.

Established excellent vendor relationships which resulted in collection exclusivity, enhanced margin, over and above co-op needs and also

additional sale periods which also contributed to the bottom line.

Responsible for pricing, images, copy to Marketing to develop overall advertising strategy.

Analyzed sales, gross margin, GMROI, dollars per square foot by vendor by category and made appropriate changes as needed.

Managed re-buyer and visual merchandiser.

SKILLS

Buyer/Merchant Specific Skills

• Across Home and Apparel

• Gross Margin and P&L management

• Product Development

• Assortment Planning

• Inventory Management

• Vendor partnerships

• Visual merchandising

• Competitive analysis

• Forecasting and rebuying

• Excellent negotiator

• Advanced knowledge of MSN office

• Superior sales skills communicating with Senior

Levels resulting in increased sales

Organizational/Analytical Skills

• Highly analytical

• Strong planning skills, prioritizing and managing demands

• Excellent project management skills

Communication

• Confident, problem-solving mindset

• Excellent interpersonal and verbal/written

communication skills

• Excel at building relationships and work

collaboratively in a team environment

• Proven ability to effectively be a leader within the companies I have worked and help other team

members achieve their pinnacle

• Practice thoughtful, productive and timely

feedback

Cultural Fit

• Focused on the principals of excellence, respect, accountability, integrity, communication and diversity

• Respect all cultures and empower to engage

and maximize success

EDUCATION

Concentration in Business Management

Essex Community and Harford Community College

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