Joseph Gabriel Lora: in Monmouth, OR

Key driver of the America’s menswear business responsible for identifying primary markets, establishing categories, and guiding revenue growth. Worked closely with European teams to adapt global brand strategy for the US, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil. Grew the category from $6M to $28M in 6 years with double-digit comp YOY. • Elevated the division from least to second-highest performing across the organization (5 to 34 points of sale); capitalized on the sneaker trend to boost the Americas into the number-one men’s shoe market globally. • Developed seasonal assortment and expansion strategies for multiple product categories (RTW, fur, shoes, leather goods, textiles, watches, sunglasses, fashion accessories, leisurewear, belts) across 30+ points of distribution, including e-commerce. • Worked with global product teams to develop market-specific lines to meet demands of target consumers. • Partnered with luxury retailers (Barney’s, Sak’s, Bergdorf’s) to structure wholesale collections and ensure brand image was properly represented across retail channels; analyzed retail productivity to maximize space and exposure. • Worked with visual teams to test viability in potential markets by allocating retail space for men’s collections within existing stores. • Worked cross-functionally with departments to align on seasonal financial and global brand objectives. • Served as interim merchandiser for the women’s shoe category from Jan 2014 to Aug 2014.

Played a key role relaunching the women’s lifestyle brand in the US market. Partnered with corporate retail team to identify key markets, target consumers, and pricing model to grow the brand to $15M in projected annual revenue. Launched 6 new retail stores in the US including the flagship Flatiron New York City location. • Leveraged extensive knowledge of the US market to identify grow opportunities and shape retail strategies. • Increased sales revenue 9% over plan by developing and implementing product assortment strategies for the division. • Responsible for financial planning, sales budgets, and overall performance for 6 stores. • Partnered with the Finnish design team to develop silhouettes and special collections for the North American market. • Reviewed and verified fit consistencies across all product categories and styles.

Responsible for performance and growth of $435M business as the sole watch buyer for the US market. Translated category strategy into targeted business plans to support and grow the division. Worked with a portfolio of vendors to identify top-selling styles and project revenue based on product and market trends. • Curated brand and product assortments to ensure category direction aligned with customer perception. • Allocated floor space to top-performing suppliers based on revenue projections. • Developed strategies to shape in-store presentation based on consumer purchasing habits. • Reviewed sales and market data to inform business strategies and identify opportunities to reach new customers.

Increased sales 21% as buyer for the men’s business (tailored clothing, sportswear, footwear, furnishings, beachwear, intimates) and men’s/women’s categories (watches, jewelry, sunglasses, fragrances). • Developed store-specific seasonal buying budgets to support overall financial strategy for the men’s business. • Managed all aspects of delivery flow, merchandise allocations, and stock rotations to meet changing needs. • Communicated with Milan office regarding US market trends and top-selling styles to support product development. • Partnered with wholesale team to structure pricing to meet target margin goals.

Started out at the store level and progressed through multiple roles in sales, operations, and marketing, gaining exposure to all facets of the organization and brand. Led a team in increasing sales 10% over plan by executing seasonal buys for 10 licensed product categories for Giorgio Armani and Emporio Armani US retail stores. • Led business for men’s and women’s watches, jewelry, sunglasses, fragrances, cosmetics, and women’s hosiery. • Developed top-producing marketing bounce back strategy that increased sunglasses revenue by 16% annually. • Grew profit while limiting financial risk by managing product sales projections, Open to Buys, and fixture capacities. • Monitored inventory levels for Giorgio Armani/Emporio Armani licensed products; mitigated financial risk by executing stock rotations, transfers, and vendor returns. • Launched the first-ever Giorgio Armani watch collection that generated $110K in incremental revenue. • Received the Retail Recognition Award for highest sales increase over budget. Previous experience as a Sales Manager, Operations Manager, and PR / Marketing Coordinator for GIORGIO ARMANI.