Angela Aschenbrenner
Appleton,WI
Summary
Dynamic and entrepreneurial buying leader specializing in merchandising and category growth within multi-channel retail environments. Proven track record in leveraging market insights to drive profitability, brand positioning, and strategic decision-making. Adept at fostering cross-functional collaboration, driving operational efficiencies, and nurturing vendor relationships to achieve significant sales growth and market competitiveness. Successfully increased market share by identifying customer needs and tailoring product assortments accordingly.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Category Manager
Fleet Farm
Appleton, WI
05.2023 - 08.2024
- Developed and implemented category strategies to increase market share for assigned categories.
- Analyzed sales and trend data to identify opportunities for growth in specific product lines, new line additions, vendors, and services that could benefit the organization.
- Forecasted sales, built assortment plans, and negotiated pricing and contracts for Apparel categories with the most significant sales volume for Fleet Farm.
- Devised long-term strategies for vendor base, product categories, and product life cycle.
- Determined product positioning, collaborated with cross-functional teams, and forecasted product demand.
- Conducted regular reviews of inventory levels and adjusted purchasing plans accordingly.
Senior Buyer
ZULILY
Seattle, WA
01.2019 - 04.2022
- Identifying opportunities across categories and making quick, effective decisions has been vital in maximizing product performance. This involved analyzing sales data, assortment gaps, and market trends, resulting in double-digit sales growth for the business.
- Developed strategic growth plans and purchasing strategies to meet organizational objectives while minimizing costs, keeping the customer top of mind.
- Selected to be subject matter expert on cross-functional project development teams to enhance and streamline merchandising processes, and train associates on new programs.
- Analyzed current inventory levels and forecasted future needs to minimize stockouts.
- Researched potential new vendors, evaluated their capabilities, and established relationships with approved vendors.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers to secure the best prices for materials and services.
Merchant
BASS PRO SHOPS
Springfield, MO
06.2014 - 05.2018
- Increased overall GM% over 1000 basis points and reduced owned inventory by 30%+ for footwear omni channel by growing private label penetration, vendor negotiations, and assortment planning and building
- Executed business development strategy with emphasis on revenue generation, new customer acquisitions, and brand partnering, resulting in an additional +$3M in sales
- Established goals and objectives for direct reports, initiated weekly touch bases to ensure understanding and progress, and created growth opportunities for the positions.
- Implemented innovative marketing strategies across multiple channels.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends in consumer behavior.
- Managed inventory levels to ensure optimal stock availability.
- Led category planning, development, and account management to grow existing accounts and establish new sales accounts.
Buyer
MAURICES
Duluth, MN
06.2011 - 05.2014
- Scaled footwear business by +50% increase by creating strategic financial plans, building compelling on-trend assortments, product development, and increasing footwear presence in stores and online
- Consistently improved net margin by 500+ basis points YOY by optimizing vendor relations, implementing cost-concession programs, building core product programs with monthly and seasonal product flow, and maximizing sales by size and color to increase turn.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify customer needs and develop innovative solutions, including design, marketing, sales, operations, and finance.
- Led cross-functional teams to design, develop, test, and launch products on schedule.
- Created seasonal merchandise plans based on market analysis, promotional activities and financial goals.
- Mentored and trained merchandising staff, fostering a team-oriented environment focused on performance and development.
- In 2012, selected by leadership to participate in the annual incentive awards trip given to top-performing store managers.
- In 2013, received the Vision Award, which my peers nominated me for collaboration.
Sr. Assistant Buyer
J.C. PENNEY
Plano, TX
05.2005 - 10.2010
- Partnered with senior leaders to identify opportunities that achieved sales demand goals of $200M, merchandising objectives, and compelling product assortments for omnichannel.
- Collaborated with a team consisting of a senior buyer, four allocators, an assortment planner, a financial planner, an assistant buyer, and merchandise assistants to build quarterly assortments, identify product needs by customer demand, location, and emerging trends.
- Evaluated vendor proposals regarding quality, price, payment terms, and delivery timeframes.
- Analyzed inventory levels to identify buying opportunities and minimize stockouts.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure continuity of supply.
Education
Bachelor of Science, Apparel Production, Design, and Management, Minor: Marketing -
Iowa State University
Skills
- Product Development and Lifecycle Management
- Merchandising & Pricing Strategies
- Supply Chain Optimization
- Trends Analysis
- Excellent Communication
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Organizational Skills
- Adaptability and Flexibility
Timeline
Category Manager
Fleet Farm
05.2023 - 08.2024
Senior Buyer
ZULILY
01.2019 - 04.2022
Merchant
BASS PRO SHOPS
06.2014 - 05.2018
Buyer
MAURICES
06.2011 - 05.2014
Sr. Assistant Buyer
J.C. PENNEY
05.2005 - 10.2010
Bachelor of Science, Apparel Production, Design, and Management, Minor: Marketing -
Iowa State University