Fashion

Merchandise Assistant, Girls 7-16

Administration & Clerical

I have an extensive background in retail and merchandising with proven success. I received a BS in Marketing from Clemson University and also studied Fashion Retail and Sales at the University of Westminster in London. 

My position at Belk has given me hands on experience in Retail Buying for a diverse division of a large company. I work closely with the Girls 7-16 Buyer to develop multiple assortments that hit our gross margin targets and achieved company sales goals across multiple seasons for FY15. I personally drive our Ecommerce business by individually buying off price merchandise and negotiating these reduced costs with vendors. Additionally, I developed and executed a successful omni channel marketing campaign for the business that has replaced outdated strategies.

My time with Nordstrom gave me a well-rounded view of the sales floor in three different store environments - department store, boutique, and discount store. Knowing how the customer shops at this level has helped me succeed in driving a multi channel retail business. Drawing from this background allows me to visualize how different stages of the product lifecycle both directly and indirectly affect business to consumer sales.

I am driven, flexible, organized, and a quick-learner - all qualities that are necessary to succeed in the business of fashion. I have formed and maintained strong relationships with customers as well as vendors, and I have worked on buying/planning teams as well as sales teams. I believe I am a strong candidate for this industry.


Work directly with Buyer to develop seasonal assortments based on past and present sales analysis. 

Ecommerce:
•	Responsible for buying off-price merchandise for Belk.com. Test new trends and track customer response. Increased ecommerce assortment penetration by +8% YTD. 
•	Promoted to Social Media/eComm Marketing Liaison for the division. Develop digital marketing campaigns that represent key seasonal initiatives across 5 buying offices to drive sales in the division.
•	Build and maintain product shops on Belk.com that boost best selling styles and parallel current marketing events.

Advertising:
•	Independently designed an omni channel advertising strategy for Spring 2015 that delivers a consistent message to customers on print ads, in store, and on Belk.com. Collaborated to redesign store signage and online promotional media to execute campaign.
•	Promoted to Kids Divisional Advertising Co-captain; responsible for collaborating with Marketing team at preview events and strategy mee

•	Analyzed sales reports to measure department against daily and monthly performance goals. Collaborated with department manager to identify opportunities to grow business through events and promotions.
•	Created floor merchandising plans to drive maximum volume while adhering to regional standards on all fixtures.
•	Partnered with DM to recruit, hire, and train, as well as motivate employees. Coached team members on product knowledge to ensure the highest quality of information and service was available to the customer.
•	Communicated with inventory management team to ensure all product was correctly delivered to the customer from shipment to checkout.

Assistant Manager, Accessories

•	Worked on Nordstrom TOPSHOP Street Marketing Team to develop and implement an effective launch strategy for the boutique grand opening. Personally edited team’s video presentation that received 1st place in regional competition.
•	Collaborated with TOPSHOP design team to plan boutique layout for opening launch event. Assisted DM in remerchandising the floor to reflect company trend changes.
•	Updated boutique visuals utilized in POS purchases. Trained all new hires on TOPSHOP visual protocol and maintaining product display standards.
•	Exceeded both personal and company sales goals for the department. On track for company quarterly pace-setter award.

TOPSHOP Launch Team

•	Worked closely with DM to develop management, merchandising, and sales analysis skills.
•	Executed daily sales and team performance reports. Managed freight inventory by checking product manifests and purchase orders.
•	Attended product knowledge seminars, regional recognition meetings, and training sessions with company executives. 
•	Set and achieved personal sales per hour goals, specifically increasing on units per transaction and dollar amount per transaction. Supported department sales goals and initiatives to foster a strong team environment. 
•	Actively participated in the Nordstrom Fashion Rewards Program by opening new customer accounts each month.

Retail Management Development Intern

•	Worked with high profile Alumni and Donors on a daily basis.
•	Managed profiles for a division of the university’s national campaign.
•	Worked with the Senior Director of Gift and Estate Planning to manage planned gift inventory.
•	Created campaign charts, presentations, and materials used in planning and budgeting meetings for Clemson University Trustee and Board members.

Student Development Intern

•	Designed and executed marketing plans for a new product launch.
•	Developed new customer database by researching previously unexplored business segmentations.
•	Contacted sales leads and met weekly sales goals.
•	Created and distributed company press packs at 2012 Hotelympia exhibition in London.
•	Formed new business relationships at trade shows that expanded customer base and the company’s online presence.

Marketing/PR Intern

Find out detailed information about Alley Hood, Merchandise Assistant, Girls 7-16 in Charlotte, NC

Alley Hood: Merchandise Assistant, Girls 7-16 in Charlotte, NC

Alley Hood

Clemson University

University of Westminster