Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Timeline
Generic

Brooke Pierce

New Albany,Ohio

Summary

I am a passionate retail leader with over 12 years buying experience for both E-comm and brick and mortar stores. I have unique and diverse blend of experience buying for multiple categories such as character and sports licensing, toys, print on demand apparel, crafts, home, and office. I have a proven track record for driving results through trend spotting, creative vendor funded promotions, inventory management, and cost negotiations. I am excited about environments where I am empowered to drive meaningful change, help develop talent, and build strong relationships both internally and externally.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Buyer

zulily
01.2020 - Current
  • Directs all merchandise selection offered to customers via the e-commerce site
  • Responsible for driving a $25M business
  • Works with high touch mass brands
  • Proven track record of double-digit growth through strategic thinking, cost negotiation, and strong vendor relationships
  • Successfully develops and manages a portfolio of over 150 vendors
  • Drove the first successful overseas buy for zulily which generated $4.5M in demand
  • Implemented a program for always on product that was adopted by 98% of the company and became 60% of overall business
  • Responsible for calendar planning for division
  • Collaborates with creative department to ensure brands are represented accurately
  • Stepped in for six months as Merchandise Manager when the division didn’t have one
  • Promoted 5 assistant buyers and 3 associate buyers to buyers
  • Develops and executes a minimum of 200-250 live promotions per month
  • Identified new market trends and opportunities to enhance product offerings and drive customer engagement
  • Negotiates bottom line pricing that exceeds corporate profit margin goals· Implement a vendor evaluation process that includes criteria for assessing vendor performance, quality, and reliability, and regularly review and update the vendor database based on performance and customer feedback

· Maintain a deep understanding of the retail market and industry trends to identify potential business opportunities and stay ahead of the competition

· Develop and implement a comprehensive training program for junior buyers to enhance their product knowledge, negotiation skills, and market analysis capabilities

· Develop and implement a pricing strategy that maximizes profitability and maintains a competitive edge in the market

· Identify new market trends and opportunities to enhance product offerings and drive customer engagement

· Provide strategic guidance to the senior management team on retail market trends, competitor analysis, and potential business opportunities that align with the company's objectives and goals

· Lead cross-functional teams to develop and execute strategic initiatives that drive growth and profitability in the retail market

  • Creates key merchandising strategies to drive business
  • Conducts deep dives on vendor performance in order to understand the customer and make informed decisions
  • Coordinates with marketing and social media teams to establish sales campaigns
  • Turns over a new site everyday to excite and delight the customer
  • Assists with all functions of Human Resources to recruit, hire, and mentor top talent.

Buyer

zulily
01.2016 - 01.2020
  • Independently ran a portfolio that drove $15M in demand
  • Identify new trends and emerging brands in the market to state ahead of the competition and bring unique products to zulily customers
  • Established strong relationships with vendors and negotiated favorable terms and pricing to ensure the best value for zulily customers
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with vendors and suppliers to ensure consistent product availabilty and favorable costing
  • Conducted market research to analyze customer preferences, shopping behaviors, and product trends in order to make data-driven decisions for product selection
  • Promoted 3 assistant buyers to associate buyers
  • Worked with licensors to strategically plan large scale events to promote key initiatives
  • Successfully developed and managed a portfolio of over 250 vendors
  • Responsible for all aspects of site management as it pertains to the product category
  • Proven track record of elevating direct reports to the next level
  • Develops and executes a minimum of 200-250 live events per month
  • Negotiates bottom line pricing that exceeds corporate profit margin goals
  • Creates key merchandising strategies to drive business
  • Conducts deep dives on vendor performance in order to understand the customer
  • Coordinates with marketing and social media teams to establish sales campaigns
  • Turns over a new site everyday to excite and delight the customer
  • Assists with all functions of Human Resources to recruit, hire, and mentor top talent.

Associate Buyer

zulily
01.2014 - 01.2016
  • Responsible for driving a $10M business
  • Work with licensors to strategically plan large scale events to promote key initiatives
  • Assisted with budget planning and financial forecasting to ensure profitability
  • Analyze sales data and customer feedback to identify areas of improvement in product assortment, pricing strategies, and make recommendations to increase sales and customer satisfaction
  • Collaborated with HR department to develop and implement training programs fro new and existing employees, ensuring they have the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles
  • Coordinated with cross-functional teams to optimize inventory levels and minimize stockouts
  • Assisted with vendor contract negotiations to esnure favorable terms and pricing for the company
  • Successfully develops and manages a portfolio of over 250 vendors
  • Drove the first successful overseas buy for zulily
  • Responsible for all aspects of site management as it pertains to the product category
  • Source and establish vendor relationships
  • Collaborates with creative department to ensure brands are represented accurately
  • Proven track record of elevating direct reports to the next level
  • Develops and executes a minimum of 200-250 live events per month
  • Negotiates bottom line pricing that exceeds corporate profit margin goals
  • Creates key merchandising strategies to drive business
  • Conducts deep dives on vendor performance in order to understand the customer
  • Coordinates with marketing and social media teams to establish sales campaigns
  • Turns over a new site everyday to excite and delight the customer
  • Assists with all functions of Human Resources to recruit, hire, and mentor top talent.

Assistant Buyer Licensed Toys

zulily
01.2012 - 01.2014
  • Conducted market research to identify emerging trends and potential new products for the companies target audience
  • Collaborated with merchandising team to develop a unique and compelling product assortment
  • Assisted the Buyer in developing product selection strategies that align with the companies unique positioning in the market
  • Identified new and innovative vendors to bring unique and high quality products to the companies assortment
  • Established and maintained vendor relationships
  • Negotiated buying terms with vendors
  • Sourced and maintained vendor samples
  • Gathered all important paperwork from a vendor before an event went live
  • Followed industry trends
  • Ensured all information is accurate before the event went live
  • Responsible for all aspects of event management and execution.

Merchandise Coordinator Home Decor

Big Lots
01.2011 - 01.2012
  • Wrote and maintained purchase orders
  • Communicated with vendors on all aspects of business
  • Built strong vendor relationships
  • Worked with buyer on merchandise assortment and planning
  • Obtained and maintained samples for floor sets
  • Chose feature products for ad placement
  • Maintained open to buy
  • Met with vendors to choose merchandise and negotiate cost.

· Coordinated with cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of merchandise and resolve any issues related to product quality, availability, or pricing.

· Collaborated with the merchandise planning team to analyze sales data and identify trends and patterns to make data-driven recommendations for product assortment and pricing at Big Lots

· Stay informed about industry trends and competitor activities to identify potential opportunities and threats for Big Lots

· Collaborate with the merchandising team to design and implement visual merchandising strategies that enhance the overall shopping experience at Big Lots

Department Manager - Point of View

Nordstrom
01.2006 - 01.2011
  • Trained, managed, and motivated a team of nine direct reports
  • Communicated and collaborated with buyers and regional merchandisers
  • Created and executed visual displays
  • Responsible for all operational aspects of a $2.5 million dollar business
  • Consistent track record of increasing sales on an annual basis
  • Mentored interns and sales associates who were in the Future Leaders program.

· Developed and implemented training programs for new sales associates to improve product knowledge and customer service skills

· Implemented customer loyalty program to increase repeat business

· Identified and implemented process improvements to increase department efficiency and reduce costs

· Developed and implemented strategies to increase customer engagement and drive sales in the Point of View department

· Collaborated with the marketing team to develop and execute strategies to increase brand awareness and drive customer traffic to the department

· Managed inventory levels and ensured proper stock replenishment to meet customer demands

· Developed and executed a talent acquisition strategy for the Point of View department to ensure a diverse and qualified workforce

Assistant Department Manager - Lingerie

Nordstrom
01.2005 - 01.2006
  • Created and maintained visual displays and advertisements
  • Coordinated events within the department
  • Accountable for managing the Fit Certification program
  • Developed and strengthened core sale skills for six direct reports.

Sales Associate

Nordstrom
01.2004 - 01.2005
  • Assisted customers with purchases
  • Established and built long-term customer relationships.

Patient Service Representative

The Cleveland Clinic
01.2001 - 01.2004
  • Provided exceptional customer service to patients, ensuring their needs were addressed and concerns were resolved in a timely manner
  • Maintained a high level of accuracy and attention to detail while inputting patient information into the medical record system
  • · Maintain a positive and empathetic attitude towards patients, ensuring their comfort and well-being throughout their interactions with the clinic.
  • · Communicate effectively with doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure seamless coordination of patient care
  • · Coordinate with other departments to ensure smooth patient flow and minimize waiting times
  • · Assist patients in navigating the healthcare system and provide guidance on insurance coverage and billing procedures


  • Educated new employees on proper procedures and guidelines
  • Performed clerical duties and maintained patient records
  • Assisted patients.

Education

Bachelor of Fine and Professional Arts in Fashion Merchandising -

University of Akron
Akron, Ohio

Timeline

Senior Buyer

zulily
01.2020 - Current

Buyer

zulily
01.2016 - 01.2020

Associate Buyer

zulily
01.2014 - 01.2016

Assistant Buyer Licensed Toys

zulily
01.2012 - 01.2014

Merchandise Coordinator Home Decor

Big Lots
01.2011 - 01.2012

Department Manager - Point of View

Nordstrom
01.2006 - 01.2011

Assistant Department Manager - Lingerie

Nordstrom
01.2005 - 01.2006

Sales Associate

Nordstrom
01.2004 - 01.2005

Patient Service Representative

The Cleveland Clinic
01.2001 - 01.2004

Bachelor of Fine and Professional Arts in Fashion Merchandising -

University of Akron
Brooke Pierce