Alison Puu
Honolulu,HI
Summary
Results-driven professional with extensive experience in retail merchandise buying. Skilled in leading cross-functional teams and mentoring junior buyers, successfully improving procurement operations and building strong vendor relationships to support business goals.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Aloha Buyer
Ross Stores
Honolulu, HI
08.1999 - 06.2026
- Managed vendor relationships to optimize product assortment and pricing strategies.
- Led cross-functional teams to streamline procurement processes and improve operational efficiency.
- Mentored junior buyers on effective negotiation techniques and market analysis approaches.
- Collaborated with merchandising team to align buying strategy with seasonal promotions and sales forecasts.
- Built long-term supplier relationships with vendors to establish quality and competitive pricing.
- Ensured timely delivery of products by closely monitoring vendor performance and addressing any issues promptly.
- Participated in trade shows to stay informed of the latest industry developments and maintain a strong professional network.
- Supported new product launches by ensuring timely availability of required materials, aligning with project timelines.
- Placed orders for merchandise consistent with quality, quantity and other specification requirements.
- Established relationships with vendors to secure competitive pricing and discounts.
- Sourced new vendors in effort to boost range of products offered in store locations while reducing costs through strategic contract negotiations.
- Analyzed market trends to inform purchasing decisions and enhancenalyzed sales and inventory data to determine purchasing needs and reorder points. inventory turnover.
Education
Associate of Arts -
Cannon's Business College
Honolulu, HI05-1976
No Degree - Liberal Arts
University of Hawaii Hilo
Hilo, HIHigh School Diploma -
St. Andrew's Priory
Honolulu, HI05-1976
Skills
- Retail merchandise buying
- Staff training
- Vendor negotiation
- Multi-tasking strength
Timeline
Aloha Buyer
Ross Stores
08.1999 - 06.2026
Associate of Arts -
Cannon's Business College
No Degree - Liberal Arts
University of Hawaii Hilo
High School Diploma -
St. Andrew's Priory