Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Carrie Boland

Saint Louis,MO

Summary

A seasoned Executive with over two decades of expertise in retail, adept in multi-channel operations including physical stores, online
commerce, and vertical integration. Renowned for exceptional leadership and proactivity, upholding a stellar work ethic, and consistently exceeding corporate goals. Noted for the unique ability to forge productive partnerships and thrive in fast-paced, deadline-driven settings. Proven track record in steering objectives and fostering team development, promoting a collaborative and high-performance team culture. An influential leader with outstanding communicative and interpersonal skills, driving organizational success and delivering extraordinary results.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Vice President of Merchandising

Kindthread
West Hills, CA
01.2023 - Current
  • Provided strategic thought leadership during integration of Scrubs & Beyond, Landau Uniforms, White Cross and Chefware
  • Led the development and execution of omnichannel merchandise sales strategies, combining eCommerce platforms with a national chain of 125 retail stores, achieving a seamless customer experience
  • Through implementation of data-based strategies, achieved a significant growth in sales for Kindthread brands accounting for 70% of total sales within an 18-month period.
  • Utilized analysis of market trends and consumer behavior to collaborate with product design teams, resulting in significant growth for Kindthread brands.

Buyer & Planner, Intimate Apparel

Macy's Midwest
Saint Louis, MO
01.2006 - 05.2024
  • Improved product category sales by 20% and increased total sales volume to $20M through strategic product assortment, vendor negotiation, and dynamic floor layouts. Capitalized on market trends and customer needs to drive growth.
  • Forecasted $20 in sales plans, reduced sku count by 14% and reinvested inventory into top styles, implementing efficient strategies that enhanced liquidity and exceeded financial objectives.

Sr. Director of Merchandise Planning

Scrubs & Beyond
Saint Louis, MO
07.2022 - 01.2023
  • Managed assortment and inventory for 125 stores and e-commerce channels, driving significant improvements in key metrics such as GMROI and inventory turnover.
  • Implemented comprehensive merchandise financial plans, resulting in a 95% in-stock rate across all categories during the post-COVID period when the port crisis of 2022 caused disruptions in the supply chain
  • Conducted performance reviews, planned strategically, and identified improvement and innovation opportunities. Developed sustainable solutions to share inventory performance with cross-functional teams, including Finance, Marketing, and store operations.

Director of Retail Merchandise & Planning

Scrubs & Beyond
Saint Louis, MO
08.2019 - 07.2022
  • Managed merchandise and promotional strategies across various product categories amidst the covid outbreak, strategically shaping assortments to cater to changing customer needs.
  • Maximized supply chain efficiency through creative coordination with suppliers and vendors, ensuring timely delivery and optimal product availability.
  • Synchronized a workforce of 12 including buyers, planners, and merchandise coordinators to achieve strategic business outcomes and meet customer demands.
  • Partnered with Retail Ops team to create a culture of respect and sharing, optimizing sales opportunities and resulting in a 22% increase in retail store sales

Sr. Buyer

Scrubs & Beyond
Saint Louis, MO
10.2013 - 08.2019
  • Achieved organizational objectives by developing and implementing cost-minimizing purchasing strategies.
  • Implemented a targeted strategy at Uniform City that led to an impressive 18% reduction in inventory levels. By streamlining product offerings and emphasizing greater depth rather than breadth, sales volumes were notably boosted.

Sr. Pricing Manager

Save-A-Lot
Saint Louis, MO
10.2011 - 11.2013
  • Monitored market trends, customer data, and industry changes to adjust pricing strategy as needed.
  • Advised senior management on pricing strategies that best meet organizational needs and maximize Gross Margin

Manager Merchandising

Maritz
Saint Louis, MO
06.2008 - 10.2011
  • Developed and implemented a preferred vendor strategy to eliminate duplication across all categories.
  • Secured exclusive partnerships with Tiffany & Company and Coach in the special markets industry, enhancing Maritz's competitiveness.

Direct Mail Analyst & Assistant Broadcast Manager

Famous Barr Department Stores
Saint Louis, MO
04.2000 - 06.2004
  • analyzed and optimized direct mail strategies by refining market profiles through zip code analysis, enhancing mailing accuracy, and providing detailed recommendations on paginations, credits and production schedules.
  • Negotiated value- added media opportunities that significantly increased store traffic and product exposure, securing free airtime and reducing costs by 94% through strategic vendor negotiations and effective collaboration with creative teams and vendors.

Education

Master of Arts - Marketing

Webster University
St Louis, MO
05-2005

Bachelor of Arts - Business Communications

Truman State University
Kirksville, MO
08-1999

Skills

  • Strategic Vendor Partnership Development
  • Innovative Merchandise Curation
  • Efficient Inventory Management
  • Data-Driven Sales Optimization
  • Promotional Strategy Expertise
  • Dynamic Trend Analysis
  • Inspirational Team Leadership and Mentorship

Timeline

Vice President of Merchandising

Kindthread
01.2023 - Current

Sr. Director of Merchandise Planning

Scrubs & Beyond
07.2022 - 01.2023

Director of Retail Merchandise & Planning

Scrubs & Beyond
08.2019 - 07.2022

Sr. Buyer

Scrubs & Beyond
10.2013 - 08.2019

Sr. Pricing Manager

Save-A-Lot
10.2011 - 11.2013

Manager Merchandising

Maritz
06.2008 - 10.2011

Buyer & Planner, Intimate Apparel

Macy's Midwest
01.2006 - 05.2024

Direct Mail Analyst & Assistant Broadcast Manager

Famous Barr Department Stores
04.2000 - 06.2004

Master of Arts - Marketing

Webster University

Bachelor of Arts - Business Communications

Truman State University
Carrie Boland