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Director of Merchandising /Creative Director
Gaiam Inc.
Louisville, CO
Merchandising & Product Development: * Multi-category management of a $20 million print catalog & website * Analyzed products by SKU and category for performance and successful merchandising of the product lines * Drove category expansion of multiple categories, including Eco/Sustainable Home (textiles and hard goods), Personal care and Wellness, and Apparel/Accessories * Led a team of buyers to source product, negotiated cost, exclusivity, and delivery dates with domestic and international vendors * Directed product development within selected categories (Eco Home, Wellness, Apparel & Accessories): designing, sourcing, approving quality control and negotiating costs with international and domestic vendors * Directed seasonal merchandise and obsolete inventory sell-through for all categories through print and on-line promotions to maximize profitability and sales * Supervised training and education of customer service personnel for all new products, and initiated training sessions with vendors as appropriate * Attended domestic and international markets to determine product, color and style trends relevant for the current demographic, while accessing possible trends appropriate for expansion of the demographic in selected categories * Established and controlled yearly and seasonal budgets for: merchandising staff, interns, contractors travel for product sourcing and product development sample procurement and sample development Creative Direction: * Redesigned and refocused direction of the print catalog, which increased purchasing by House Accounts (Buyers 0-12 months) by 12% within three months * Directed catalog production team, including in-house and freelance talent for print and web: including layout, product position and placement, photography, product positioning and copy, image correction, and final print production * Established and managed production schedul...