BLAIR PETERSON

Chicago, Il 60647 (314) 249-5005 Blair.peterson@gmail.com

S UMMARY

Experienced merchandiser, buyer and project manager with expertise in new product launches, collaboration with functional groups on merchandising initiatives along with production requirements, rolling finacials to meet plan objectives and strategy development for assigned categories. Leverages strong organizational skills within a complex work environment to maintain smooth operations and effectively maximize work flow. Spearheads a variety of projects and delivers top results within tight budgets and timelines. Key attributes in the following areas: Strategic/Creative Thinker Strategy Development Project Management Trend and Competitive Analyst Effective Decision Maker Change Management
EXPERI ENCE

SPANX ATLANTA , GA Leading provider of shapewear for women and men. Spanx is sold in high-end retail stores, boutiques and is available in 40 countries. The companys growing product line of more than 200 styles promotes comfort and confidence with innovative shapewear and apparel that slims, shapes and smoothes the figure. Product Development/Merchandise Manager for Assets Brand 10/2010 1/2013 Merchandise Manager for Assets Brand including all categories: Shapewear, Foundations, Hosiery, Swim, Active and Mens. Estimated Assets Brand volume for 2012 is $60 Million, which is expected to have 64% increase in 2012. Key project lead in launch of new Assets Red Hot Label by Spanx in Fall 2012 within a truncated time frame Determine product assortment, set retails (MSRP and promotional strategy) and understands all trend & competitive from mass to luxury market. Present seasonal merchandising strategy to the Senior Management team. Partner with planning team to create financial roll up showing dollar projection Conduct product training with sales team, customer marketing, DTC Travel with account managers to client meetings to present merchandise strategy. Collaborate with design and production at each stage within the conceptualation process. Evaluate margin and overall cost implications. Effectively communicate line changes to senior management. Approve the copy message on hangtag and violators to ensure creative marketing is representing the brand. Mentor and grow two associate merchandisers. ESPRIT New York City, NY Esprit engages in wholesale and retail distribution, sourcing, and licensing of fashion and lifestyle products worldwide. It provides apparel and accessories for women, men, and children under the Esprit name. Buyer/Merchandise Manager Accessories and Licensing 1/2010-10/2010

Developed merchandise plan by month bi-annually for Design and Product Managers including financials and product specifics. Traveled to Germany quarterly representing North America Retail in concept and proto meetings. Rolled up monthly budget based on door grades, target Initial Mark Up, and turn goals. Evaluated business on a weekly basis for US and CAN retail. Ensure top 10 styles have a healthy Gross Margin% and sell thru. React to slow sellers by markdown or discussions with visual team.

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Partnered with planning on Open To Buy, Average Unit Retail, and Initial Mark Up goals. Constant discussion on product markdown strategies along with store planning by area/division. Work with all licensee partners to ensure product is on brand. Approved designs and colors for product development. Set pricing for all categories ensuring we are meeting IMU goals. Liz Claiborne Inc., New York, NY - Designer and Marketer of a wide range of women's and men's apparel, accessories and fragrance products, based in NYC. Merchandiser for International Accessories, Handbags and Jewelry 05/2007 01/2010 Sole merchandiser - managing a growing international business of $12 million for accessories Built line assortment plans for international markets based on a budget provided per market season: Europe, Latin America, Mexico, Middle East, Asia Collaborated with merchandising planning team, located in Amsterdam, to ensure assortments were rolling up to OTB for each market Spearheaded launched of sterling silver charm bracelet program that within a year accounts for 25% of sales volume Created and maintained the calendar for International cross functional areas of planning, sales, and design Prepared the sales teams for market by presenting line to all account executives, including talking points for inspirations, color palates, and overall numbers Traveled to global markets to obtain key trade insights and market trends Partnered with domestic merchandisers and marketing to create global lifestyle in store graphics for El Corte Ingles and Liverpool, the major players for international accounts Mentored one junior merchandiser by managing work flow and daily activities. J.FOLD New York, NY Designs and sells modern mens accessories including wallets, handbags and belt. Sales and Public Relations Associate 08/2005 05/2007 Primary sales contact for all Midwest to Northern stores. Oversaw all international distribution orders including Canada, UK, Germany, Australia and China. Responded to all customer service emails representing J.FOLD with a respectful image and process refunds/exchanges. Directed contact with all major press. Sent up to date samples and press releases Processed commission for sales representations through QuickBooks and along with run analysis of store history and style reports. Used weekly updates to drive sales in our target markets. Travel with co-workers to Magic Tradeshow 2006, Project New York 2006, and managed and organized Project Las Vegas 2007. Collaborated in all new style reviews. Aided in critique process before final samples were picked based on trends/sales.
EDUCATION

Emory University: Atlanta, GA Bachelor of Arts major Sociology, minor Economics 2005 Cumulative GPA: 3.6/4.0; Deans List, Omicron Delta Epsilon, National Collegiate Scholar John Cabot University Study Abroad Program Rome, Italy 08/03-12/03