CRYSTAL LYNN RISBERG
Brick,New Jersey
Summary
Results-oriented merchandising professional with over 15 years of experience in Direct to Consumer (DTC) and Wholesale (ITC) channels. Proven expertise in driving consumer-led assortments, managing SKU-level sales forecasting, and enhancing operational efficiencies. Strong collaborator with cross-functional teams, adept at leveraging consumer insights to inform strategic decisions and meet financial targets. Passionate about mentoring teams and fostering an inclusive work environment
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Direct to Consumer Channel Planning
Tumi
Edison, New Jersey
01.2018 - Current
- Lead a team of four in SKU-level sales forecasting and inventory management for all North American DTC and ITC channels, enhancing forecasting accuracy and operational efficiency.
- Collaborate with the Finance team to create a road map to execute the financial plan, including annual and monthly targets, and the evaluation of risks and opportunities.
- Drive pre-season strategy planning alongside in-season management, ensuring appropriate inventory levels, and SKU rationalization that aligns with brand priorities.
- Work with the Merchandising and Visual teams to ensure appropriate inventory levels, implement high-level strategies, as well as SKU rationalization and hindsight assessments.
- Foster strong partnerships with the Merchandising and Visual teams to implement high-level strategies, conducting post-season analyses to derive insights for improved future forecasting.
- Developed and executed a successful product assortment strategy that resulted in increased sales and improved financial performance of upwards of 3% on an average basis per year.
- Prepared staff work schedules and assigned team members to specific duties.
- Coordinated activities with other departments to expedite work and improve collaboration.
- Promoted a culture of innovation and encouraged staff to contribute ideas.
Retail Planner; Outlets
Tumi
01.2009 - 01.2018
- Spearheaded strategic initiatives for the Outlet business, achieving a growth trajectory from $25M to $110M in sales revenue from 2009 to 2024.
- Increased outlet profitability margins significantly, achieving a rise from 59% in 2009 to 73.3% in 2023.
- Designed and aligned inventory plans, merchandising initiatives, and financial goals with organizational objectives.
- Collaborated with the Merchandising and Visual teams in pre-season planning and in-season management, enhancing the SKU rationalization process and strategic decision-making.
- Created effective buy plans that promoted strong teamwork between Merchandising and Visual Merchandising (VM) divisions.
- Stayed abreast of market trends, and anticipated consumer needs and purchasing habits through data evaluation.
- Implemented promotions and store allocations to achieve company goals.
- Directed activities and performance of international outlets during specified timeline.
- Executed consistent year-over-year retail expansion, reaching a significant milestone.
Wholesale Analyst
Tumi
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Analyzed wholesale performance metrics to inform business strategy, driving improvements in sales outcomes, and inventory management.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to support forecasting processes and develop promotional strategies, enhancing wholesale revenue.
Account Executive
Liz Claiborne
New York, NY
01.1999 - 01.2007
- Led the strategic planning for Juicy Couture Handbags, Jewelry, and Fashion Accessories, resulting in an 80% brand growth in Mexico by executing consumer-driven assortment strategies.
- Analyzed performance across six jewelry and accessory brands within 17 accounts in Mexico. Leveraged market and data analytic insights to inform product lifecycle planning and inventory management.
- Increased market share in key accounts, boosting Liverpool's contribution from 5% to 11% for Liz Claiborne and Kenneth Cole Reaction jewelry brands through targeted segmentation and differentiation strategies.
Account Executive
Liz Claiborne
New York, NY
01.1999 - 01.2006
- Managed analysis for the domestic department and specialty stores, utilized data-driven insights to identify opportunities and risks to align with financial growth targets.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with management to optimize P&L and ensure profitability with retail partners, demonstrating a proven ability to influence in a matrixed organization.
- Established new business opportunities and developed existing accounts by conducting marketplace research and creating effective marketing strategies, contributing to overall sales performance and brand visibility.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Apparel Merchandising, Design and Production Management, option Fashion Merchandising
Auburn University
01.1998
Skills
- Strategic Merchandising Development
- Quantitative Analysis Expertise
- Relationship building
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Coaching and mentoring
- Proficient in Technical Skills
Accomplishments
- Successfully managed receipt flow in-season to meet optimal turn levels in a challenging market.
- Increased profitability in the Outlet segment from 59% to 73.3% from 2007-2023, through effective assortment strategy, strategic promotion cadence, and allocation and inventory management.
- Enhanced MFO product assortment penetration in Outlet, aligning with brand goals and consumer preferences.
Timeline
Director, Direct to Consumer Channel Planning
Tumi
01.2018 - Current
Retail Planner; Outlets
Tumi
01.2009 - 01.2018
Wholesale Analyst
Tumi
01.2007 - 01.2009
Account Executive
Liz Claiborne
01.1999 - 01.2007
Account Executive
Liz Claiborne
01.1999 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Science - Apparel Merchandising, Design and Production Management, option Fashion Merchandising
Auburn University
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