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Merchandising

Over 15 years of tenure facilitating strategic insights to drive profitability and revenue through the development and production of innovative products focused on increasing corporate profitability. Proven success cultivating partnerships with leading designers and negotiating merchandise/production costs to exceed financial projections.  Focused on leading, coaching, and developing high performing teams. Forward thinker with the ability to envision merchandise concepts and collaborate with International factories to bring final product to market within shortened timeframes. 

Developed and supported concept strategy through execution for six internal footwear brands.
Forecasted the number of styles required to establish and deliver against volume goals by channel and country to meet corporate financial projections.
Traveled extensively throughout Europe to evaluate upcoming trends, identify new materials, and influence design, incorporating sustainable materials and commercialization of product without sacrificing comfort. 
Oversaw the production of footwear in China and Italy, maintaining quality control as well as ensuring completion within established timelines. 
Coached, mentored, and managed high performing teams, restructuring as required to optimize productivity and performance, while positioning top talent into roles incorporating additional accountability.
Cultivated strategic partnerships with  key designers to drive consumer trend across leading brands, driving return on investment for all parties.
Delivered annual strategic presentations to executive leadership, highlighting financial projections/plans based on white space within market and full alignment with corporate strategies.
Transformed underperforming department into leader of category by driving consumer interest through product design and assortment as well as buy-on of innovative marketing strategies.


Supported the comprehensive operations for Women's Footwear In-House Product Group, leading strategic vision from concept through delivery for four regular price and two off-price brands. Collaborated with design and production teams to establish volume goals by channel and country, forecasting the number of vendor product number (VPN) styles required to manufacture annually to exceed financial projections.  Communicated to cross-functional teams to establish calendar of timeline deliverables to achieve target costs for profitability.  Evaluated manufacturer samples for buying teams to ensure quality of goods were aligned with product specifications. 

Senior Product Merchandiser

Led three buy planning teams, supporting 20 direct reports and 25 indirect reports, and financial accountability over $350M sales annually. Developed, coached, and mentored a diverse team for succession planning.  Partnered with key brands to drive consumer spend across leading trend designers. Created and delivered annual strategic presentations to executive leadership, highlighting financial projections based on white space within market and full alignment with corporate strategies.
Recognized with various commendations, including: 2015 Nordstrom One Leadership Award, 2014 Nordstrom Flagship Trail Blazing Award, 2014 Nordstrom Merchandiser of the Year Award, 2014 Handbags Planning Manager of the Year Award and 2013 Nordstrom Exceptional Teamwork Award.

Planning Manager, Handbags Division

Find out detailed information about Mary Carlsen,  in Seattle, WA

Mary Carlsen: in Seattle, WA

Mary Carlsen

Whitworth University