Nicole Strandberg: in Portland, OR

Category Lead for $30M Boys & Kids Unisex Apparel business, 15% of the total brand. Drove $1.4M of topline growth in Boys category for 2019, which outpaced total company growth. Analyzed sales data, consumer research, & market trends to drive and develop a digitally-focused omni product assortment and customer experience. Led cross-functional team in developing an annual average of 600 profitable, premium product offers that drove toward achieving target margin and volume goals. Appointed merchandising functional lead for successful execution of the go-to-market calendar, anticipating needs for each milestone meeting and ensuring deadlines were met. Managed and developed a high-performing assistant. Provided direction and support through clear communication, problem solving, and prioritization while managing multiple seasons and deliverables.

Drove analysis and development of Girls Swim business while simultaneously supporting management of #1 volume category. Presented and achieved sign-off from senior leadership on key initiatives such as optimizing 2pc swim offering as sets, leading to +23% sales growth and beating topline sales plan by $400k. Attended all Product Development meetings such as fit sessions and costing reviews, driving final decisions to ensure deadlines were met. Executed ad-hoc analyses and delivered to senior leadership, both in verbal presentation and written form.

Assisted Merchant in planning $50M Girls Apparel & Accessories assortment. Managed style maintenance in PLM system and in visual CAD form for up to 400 styles each season. Communicated line changes, website re-sort requests, and any copy detail concerns.

Executed vision for 4 Newborn categories by managing the approval of up to 300 artwork and sample submissions each cycle. Facilitated detailed communication with global vendors regarding deadlines and creative feedback. Collaborated closely with Design, Merchants, and Sourcing from point of concept to product creation. Assisted in planning & optimizing plan-o-gram. Worked on special projects to drive innovation and process improvements.

Coordinated and communicated overall product information for multiple essential departments. Facilitated organization of data entry and management of detail in product attributes and presentation standards. Processed purchase orders worth up to $50,000.