Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Christina Llanes

Dallas

Summary

Accomplished Buyer and Merchandise Planner with a proven track record at Neiman Marcus, enhancing a $28M Women's Apparel business and spearheading a $59M Women's Contemporary division to unprecedented growth. Expert in strategic vendor negotiations and building effective relationships, I excel in market research and inventory management, driving results through analytical thinking and a goal-oriented approach.

Senior Buyer with over 12 years of progressive retail experience. Well-versed in planning and executing daily and special inventory buys. Proficient in purchasing and procurement environments. Expert at supporting businesses with high-quality, reliable goods delivered on consistent schedule.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Buyer, Women's Sportswear and Lifestyle Apparel

Neiman Marcus
03.2021 - Current
  • Responsible for the financial success of $28M Women's Apparel business, improving gross margin annually
  • Effectively manage 25+ vendors, partnering and strategizing with each individually to curate assortments specific to each region and store.
  • Grew the sales volume by $19M (FY09-FY14), taking calculated risks on trending vendors and successfully editing large volume resources, all while maintaining steady top line sales growth.
  • Built long-term supplier relationships with vendors to establish quality and competitive pricing.
  • Collaborated with internal departments to better understand needs and determine purchasing requirements.
  • Developed strong relationships with suppliers to secure favorable pricing terms and conditions for the company''s benefit.

Senior Merchandise Planner, Women's Contemporary

Neiman Marcus
04.2015 - 03.2021
  • Neiman Marcus Planner of the Year, Fiscal Year 2017
  • Partnered with the DMM and buyer to grow a $59M business, advancing Theory to an all-time high of $29M in sales
  • Effectively negotiated with 65+ brand partners to ensure profitable results through RTVs and MDAs while forecasting monthly brand views to drive business
  • Edited the store assortment to maximize best-in-class boutique strategy, which supported the stores to overachieve plan by $1.1M
  • Expanded exclusive assortment from 6% sales penetration to 20% (45% ST vs Div 25%)
  • Collaborated with stores on the rollout of Women’s Swimwear, driving double digit sales increases year over year
  • Supported the company by updating the EDP Program and developing financial tools post new system implementation

Assistant Buyer, Men's Contemporary Sportswear

Neiman Marcus
01.2013 - 04.2015
  • Neiman Marcus Assistant Buyer of the Year, Fiscal Year 2014
  • Contributed to the financial success of a $58M dollar business (managing 28 brands)
  • Assisted in implementation of new replenishment program in denim, driving the volume back to high water mark thresholds
  • Reviewed purchasing trends and forecast demand for inventory planning and replenishment.
  • Assisted in developing seasonal buying plans, ensuring optimal merchandise assortment to meet customer demands.

Men's Retail Sales Intern

Nordstrom
05.2012 - 07.2012

Education

Bachelor of Consumer Sciences - Fashion Merchandising

The University of Georgia
Athens, GA
12-2012

Skills

  • Customer Insights Analysis
  • Market Research
  • Strategic Vendor Negotiations
  • Effective Relationship Building
  • Inventory management
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration

Timeline

Buyer, Women's Sportswear and Lifestyle Apparel

Neiman Marcus
03.2021 - Current

Senior Merchandise Planner, Women's Contemporary

Neiman Marcus
04.2015 - 03.2021

Assistant Buyer, Men's Contemporary Sportswear

Neiman Marcus
01.2013 - 04.2015

Men's Retail Sales Intern

Nordstrom
05.2012 - 07.2012

Bachelor of Consumer Sciences - Fashion Merchandising

The University of Georgia

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Christina Llanes