Results-driven omnichannel merchant and consultant with extensive experience in strategic planning, retail management, and business development. Proven track record of cultivating successful partnerships, driving revenue growth, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Entrepreneurial mindset, adept at identifying opportunities and mitigating risks. Expertise in team management, retail operations, merchandise planning, data analytics, and international brand launches.
● Head of sales, wholesale, and merchandise planning departments for the luxury pajama brand reporting directly to the founders ● Senior member of the corporate strategic planning board overseeing the development of the omnichannel growth strategy inclusive of B2B and direct channels ● Created and implemented the Commercial strategy - resulting in a 3-year growth of +383%, GM increase of 31%, and GP by 80% ● Launched brand successfully in new international markets (key partners included Neiman Marcus, Farfetch, the Net-a-Porter group, Urban Outfitters, Selfridges, Browns Fashion, Matches Fashion, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Shopbop, Al Tayer Group) ● Hired and developed all members of the merchandise planning & wholesale teams ● Managed operations for all temporary stores including the hiring and training of staff, inventory management, sales planning, and local delivery program ● Worked cross-functionally to provide guidance to Design and Production teams supporting the development of range plans that ensured a strongly merchandised and relevant offer meeting commercial/external partner’s needs
● Founded a consulting agency providing strategic planning, in-house training, and bespoke monthly support for high-growth start-ups ● Successfully built commercial and merchandising strategies both domestically and internationally, with a special emphasis on North America, Europe, and the Middle East ● Created substantial client growth for 100’s of independent brands and retailers by identifying missed sales opportunities, scaling wholesale channels, increasing margins, optimizing assortments, building structure to internal processes, and implementing data-driven decisions ● Established merchandise planning and wholesale teams from scratch for key luxury and contemporary clients such as Desmond & Dempsey (details below), Elizabeth Scarlett (accessories), The Completist (stationery), Matthew Calvin (jewelry), and Toolally (jewelry)
● Director of development for Gucci timepieces and fine jewelry within 24 European countries ● Negotiated and managed distribution network, increasing sales by over 40% YoY ● Defined integrated sales and marketing strategy per country, per category, in line with corporate budgetary requirements ● Directed a team of 5 Sales and Marketing Coordinators ● Supported distributors with active marketing, training, and service support customized for local needs to improve overall performance
● Managed and developed the Gucci watch and jewelry business within US department stores including Nordstroms, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue ($25 million in total retail sales) ● Created retailer-specific assortments for each account based on historical sales and geographical trends ● Projected annual merchandise needs in conjunction with supply chain to insure deliveries for all accounts ● Oversaw the implementation of the Gucci Timepiece Shop in Shop at Macy’s Herald Square, hired and trained all staff ● Developed 5 Account Executives and the Herald Square Shop Manager
• Managed topline and assortment planning for Michael Kors within all Macy’s locations • Created plans by door to ensure proper inventory flow and customized assortments by location (666 locations) • Responsible for long-term growth plans (3-5 Yrs.) and the identification of expansion opportunities to reach financial thresholds • Forecasted receipts of replenishment product to minimize markdown percentages and ensure responsible inventory ownership • Maintained the Open-to-Buys and re-projected seasonal and annual targets after actualizing each month • Successfully negotiated with Macy’s management for additional receipts, floor space, staffing costs, and advertising contributions • Integral member of the Planning Task Force charged with sourcing and implementing new financial planning system
• Responsible for merchandise development, marketing, and financial management of the Tee Department • Analysed and reacted to selling trends via reorders, swaps, and RTVs; performed class level sales-to-stock analyses resulting in a 10% sales and 2 point gross margin increase • Managed direct report (Merchant Assistant)
• Responsible for the implementation of a new, company-wide, size allocation program • Drove sales, increased productivity of inventory, and improved gross margin by identifying and maximising the impact of localised size assortment strategies