P R O F E S S I O N A L P R O F I L E

Progressive, influential, and innovative Buyer with a proven track record of success driving increased sales, brand growth and market expansion. Employs methods of inventory management, visual merchandising, and marketing to engage consumers and promote product offerings. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to lead by example, plan and implement marketing, logistics and product assortment strategies. Adept at making strategic risk taking decisions to support individual market needs and financial goals. Upholds high standard of professionalism and a positive attitude. Establishes strong relationships with suppliers to ensure quality product, healthy stock positions and timely delivery of product. E D U C A T I O N

Bachelor of Science,

Apparel Merchandising

Indiana University, Bloomington, IN

A R E A S O F

E X P E R T I S E

Market Research & Analysis

Supply Chain & Demand

Consumer Management

Training & Development

Inventory Management

Supplier Management

Visual Merchandising

Client Relationships

Financial Planning

Strategic Planning

Negotiations

Adaptability

Forecasting

Leadership

Marketing

Retail

W O R K E X P E R I E N C E

Retail Consulting Sept 2021 – Current

Working with the supplier community to build strategies and make connections with retailers. Walmart, Inc. Bentonville, AR Nov 2009 – July 2021 BUYER – Boys’ Apparel (Mar 2019 – July 2021) Toddler Apparel (Dec 2014 – Mar 2019) Executes global strategic sourcing, contract development and negotiations to drive competitive store pricing, enhanced inventory, and attainment of financial goals. Manages associate buyer.

» Achieved highest sales comp increase in the entire company across all divisions for 2021, while working remotely.

» Controls P&L for 8 categories of apparel, accountable for 25% of toddler division sales.

» Reduced 5% costs of materials and services through fostered and maintained relationships with suppliers; works with +40% import vendors to ensure market quality.

» Drove increase in “back to school” market share by 15%, strategized method to establish competitive pricing and ensure inventory met seasonal product demands.

» Exceeded company’s procurement goal of sustainable materials by 25%; achieved 75% total sustainable products on floor while maintaining supplier costs.

» Upholds +2% current business sales above previous year; increased holiday business

+32% against previous year and woven tops +4% compared to prior year.

» Developed associate buyer’s skillset, enhanced ability to negotiate, organize, delegate and lead.

BUYER – Hardlines Division - Live Plants (Nov 2012 – Dec 2014) Strategized and implemented methods of financial planning and product forecasting to manage seasonal business across 3 categories. Made investment and product decisions to exceed financial goals within open-to-by (OTB) parameters.

» Increased sales by 14%, marketed products in peak season advertisements to grow product exposure and consumer engagement.

» Drove 9% increase in sales, researched market trends and added key item to assortment.

» Optimized inventory to align seasonal products with major holidays and special events; succeeded 10% sales increase.

FINANCIAL PLANNER (Nov 2009 – Nov 2012)

Analyzed financial performance of retail product categories to customize financial plans and tactics to establish financial goals, grow sales and expand markets.

» Achieved financial goal and grew margin by 59bps in 1 year; collaborated with suppliers to manage Spring receipts flow and challenged suppliers to provide competitive pricing.

» Led “back to school” campaign, positioned visual displays in stores to advertise promotional offers; influenced +3.5% increase in sales of house plants category.

» Enabled 5% sales growth; analyzed performance of baskets and hampers category and strategized plan to replace lower performing items with existing well performing items. C O N T A C T

N K

NATALIE KEITEL

812-***-****

adq3h3@r.postjobfree.com

Fishers, IN 46038

linkedIn.com/natalie-keitel

B u y e r R e t a i l S t r a t e g i s t F i n a n c i a l P l a n n e r A F F I L I A T I O N S

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Honoree

Top 5 Honoree, raised $8K in

donations

New Professionals Advisory Council

Business Case Finalist, Walmart

Contributed tactics to improve

company’s expat program.

Children’s Miracle Network Hospital

Organized 5K race, raised $1K

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