Michael Monday

ad2ar3@r.postjobfree.com • 215-***-****

LinkedIn • Columbus, Ohio 43206

Merchandising Executive

Accomplished and results-driven merchandising executive with a distinguished career in leading cross-functional teams, developing strategic merchandising initiatives, and driving revenue growth for omni channel corporations. Recognized for combining market insights with data-driven analysis to develop innovative product assortments that resonate with target customers. A visionary leader, known for fostering collaboration, optimizing supply chain processes, and maximizing profit margins. Demonstrated success in delivering both top & bottom-line results through effective merchandising strategies, vendor partnerships, and trend forecasting.

Core Competencies

Global Merchandising Strategy

Cross-Functional Leadership

Vendor Management & Negotiation

Product Assortment & Planning

Trend Analysis & Forecasting

Team Mentorship

Professional Experience

Boden, London, England September 2021 – June 2022

Chief Commercial Officer

Achieved global, omni-channel targets related to sales, profitability, and inventory, resulting in an annual turnover of £600 million. Oversaw all segments of enterprise, including but not limited to Womenswear, Menswear, Childrenswear, Baby, and Accessories. Ensured optimal product assortment, quantities, and pricing strategies across diverse markets.

●Devised an engaging merchandise strategy that resonates as a source of customer inspiration, with an immense focus on key markets such as the UK, USA, and Germany, collectively accounting for 85% of total sales.

●Formulated and executed a comprehensive product strategy aimed at driving substantial growth within the USA Market, achieving a remarkable increase from £250M to £750M by the targeted year of 2024.

●Led and directed a sizable team of 175 professionals, including six direct reports, spanning roles within product merchandising, planning, production/PD, and ethical trade.

●Produced concise and actionable analyses, exemplified by the development of Merchandise Dashboards and OTB/WSSI Reporting systems.

●Orchestrated a diverse supply chain network encompassing India, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Guatemala, Honduras, and China.

●Maintained and nurtured strategic relationships within Boden's retail ecosystem, encompassing Boden Stores, Wholesale partners, and prominent Marketplaces including Nordstrom, John Lewis Partners, Next, and TMall.

Arhaus, Cleveland, OH October 2020 – June 2021

Chief Merchandise Officer

Championed a diverse array of business categories, encompassing furniture, outdoor, home décor, and accessories, resulting in a substantial annual revenue of $800 million. Developed a strategic roadmap for seasonal concepts and product initiatives. Supervised and directed a cohesive team of 65 individuals, including eight direct reports.

●Collaborated seamlessly across functions to harmonize store layouts with visual merchandising, marketing, and ecommerce efforts, culminating in a cohesive transition from brick-and-mortar to digital retail experiences.

●Charged with buying, product development, and planning activities, driving innovation in assortments that yielded notable financial performance, optimized profitability, and stimulated growth to enhance market share.

●Crafted strategic assortment blueprints, open-to-buy frameworks, and promotional strategies, fostering team alignment and empowering the translation of trends and significant concepts into lucrative sales outcomes.

●Orchestrated a strategic partnership with the CEO to craft the Long-Range Plan, a visionary roadmap aimed at propelling business expansion from $800M to $1.5B by the targeted milestone year of 2025.

VS PINK, Columbus, OH April 2019 – December 2019

SVP of Merchandising

Offered leadership and strategic direction for the entire spectrum of PINK's digital ventures, encompassing Intimates, Apparel, Swim, Sleep, and Accessories, culminating in a noteworthy annual revenue of $1.2 billion. Led a skilled team of 30 professionals, including six direct reports. Oversaw Digital Merchants, Digital Operations, and Site-Set Up functions.

●Established an enduring digital roadmap for the brand, outlining the strategic direction for future growth, and curated seasonal category assortments that consistently drove sales and margin expansion.

●Streamlined inputs and offered guidance to shape online product strategies in collaboration with both my team and cross-functional counterparts.

●Spearheaded the comprehensive update of PINK's digital positioning by collaborating closely with Design and Marketing teams, ensuring alignment with the brand's vision and values.

Free People, Philadelphia, PA July 2016 – March 2019

Global GMM - Apparel and Intimates

Accountable for overseeing the Apparel and Intimates categories across diverse business channels including Stores, eCommerce, and Wholesale, resulting in a annual revenue of $800 million. Led a proficient team of 35 professionals, with eight individuals reporting directly. Played a key role in developing professional growth of the merchandising team.

●Expanded global presence with stores in Canada, UK, France, The Netherlands, and strategic Wholesale Partnerships (Selfridges, ASOS, Zalando, Ali Express), contributing 10% of total business.

●Fostered collaborative relationships with key creative stakeholders including design, product development, and production, culminating in the creation of captivating assortments.

●Devised strategic merchandising and assortment plans, overseeing open-to-buy management via collaboration with the planning team, and ensured seamless alignment of cross-functional teams with overarching strategies.

Prior Experience

VP of Merchandising, Express, Columbus, OH

Divisional Merchandise Manager, Anthropologie, Philadelphia, PA

Express - Senior Merchant, Limited Brands, Columbus, OH

The Limited – Merchant, Limited Brands, Columbus, OH

Buyer, Burdine’s Department Store, Miami, FL

Education

Bachelors of Business Administration - Marketing & Retail Management Kent State University, Kent, OH