Christy Rich
Gibsonia,PA
Summary
Experienced Sr. Merchandise Planner with deep expertise in inventory planning, demand forecasting, and open-to-buy management. Advanced Excel, ERP systems, and stock replenishment skills support accurate buy plans and strong cross-functional execution.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Merchandise Planner
American Eagle Outfiters
04.2019 - Current
- Built and maintained open-to-buy plans supporting inventory balance across merchandise categories.
- Led seasonal demand forecasts to align inventory plans with sales trends and assortment strategies.
- Analyzed performance trends to recommend allocation adjustments and markdown actions.
- Partnered with buying teams to refine merchandising strategies and optimize product flow.
Sr Manager Inventory Planning
American Eagle Outtfitters
01.2008 - 03.2018
- Directed store operations to maintain brand standards, customer experience, and consistent sales execution.
- Led associates through coaching, feedback, and performance planning to strengthen team productivity.
- Managed staffing, scheduling, and payroll activities to support daily coverage and labor controls.
- Coordinated visual merchandising updates to align product presentation with corporate directives.
Inventory Planner
American Eagle Outfitters
05.2006 - 12.2007
- Analyzed sales trends, inventory positions, and seasonal patterns to improve planning accuracy.
- Forecasted inventory demand to support replenishment and allocation decisions across merchandise categories.
- Monitored stock levels and adjusted buy plans to prevent shortages and overages.
- Coordinated with merchants, distribution teams, and stores to align inventory flow with demand.
Associate Buyer
American Eagle Outtfitters
06.2001 - 12.2006
- Negotiated vendor terms to secure favorable pricing, delivery, and product availability.
- Directed assortment planning to align product buys with sales trends and brand strategy.
- Analyzed sell-through data to refine purchase orders and improve inventory positioning.
- Partnered with merchandising teams to balance open-to-buy against seasonal demand shifts.
Assistant Buyer Trainee
American Eagle Outfitters
01.2001 - 05.2001
- Coordinated purchase orders, ensuring accurate execution and timely vendor follow-up.
- Reviewed inventory levels to identify replenishment needs and reduce stock discrepancies.
- Analyzed sales trends to support assortment decisions and category performance.
- Managed sample tracking and product approvals across cross-functional merchandising partners.
Intern
Fashion Group International
01.1999 - 05.1999
Sales Associate
GAP
06.1996 - 05.1999
Education
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Merchandising
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PASkills
- Microsoft Excel proficiency
- Collaborative mindset
- ERP systems
- Stock replenishment
Timeline
Sr. Merchandise Planner
American Eagle Outfiters
04.2019 - Current
Sr Manager Inventory Planning
American Eagle Outtfitters
01.2008 - 03.2018
Inventory Planner
American Eagle Outfitters
05.2006 - 12.2007
Associate Buyer
American Eagle Outtfitters
06.2001 - 12.2006
Assistant Buyer Trainee
American Eagle Outfitters
01.2001 - 05.2001
Intern
Fashion Group International
01.1999 - 05.1999
Sales Associate
GAP
06.1996 - 05.1999
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Merchandising
Indiana University of Pennsylvania