Ann Heacock
Director of Merchandising
Salisbury,NC
Summary
Savvy senior-level merchant leader with over 20 years in retail and a proven record of passion, innovation, and the ability to drive results in fast-paced environments. Awarded and demonstrated success in growing talent by building trust, motivating, inspiring, and explaining the 'why'. Experienced in multiple channels of retail (catalog, online, mass, specialty, off-price and franchising) as well as multiple categories (apparel, jewelry, soft home, furniture and hardlines). Team leader who cultivates an environment of open communication and continuous improvement in an ever-changing landscape.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Divisional Merchandise Manager
National Wholesale Co
Lexington, NC
07.2023 - 10.2023
- Implemented merchandising strategies and product assortment plans to drive profit, efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Identified market trends, selling data and customer needs, adjusting merchandise assortments accordingly to maximize profits.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to develop targeted promotional campaigns to drive customer traffic and sales growth.
- Analyzed sales data regularly to identify opportunities for expansion or adjustments in strategy to optimize overall business performance.
- Initiated cross-department collaborations that led to a more cohesive retail strategy.
- Presented opportunities for improved customer service, reduced costs in acquisition and advertising helping to save over $250K and increase our reach.
- Cultivated an environment of open communication within the team, encouraging feedback and idea sharing for continuous improvement.
- Assessed areas of service concern and developed improvement plans including line structure, assortment plans, marketing and markdowns.
Divisional Merchandise Manager
Colony Brands, Inc.
Monroe, WI
07.2020 - 07.2023
- Developed annual budgets and financial oversight of expenses and variances, reporting results to executive team and cross-functional teams to develop new and improved plans.
- Owned Omni-channel marketing direction for 3 brands and implemented visual merchandising standards throughout, ensuring consistent brand presentation and customer experience.
- Led cross-functional teams in executing seasonal merchandise plans, achieving revenue growth across multiple categories.
- Streamlined processes for improved efficiency in merchandising through new calendar processes, cross-functional communication and developing SOPs to support and train.
- Mentored junior team members, fostering a culture of professional development and continuous improvement within the division.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to develop targeted promotional campaigns that drove customer traffic and sales growth.
- Established clear goals for team members which resulted in balanced productivity levels within the division (70-75%).
- Cultivated an environment of open communication within the team, encouraging feedback and idea sharing for continuous improvement.
- Championed change management initiatives contributing to a more adaptive and agile division in response to market demands.
Merchandising/Catalog Manager
Mindware Corporation
Roseville, MN
11.2017 - 04.2020
- Collaborated cross-functionally with marketing and sales departments to align catalog offerings with promotional campaigns, driving revenue growth of 157%.
- Managed budget for catalog production costs and reduced by $1.0M.
- Overhauled outdated product descriptions and images, improving overall presentation and engagement with customers, creating a seamless Omni-channel experience resulting in growth of 200%.
- Coordinated efforts between various departments to resolve any discrepancies or issues related to the catalog content efficiently and effectively.
- Monitored competitor catalogs regularly for insights into industry trends and potential areas of improvement or differentiation.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Successfully negotiated $200K discounts with suppliers.
- Championed new print media calendar for a streamlined promotional process and reduction of spend by $50K.
Owner
Assisted Living Locators
Plymouth, MN
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
Director of Merchandising
Bluestem Brands Inc.
Eden Prairie, MN
06.2006 - 08.2016
- Increased sales by 20-30% and drove ROI by developing and implementing strategic merchandising plans.
- Mentored and developed team members, leading to several promotions within the company.
- Collaborated with Marketing, Ecommerce, Finance and Creative teams to drive the roadmap and launch of Gettington.com.
- Facilitated launch of new off-price catalog/web brand resulting in $100M sales in 5 years.
- Introduced new product lines that expanded brand reach and diversified revenue streams.
- Managed expenses, generated sales and created profits through profit and loss performance reports.
- Communicated with suppliers to drive accountability for quality standards and timely delivery of goods.
- Negotiated pricing and terms with vendors to secure best value for company.
- Enhanced overall customer experience by curating appealing product displays in catalog and online platforms.
- Developed comprehensive seasonal merchandise strategies that aligned with company goals and consumer demands.
- Collaborated with marketing team to develop all-encompassing promotional campaigns.
Senior Merchant
The Sportsman's Guide
South Saint Paul, MN
02.2004 - 06.2006
- Enhanced merchandising strategies by analyzing sales data and identifying trends to optimize product assortment.
- Maximized profit margins through off-price buys and effective negotiation with suppliers and implementing cost-saving measures.
Product Manager
Target Corporation
Minneapolis, MN
02.2003 - 01.2004
- Launched high-quality, trend-right products with maximum bottom line impact and responsible sourcing goals through successful vendor negotiation and direction.
- Managed assigned category CLRs partnering and leading factory/merchant negotiations to win 70% of the programs.
- Developed and launched successful products by conducting thorough market research, partnering with internal design teams and identifying customer needs.
- Optimized product performance with data-driven analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Led all details such as packaging, line adoption, logistics, QA and sourcing for all new product launches.
VP Merchandising
Candleman
Brainerd, MN
08.2001 - 01.2004
- Launched successful private-label programs, enhancing brand recognition and increasing profit.
- Enhanced customer experience and assisted franchise owners through effective visual display concepts, corporate sanctioned program buys and in-store promotion direction.
- Managed vendor relationships to negotiate favorable terms and secure exclusive products for all franchise owners.
- Developed planograms, improving efficiency in the planning and execution of visual merchandising layouts.
- Planned, prepared and presented merchandising strategies to new market growth in Hawaii and Australia, keeping brand focus and customer needs in mind.
- Alerted and contacted franchisees about account or informational issues to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Collected performance data by store or region to better plan future events and products.
- Drove high-level analysis of stores by state and region to help drive assortment plans and effective information sharing between stores.
Buyer
Fingerhut Companies
Minnetonka, MN
07.1993 - 07.2001
- Increased supplier efficiency by negotiating contracts and maintaining strong relationships with vendors.
- Reduced procurement costs through strategic sourcing, competitive bidding, and effective negotiations.
- Ensured timely delivery of products by closely monitoring vendor performance and addressing any issues promptly.
- Improved inventory management by conducting regular audits, analyzing usage patterns, and implementing demand forecasts.
- Enhanced quality control measures by establishing clear criteria for vendor selection and conducting thorough evaluations of potential partners.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers to secure favorable pricing terms and conditions for the company's benefit.
- Participated in trade shows and conferences to stay informed of the latest industry developments and maintain a strong professional network.
- Maintained key item stock levels and wrote or expedited purchase orders.
Assistant Buyer
Maurices
Duluth, MN
02.1991 - 06.1993
- Established relationships with vendors to support access to latest product information and pricing.
- Processed purchase orders and invoices in accordance with company procedures.
- Reviewed purchasing trends and forecast demand for inventory planning and replenishment.
- Monitored incoming orders and tracked progress to meet deadlines.
- Interacted with vendors, store managers and other stakeholders to maintain on-time deliveries.
- Reviewed each store location's buying trends to ascertain correct assortment of apparel for maximum sales and profits.
- Developed and managed budgets for purchasing and projected purchasing needs.
- Monitored and analyzed sales records, trends, or economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Management
College of Saint Scholastica
Duluth, MNSkills
- Merchandising Strategies
- Budget Management
- Brand Development
- Pricing Strategy
- Customer Experience
- Team Leadership
- Vendor Negotiation
- Performance Metrics
- Supply Chain Management
- Global Sourcing
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Product Lifecycle Management
- Private Label Development
- Competitive Analysis
- Process Improvement
- Financial Planning
- Omni-channel Marketing
- Supplier Relationship Management
Technical Skills
Shopify
Google Analytics
Oracle Financial and Assortment Planning (APIP/MFP)
Power BI
Microsoft Office Suite
Direct Tech
SWOT Analysis
Nielsen Data
Product Information Systems (PIM)
Timeline
Divisional Merchandise Manager
National Wholesale Co
07.2023 - 10.2023
Divisional Merchandise Manager
Colony Brands, Inc.
07.2020 - 07.2023
Merchandising/Catalog Manager
Mindware Corporation
11.2017 - 04.2020
Owner
Assisted Living Locators
01.2017 - 01.2020
Director of Merchandising
Bluestem Brands Inc.
06.2006 - 08.2016
Senior Merchant
The Sportsman's Guide
02.2004 - 06.2006
Product Manager
Target Corporation
02.2003 - 01.2004
VP Merchandising
Candleman
08.2001 - 01.2004
Buyer
Fingerhut Companies
07.1993 - 07.2001
Assistant Buyer
Maurices
02.1991 - 06.1993
Bachelor of Arts - Business Management
College of Saint Scholastica