New York, NY *****
********@*****.***
DEREEKA TURNER
PROFILE
Dynamic and detail-oriented professional that utilizes my sales, management
and interpersonal skills to contribute to the growth and success of the
entire company. Expert in gaining results through strategic selling,
account management, market planning, sales training, brand development and
trend forecasting. Great communicator with the ability to develop new
marketing policies and make persuasive sales pitches to accounts to
generate more business.
SKILLS
. Trade show management
. Marketing/ promotional development
. Internet marketing
. Persuasive communicator
. Innovative selling techniques
. Microsoft Windows: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
KOHS KIDS, NY Aug 2009- Jan 2012
Buyer, Merchandiser and Retail Sales
. Attended trade shows and market week to select and purchase on trend
merchandise for the store such as Rachel Weissman, Petit Bateau,
Catamini, IKKS, Jean Bourget, Appaman, Charlie Rocket, Pink Chicken,
Lemon, Splendid, Ella Moss etc
. Hired and trained new sales associates in effective sales tactics to
generate higher sales
. Matched purchase orders with invoices and recorded the necessary
information to keep abreast of store inventory for restocking purposes
and to aid in selling
. Researched and bought new product lines that worked in increasing the
profitability of the store
. Priced new seasonal merchandise and also implemented seasonal
markdowns
. Developed and executed marketing programs and general business
solutions resulting in increased store exposure, customer traffic, and
sales.
. Communicated with customers by explaining size and fit of clothing and
guided them on merchandise selections
. Key holder-responsible for daily opening and closing of store
SHILAV USA INC, NY Jan 2007-
March 2008
In House Account Executive (company closed)
. Analyzed sales statistics, prepared reports and handled general sales
duties such as entering and checking reports, creating line sheets and
sales plans
. Worked closely with all product development departments to create and
maintain marketing materials for sales presentations and client
meetings.
. Negotiated closeouts to off price accounts such as Century 21, Marmaxx
and Daffys
. Maintained existing accounts such as Bloomingdales and other high end
boutiques as well as solicited new customer accounts to generate more
sales leads
. Guided the president in assigning sales and revenue goals to our
national sales representatives
. Traveled to different marketing territories to introduce our new
collection to independent sales representatives and trained them in
effective selling techniques to increase sales
. Developed and implement promotional programs, merchandising displays
and print advertising for stores
. Tracked advertisements in trade journals for their efficiency.
. Coordinated all aspects of the showroom including display,
presentation boards, samples and sales to walk in and appointment
accounts.
NATALIE AND FRIENDS, NY Aug 2005- Jan2007
Showroom Manager
. Accountable for sales of 40 individual lines to buyers in a fast paced
multi line showroom (Rachel Weissman, Tina Neumann, Malina, Lipstick,
English Roses by Madonna, Submarine, Victoria Kids, Coastal
Projections, Amber Hagen, Blabla Dolls, Lucky Jade, Trumpette etc)
. Cultivated relationships with a variety of different accounts such as
Bloomingdales, Saks, Nordstrom's, Barneys and many other specialty
stores
. Handled end of season sales to off price stores
. Participated in the hiring and training of sales staff
. Arranged,set-up and supervised staff at regional trade shows
. Provided design, color and style suggestions to manufacturers and
designers based on current consumer demands
. Salvaged languishing accounts and generated new leads by cold calling
. Ensured all orders were correctly written and catalogued into the
computer system
. Maintained excellent product and merchandising presentation in the
showroom
. Kept accounts abreast of new areas of our line by emailing, calling
and sending photo packages and ultimately requested showroom
appointments to drive sales
180 RSA INC, NY Feb 2003- Aug
2005
Sales Associate
. Wrote and processed showroom orders for 15 individual lines (Cotton
Caboodle & Extra Credit, Best of Chums, Rico International, The
Lorilyn Collection, The Macbeth Collection, Fun bath, Little Lu &
magpie, Tiny Toes, Lili Paris, Red Boy Clothing etc)
. Worked to resolve conflicts such as delayed shipping,size and fit
with manufacturers so I could answer client questions and provided
ongoing support to accounts
. Performed daily communication and follow up with stores and
manufacturers to initiate more sales
. Monitored and reported to manufacturers on product demands not
currently being met in the market
. Organized, set-up and worked with accounts at ENK trade shows
. Tracked and managed all showroom samples
. Worked with various manufacturers in creating line sheets and
promotional packages for distribution
EDUCATION
Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, NY
Associates- Fashion Merchandising Management 1997-1999
. Concentration in Professional Prospecting Skills, Selling Techniques,
and Consultative Selling
Bachelor- International Trade & Marketing 1999-2001
. Related coursework: International Finance, Statistics, Microeconomics
References Available Upon Request