CLARE BLUNT
Oakland,CA
Summary
Experienced merchant with a sharp eye for emerging trends and a knack for impactful visual merchandising. Committed to promoting environmental sustainability through responsible practices. Passionate about supporting and nurturing local suppliers and community members. Proven track record of achieving outstanding financial performance. Possesses strong analytical skills and the ability to adapt effectively to changing market conditions.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Category Merchant
Whole Foods Market
01.2023 - Current
- Accountable for the financial performance, profitability, and strategy creation for Egg & Fresh Convenience categories
- Analyzes category performance, trends, competitive assortment and pricing to develop and execute category assortment that meets goals and is aligned to category strategy
- Engages with suppliers to build win-win partnerships that ensure WFM is prioritized for inventory supply as well as early insight into trends and products, exclusive new items, differentiated products, trade spend for merchandising and promotions and negotiating competitive costs
- Utilizes advanced analytical skills to review and react to changes in competitive market ensuring that WFM gains or maintains market share through promotions, pricing and product assortment
- Responsible for full category refresh cycle including supplier line reviews, assortment analysis, internal stakeholder collaboration, item planning and forecasting.
Senior Forager
Whole Foods Market
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Sought out and identified new and local emerging brands in geographic areas
- Ensured brands aligned with WFM Quality Standards and Food Safety requirements and filled white space needs and emerging market trends
- Worked with new and prospective suppliers to ensure smooth onboarding and path to success with WFM
- Partnered with store teams on education and product sampling to drive engagement and connection with local suppliers.
Whole Body Senior Buyer
Whole Foods Market
01.2015 - 01.2021
- Responsible for financial performance and execution of regional brands and merchandising programs in alignment with Global category assortment and strategy in the Northern California region.
Whole Body Associate Coordinator
Whole Foods Market
01.2011 - 01.2015
- Areas of Focus: Store Retail Operations, New Store Development and Team Member Training.
Whole Body Team Leader
Whole Foods Market
01.2005 - 01.2011
- Department Leader for Whole Body in various locations throughout California.
Skills
- Pricing strategy
- Negotiation expertise
- Brand Awareness
- Marketing techniques
- Rapport and relationship building
- Market Trend Analysis
- Brand Development
- Promotional sales events
Timeline
Senior Category Merchant
Whole Foods Market
01.2023 - Current
Senior Forager
Whole Foods Market
01.2021 - 01.2023
Whole Body Senior Buyer
Whole Foods Market
01.2015 - 01.2021
Whole Body Associate Coordinator
Whole Foods Market
01.2011 - 01.2015
Whole Body Team Leader
Whole Foods Market
01.2005 - 01.2011
Similar Profiles
Kiran SchollumKiran Schollum
Customer Service Desk Team Member at Whole Foods MarketCustomer Service Desk Team Member at Whole Foods Market
Brandy GonzalezBrandy Gonzalez
Store Shopper at Whole Foods MarketStore Shopper at Whole Foods Market
Cody HarperCody Harper
Team Member at Whole Foods MarketTeam Member at Whole Foods Market
Jade BejaranoJade Bejarano
Customer Service Representative at Whole Foods MarketCustomer Service Representative at Whole Foods Market
Mariana OsegueraMariana Oseguera
Assistant Gymnastics Teacher at Ruby's TumblingAssistant Gymnastics Teacher at Ruby's Tumbling