Melinda Guia: Sr Merchandise Planner, Sleepwear in Fort Myers, FL

* Forecast in-season sales and inventory while managing Open-to-Buy to present to senior management * Execute astute pricing strategies to maximize margin dollars and hit inventory level targets * Develop profitable merchandising entrance/exit strategies for new, seasonal and replacement programs * Ensure receipt accuracy and revise shipments to maintain optimum inventory level to drive business * Resource and leader for planning team and cross functional partners, provide training where needed

* Developed, executed, and communicated financial plans in milestone and monthly OTB meetings * Proven track record of being an active partner and team player across multiple departments * Stepped into Sr Planner role when short staffed, assisted manager in various tasks/projects for sleep department * Created and maintained ladder plans for key styles/programs to ensure proper inventory level to maximize sales * Monitored inventory needs within each channel in partnership with Allocation to maximize shared inventory levels

* Created and implemented comprehensive seasonal financial plans and innovative merchandising strategies for the Boys Active Department to meet and exceed top line sales, margin, and turnover goals for 956 US stores * Forecasted in-season sales and inventory while managing Open-to-Buy to present to senior management * Analyzed weekly business against plans and open-to-buy forecasts to develop winning strategies and scenarios to maximize retail and gross margin opportunities Achievements * Top Forecaster and owner of #1 growth category for Boys Division, delivering $79M in retail * Drove the Active department to a +2.2% retail comp in 2015, and +7.5% in 2016, outpacing the divisions -1%/+1.2% and total US Old Navy -1.5% * Took the lead of a cross functional team in the absence of a manager for 16 months, delivering winning presentations and fostering a cooperative ethos, pooling resources to achieve current and future goals

* Managed forecasts, collateral, inventory balance and sales across all 20 US Boutiques, a $25M division * Implemented strategic on hand inventory ownership to ensure quicker fulfillment of replenishment orders * Compiled and analyzed trend, seasonal and new launch sales data for monthly forecasts on 200+ SKU's * Developed and implemented new planning and reporting tools, providing auto-generated reports Achievements * Reduced spend by ±$200k per store during new Boutique openings by consolidating shipments, eliminating storage costs while maintaining timely deliveries * Increased sales by $13M, achieving +25% growth and +13% comp growth over two-year period * Proactively learned software packages as required to meet business needs as part of a small cohesive team

Assisted in managing $20.8M sales across 196 stores, strategizing to achieve sales and turnover objectives