Katherine Nguyen: Buyer & Merchandiser in CERRITOS, CA

Manage & oversee financial business for 70+ brands including: open-to-buy, margin, costing, SKU plans, inventory management, receipts plans, SMU opportunities and brand relations for designated segments (basics, fast fashion, shoes & boho) Analyze sales data and trend forecasting to identify top/slow sellers in order to impact on order and adjust strategy for future seasons Communicate with internal cross-functional teams (product development, planning, marketing, merchandising, shipping, accounts payable) to execute and improve workflow Contributed to a website launch which consisted of site merchandising, sourcing vendors, and partnering with design and product development teams to cost out and produce private label brand Oversee and train buying assistants to support with buying process, administrative tasks, and collaborating with internal departments to resolve discrepancies

Supported the women’s buying team with order entry, order confirmations, and samples Reviewed contracts & agreements to ensure all paperwork is accurate to set up new vendors Addressed sales with multiple vendors to identify areas to optimize reorder opportunities Developed multiple consoles, including consignment and return authorization tool with cross-functional teams

Assembled seasonal merchandising buy plan to highlight upcoming trends and review past performance to present to private label team Evaluated sales reports and historical data to effectively place seasonal buys Assessed sales reports with vendors to improve and maintain gross margins and turns to positively impact inventory flow and overall business Obtained trade discounts and margin guarantees to support company goals Strong understanding of Vendor Operation Regulations and FTC Fur Labeling Act

? Arranged assortment sheets, line sheets, and entered purchase orders. ? Responsible for preparing upcoming photo shoot samples, vendor appointments, setting up new vendors, scheduling market weeks, reviewing on order samples, and organized samples to be allocated effectively.

Involved with the International European buying department, preparing line sheets and buy preps for upcoming buying seasons. Other responsibilities include organizing samples according to season within the merchandise room and sample closet, updating weekly best sellers lists, as well as assisting the associate buyer and assistant buyer with administrative duties.