Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Timeline
Generic

David Cudney

West Jordan

Summary

Results-driven retail professional with 23 years of experience in strategic planningsponsibilities of Merchant role. Adept at strategic planning and implementing merchandising strategies that optimize product placement and sales performance. Known for strong team collaboration, adaptability to changing market conditions, and keen eye for detail that ensures inventory accuracy and customer satisfaction.esponsible for inventory up to $50M in product inventory for 145 locations in the US. Categories included Footwear, Clothing, and Fishing. Managed merchandise selections for the in-store promotions, and e-commerce.


Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Retail Merchant

Sportsman's Warehouse
09.2021 - Current
  • Traveled to store locations to review product mix, obtain feedback and share information.
  • Handled complex vendor negotiations successfully, resulting in favorable payment terms and delivery schedules without compromising quality or service levels.
  • Mentored junior buyers, developing their skills and knowledge in retail purchasing processes.
  • Established strategic partnerships with key vendors, securing exclusive deals on trending products.
  • Developed a comprehensive assortment strategy to maximize product variety and customer satisfaction.
  • Monitored sell-through rates closely, making timely markdowns or promotions as necessary.
  • Managed budgets effectively, achieving optimal product margins while maintaining quality standards.
  • Coordinated with marketing team on targeted campaigns based on seasonal trends or specific product launches.
  • Optimized product mix through data-driven decision-making processes and regular performance reviews.
  • Organized promotional events that led to higher customer engagement and enhanced brand awareness.
  • Assessed competitor offerings regularly, ensuring our product range remained relevant and attractive to customers.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams, ensuring smooth merchandise flow from vendors to the sales floor.
  • Increased sales by building strong relationships with suppliers and negotiating better pricing.
  • Improved overall company profitability by identifying underperforming items and reallocating resources accordingly.
  • Conducted in-depth analysis of consumer behavior patterns to inform future buying decisions.

Merchandise Planning Manager

Sportsman's Warehouse
01.2020 - 09.2021
  • Provided guidance and support to junior planners on best practices in merchandise planning and inventory management processes.
  • Implemented effective allocation strategies to maximize sell-through rates while maintaining appropriate stock levels in stores.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create accurate sales forecasts, ensuring optimal inventory levels and minimizing stockouts.
  • Managed open-to-buy budgets effectively, balancing risks and opportunities to achieve financial targets consistently.
  • Reviewed and updated strategic plans on a regular basis, adapting to changing market conditions.
  • Implemented effective merchandising strategies to maximize sales and profitability.

Footwear Buyer

Sportsman’s Warehouse
01.2011 - 01.2020
  • Develop and manage inventory plan and sales forecast, reports on sales, inventory and performance according to requirements
  • Works with vendors to ensure negotiations for merchandise purchasing and contracts are current and efficient
  • Communicates with distribution center to ensure timely delivery of product
  • Continuously maintains knowledge and information about competitor activity, pricing and tactics
  • Responsible for determining and managing product mix, addition of, phase out of, and liquidation of items to ensure achievement of sales, inventory turn, and margin goals
  • Maintain close working relationship with the Demand Planners to ensure forecast accuracy, and systems maintenance in an environment of constantly changing products
  • Identifies and resolves potential purchasing problems; follows up to ensure timely and accurate product delivery
  • Monitor current trends to improve continuous sales
  • Responsible for maintaining product status to ensure “out of stocks” are limited while in season
  • Manage space allotted to maintain consistent presentation for all stores
  • Corresponds with suppliers and maintains contact with vendors regarding quotations and status of purchase orders
  • Ensures all products are shipped and delivered to meet the purchase order due date

National Softgoods Visual Merchandising Manager

Sportsman’s Warehouse
01.2010 - 01.2011
  • Independently coordinated merchandising strategies for both the Footwear and Clothing Departments
  • Constant communication with stores departments managers and staff about product questions and needs
  • Ensured that Footwear and novelty items were featured within the departments by creating attractive in-store displays of merchandise while keeping consistency with all national stores
  • Coordinated field operations to ensure seamless project execution and timely completion.
  • Developed seasonal layouts to drive customer engagement and increase foot traffic.
  • Analyzed sales data to refine merchandising strategies and optimize results.
  • Optimized store flow by reorganizing layouts for better customer navigation.

Assistant Footwear Buyer

Sportsman’s Warehouse
08.2009 - 01.2010
  • Assisted Footwear Buyer with replenishment ordering and planning
  • Responsible for the cycle of the Purchase Order as well as markdowns, this included writing PO’s, changes, cancelations and necessary follow-up to ensure key shipments are delivered and processed
  • Utilize product knowledge to take initiative to suggest new resources and creative methods of sourcing product
  • Knowledge of back stock strategy to offset additional costs of storing merchandise
  • Understands the concept of budgeting and release of back stock merchandise

Footwear Field Manager

Sportsman’s Warehouse
08.2007 - 08.2009
  • Responsible for 14-26 footwear department within the company
  • Maintained corporate merchandising standards
  • Set new stores and reset current stores to new sets, managed staff training
  • Maintained accurate records of current inventory, and assisted in writing and implementing new department policies
  • Maintained constant communication with department managers, staff and corporate personnel

Footwear Manager | Assistant Footwear Manager

Sportsman’s Warehouse
10.2005 - 08.2009
  • Supervise assigned staff, including hiring, orientation, training, discipline, reviewing performance and scheduling within payroll guidelines, while creating a positive and cohesive environment to discuss expectations and provide performance opportunities for employees
  • Responsible for day-to-day retail operations and staff, monitor inventory and ensure sale quota are met

Sales Associate

Sportsman’s Warehouse
06.2002 - 10.2004
  • Maintained exemplary work ethic
  • Assisted in opening and closing duties
  • Maintained high levels of customer service

Customer Service

United Parcel Service
10.2000 - 03.2002
  • Assisted customers with their shipping inquires which included, tracking packages, scheduling pickups and resolving billing inquires

Massage Therapist

Self Employed
10.2000 - 03.2002
  • Customer Service

Skills

  • Inventory management
  • Sales strategy
  • Vendor negotiation
  • Supply chain management
  • Market analysis
  • Pricing strategy
  • Product merchandising
  • Sales forecasting
  • Brand development
  • Retail marketing
  • Product promotion
  • Team leadership
  • Budget management
  • Profit maximization
  • Competitive analysis

Timeline

Retail Merchant

Sportsman's Warehouse
09.2021 - Current

Merchandise Planning Manager

Sportsman's Warehouse
01.2020 - 09.2021

Footwear Buyer

Sportsman’s Warehouse
01.2011 - 01.2020

National Softgoods Visual Merchandising Manager

Sportsman’s Warehouse
01.2010 - 01.2011

Assistant Footwear Buyer

Sportsman’s Warehouse
08.2009 - 01.2010

Footwear Field Manager

Sportsman’s Warehouse
08.2007 - 08.2009

Footwear Manager | Assistant Footwear Manager

Sportsman’s Warehouse
10.2005 - 08.2009

Sales Associate

Sportsman’s Warehouse
06.2002 - 10.2004

Customer Service

United Parcel Service
10.2000 - 03.2002

Massage Therapist

Self Employed
10.2000 - 03.2002
David Cudney