Cynthia Davis
Johns Island,SC
Summary
Seasoned Sr. Buyer with a proven track record at DSW, adept in leading high-stakes negotiations and strategic marketing to boost brand presence. Excelled in merchandise strategy, driving significant sales through analytical prowess and effective team leadership. Expert in market trend analysis and retail data analytics, ensuring operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Buyer – Women’s Footwear
DSW
Columbus, OH
10.2014 - Current
- Led a multi-million-dollar footwear portfolio, driving product selection, vendor negotiations, and inventory management for over 500 doors and online
- Drove strategic marketing and promotional initiatives in partnership with the marketing team, increasing consumer engagement through social media, digital campaigns, and in-store events
- Traveled to trade shows and key markets to stay ahead of trends and adapt the product offering to local consumer needs, increasing customer acquisition and retention
- Developed and implemented retail best practices, contributing to operational excellence across all locations
Sr. Buyer – Women’s Footwear
PVH (G.H. BASS)
New York, NY
11.2011 - 10.2013
- Independently managed the buying and development of women’s footwear for 150 stores, negotiating vendor terms and driving promotional strategies to boost brand presence
Buyer – Children’s/Junior Footwear
ROSS STORES INC
New York, NY
11.2006 - 03.2011
- Managed buying operations for children’s footwear across 1000+ stores, with a focus on driving sales and improving gross margins seasonally
- Maintained control over open-to-buy budgets, ensuring accurate financial forecasting and inventory management, reacting to business trends and adjusting assortments to optimize product performance
Buyer – Women’s/Men’s Footwear
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
New York, NY
09.1994 - 11.2006
- Various Buying Roles: Footwear, Intimate Apparel, Hosiery and RTW Apparel
- Managed footwear buying for 50+ Off-Fifth Outlet stores, including private label product development and execution
- Pioneered a private label footwear program, achieving a seven-figure sales volume in its first year
Education
Business Administration and Management -
Benedict College
01.1992
Skills
- Retail leadership and team development
- High-End Retail Experience
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Analytical and strategic thinking
- Merchandise Strategy and Assortment Planning
- Sales and Margin Analysis
- Vendor Negotiation Skills
- Open-to-Buy Strategy Development
- Market Intelligence & Trend Analysis
- Team Leadership & Development
- Effective Communication Skills
- Retail Math & Data Analysis Expertise
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Personal Characteristics
- Enthusiastic, hands-on leader with the ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve goals and deliver outstanding service.
- Strong communicator and collaborator, confident in leading cross-functional teams to achieve shared objectives.
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with the ability to prioritize and adapt to changing needs.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Sr. Buyer – Women’s Footwear
DSW
10.2014 - Current
Sr. Buyer – Women’s Footwear
PVH (G.H. BASS)
11.2011 - 10.2013
Buyer – Children’s/Junior Footwear
ROSS STORES INC
11.2006 - 03.2011
Buyer – Women’s/Men’s Footwear
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
09.1994 - 11.2006
Business Administration and Management -
Benedict College
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