Iris Sabala
Summary
Seasoned Buyer with over 28 years of in-depth retail and professional experience in diverse environments. First-rate planner, manager and communicator trained in buying and product management. Proficient in managing purchasing needs in high-volume retail operations. Skilled research and forecasting abilities with strengths in communication and key relationship and vendor management. Renowned for my analytical acumen and adept problem-solving abilities, quick-learning and creative with aptitude for surmounting challenges.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Fashion Visual Merchandiser
Winston Retail Solutions
03.2023 - 04.2024
- Integrated brand objectives with consumer trends to create engaging displays
- Conveyed the company's vision and messaging through creative visual design, contributing to an enhanced brand image.
- Managed mannequin styling, ensuring alignment with current fashion trends and company branding guidelines.
- Monitored and replenished display inventory and restructured according to available stock.
- Conducted regular competitor analysis, staying informed of industry trends and adjusting visual merchandising strategy as needed to maintain a competitive edge.
Director of Purchasing/Consultant
Lilys Clothiers LLC
08.2013 - 11.2018
- Formulated and maintained budgets, collaborating with department heads for accurate inventory planning.
- Guided vendor relations, overseeing product selection, design, and marketing strategies.
- Managed Profit and Loss responsibilities, including planning, forecasting, and negotiating contracts.
- Developed strategic sourcing plans to identify potential suppliers and achieve best value for the organization.
- Conducted market research to stay informed on industry trends, competitor strategies, and emerging technologies in purchasing management.
Senior Buyer/Consultant
Sukar, Souq.com
12.2012 - 05.2013
- Implemented merchandising strategies for women's contemporary and junior brands.
- Established the Women's Contemporary department and coordinated with Designer/Contemporary label vendors.
- Performed extensive vendor and supplier research to identify cost-effective options and product availability.
- Communicated with vendors regarding inventory needs and negotiated prices to maintain profit margins.
- Represented the company at national and regional trade shows.
Buyer/Planner
Jimmy Jazz Stores
02.2012 - 12.2012
- Overhauled the Ladies Junior department, focusing on contemporary and designer denim, doubling sales to $2M in six months.
- Conducted trend analysis to inform marketing and merchandising strategies.
- Managed inventory and devised a three-year plan projecting a 25% increase in sales growth.
- Collaborated with internal departments to better understand needs and determine purchasing requirements.
- Implemented data-driven strategies to optimize purchasing decisions based on historical trends and market fluctuations.
Buyer
Syms/Filene's Basement
03.2011 - 10.2011
- Managed a diverse portfolio of women's apparel in the Contemporary, Swim and Designer Denim departments, achieving $12.5M in sales
- Executed strategic rebranding initiatives, promoting new designer partnerships within 75 retail locations.
- Collaborated with internal departments to better understand needs and determine purchasing requirements.
- Forecasted purchasing trends and improved merchandising strategies.
- Built long-term supplier relationships with vendors to establish quality and competitive pricing across both entities.
Buyer
Century 21 Department Stores
08.2009 - 09.2010
- Managed $15M in sales plans, overseeing more than 750,000 SKUs across 13 departments.
- Analyzed market trends and developed marketing strategies, leading to a successful online product launch in 2010.
- Managed international vendor relations, negotiations and buys for specific categories like fur, jewelry, and small leather goods.
- Maintained key item stock levels and wrote or expedited purchase orders.
- Provided training and guidance to junior team members on best practices in purchasing, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the procurement department.
Merchandise Manager/Buyer
Macy's Merchandising Group
02.2006 - 09.2009
- Oversaw Macy's private brand Petites division, raising it to $161M, a 4% increase over the previous year.
- Launched seasonal merchandise assortments in alignment with key industry events ensuring timely availability of products.
- Motivated and mentored merchandise team to achieve high performance and job satisfaction.
- Led product management initiatives to align with market demands and consumer preferences.
- Boosted sales performance by effectively managing merchandise assortments and inventory levels.
Buyer
Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet
01.2001 - 02.2006
- Established and managed the newly formed Women's Contemporary department, introducing designer denim, career separates, and high-end labels.
- Oversaw a $5 million sales plan and achieved a 40% growth over three years.
- Developed and implemented purchasing strategies, aligning with market trends.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure favorable terms and enhance product margins with established brands/designers between full priced and outlet stores.
- Managed inventory levels to balance product availability with sales objectives, supporting profitability.
Associate Buyer
Loehmann's Inc.
02.1996 - 02.2001
- Maintained timely product deliveries by effectively communicating with vendors, merchants and distribution center.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of products, improving overall supply chain performance.
- Prepared in-depth reports regarding orders, sales and costs and distributed weekly to appropriate executive and management staff.
Education
BBA - Fashion Merchandising
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, Rhode Island01.2025
Skills
- Inventory Management
- Vendor Negotiation
- Merchandising Strategies
- Market Trend Analysis
- OTB Management
- Visual Merchandising
- Sales Forecasting
- Brand Development
- Marketing Coordination
- Team Leadership
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
- Product Knowledge
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Fashion Visual Merchandiser
Winston Retail Solutions
03.2023 - 04.2024
Director of Purchasing/Consultant
Lilys Clothiers LLC
08.2013 - 11.2018
Senior Buyer/Consultant
Sukar, Souq.com
12.2012 - 05.2013
Buyer/Planner
Jimmy Jazz Stores
02.2012 - 12.2012
Buyer
Syms/Filene's Basement
03.2011 - 10.2011
Buyer
Century 21 Department Stores
08.2009 - 09.2010
Merchandise Manager/Buyer
Macy's Merchandising Group
02.2006 - 09.2009
Buyer
Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet
01.2001 - 02.2006
Associate Buyer
Loehmann's Inc.
02.1996 - 02.2001
BBA - Fashion Merchandising
Johnson & Wales University
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