ASSOCIATE MERCHANT Summary Resourceful buyer 15 years developing implementing sales strategies multiple product lines. Strengths include vendor negotiation, sourcing consumer products, promotional planning. Skills Contract negotiation Sales trend forecasting Interpersonal ability Trade shows Self-directed Competitive analysis Pricing strategies Presentations Experience Associate Merchant 06/2015 Current Company Name City State Driving sales 17% $936K 2016 $10M+ category. Evaluated negotiated supplier contacts support corporate initiatives. Managed pricing, orders, terms SAP totaling $60M cost. Partnered Inventory Demand achieve department service goal 96% retail stores. Lead product supplier reviews annual basis. Cross collaboration Marketing advertise product categories print, online, in-store promotions. Created onboarding training curriculum Merchandising department. Buyer 06/2013 06/2015 Company Name City State Launched product assortments RFP/RFQ/RFIs meet client specific parameters. Coached Re-Buyer inventory management totaling $30 million cost. Developed relationships existing suppliers source new vendors major promotions client requests. Negotiated product pricing, payment terms, rebates manufacturers. Analyzed sales data market trends present top brands items corporate clients. Forecast initial inventory buys, review orders ensure timely product deliveries. Resolve Account Payable, pricing, payment issues. Home Garden Showplace Product Merchant 02/2011 06/2013 Company Name City State Identified new vendors managed 300 vendor contracts 350 garden centers. Increased sales 4% 2012 $56 million extensive vendor/category management increased retail store communication. Developed presented True Value Gardens program consisted 380 traditional hardware stores. Managed exhibitor department floor plan True Value trade shows. Created national marketing insert live plants hardware stores. Launched fully functional vendor directory store use. Supported retail stores invoice resolution, customer service, vendor inquiries. Seasonal Product Merchant 02/2005 03/2011 Company Name City State Developed managed seasonal categories worth $65M sales. Introduced good, better, best strategy Patio Furniture increased sales $16 million dollars average 30% margin. Revamped updated Outdoor Living catalog showcase diverse product assortment patio furniture, grills, outdoor décor. Launched merchandising planning spreadsheet category analysis, cost optimization, inventory control. Managed executed seasonal category reviews negotiate programs import domestic sourcing. Created advertising in-store marketing materials Senior Buyer Marketing department. Attended industry trade shows review textile trends new product launches. Associate Buyer 02/2000 01/2005 Company Name City State Negotiated new store opening discounts, product selection, pricing. Increased sales 12.1% 2003 2005 improving merchandise costs. Developed inventory sales plans Patio Grills. Created Grill Patio assortment guide retail sales managers. Designed rebate center Appliance Seasonal departments. Created weekly monthly marketing communication stores. Merchandise Analyst 03/1998 03/2000 Company Name City State Allocated product assortments replenished inventory 800 stores. Formulated monthly weekly inventory forecasts. Communicated vendors regularly maintain shipping accuracy. Awarded Buying Team Year Children's Apparel 1998. Created aggressive purchasing plan completely stock mega stores large metropolitan areas specialty areas Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Sunbelt locations. Initiated review seasonal collections buyers increase awareness store trends increase sales opportunities. Women's Apparel Sales Manager 05/1996 03/1998 Company Name City State Management Trainee 07/1995 05/1996 Company Name City State Education Training B.S Marketing Textiles Apparel University Illinois Urbana-Champaign Marketing Textiles Apparel Skills Product Development, Marketing, Trade Shows, Customer Service, Forecasting Trends, Category Management, Negioation, Vendor Management Microsoft Office Suite, SAP, PeopleSoft Problem-Solving, Organizational Skills, Time Management, Public Leadership, Communication, Strategic Thinking, Analytical