Julia Barry
Brooklyn,NY
Summary
Dynamic senior merchandiser with 10+ years in corporate retail, emphasizing customer-centric strategy and assortment planning. Proven ability to drive categorical growth, achieving record results for three consecutive years in my current role. Skilled in trend forecasting, product development, and creative concepting. Acknowledged for leadership and talent development that boost team effectiveness and results.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Merchandiser
Anthropologie
New York, New York
02.2023 - Current
- Rebuilt Anthropologie Weddings business with elevated vision and refined product positioning.
- Achieved three consecutive record-breaking years for a 16-year-old business.
- Launched new Occasion Dress Class, expanding premium product offering. Grew to $26 million in three years.
- Collaborated with internal design and product development teams to introduce an owned brand, sourcing premium fabrics and trend-forward designs, achieving 25% market penetration in two years.
- Partner with Creative & Marketing Directors to build Monthly Creative Concepts. Marrying both Assortment Strategy with Creative Vision to create impactful Campaigns that drive Sales & an Elevated POV.
- Develop seasonal product assortments leveraging data analytics and market trend forecasting.
- Own business performance through inventory optimization and weekly open-to-buy strategies.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute visual merchandising strategies in all stores
Buyer - Bridge & Fine Jewelry
Belk
New York, USA
03.2021 - 02.2023
- Managed 6 Departments & 20 Brands
- Achieved $60M FY22 sales volume, surpassing LLY by 35% and increasing margin by $88%, exceeding plan.
- Developed and executed Trend Outpost Strategy, collaborating with Fashion Accessories/Handbags to generate impulse buys from key trends, resulting in $5M incremental annual volume.
- Launched 6 innovative brands, enhancing product assortment and market presence.
Buyer Activewear
Belk
Charlotte, USA
02.2020 - 03.2021
- Promoted during Covid to head up a New Activewear Office, given real time market opportunity.
- Launched first outdoor private brand and five new active national brands while rolling out five existing active brands.
- Developed omni strategy that positioned activewear as a destination at Belk, leveraging market trends for rapid growth.
- Generated $40M FY21 Annual Sales; outpacing last year performance by +17%; including pandemic shut down months
- Increased gross margin by $2M through strategic promotional initiatives tailored to target customer segments.
Associate Buyer Women's RTW - National Brand
Belk
Charlotte, USA
08.2019 - 02.2020
- Developed and executed "Outpost" merchandise strategy, resulting in +18% comp Ttl Division growth.
- Managed national brands including Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Vince C, and Michael Kors.
- Managed vendor relationships to build national brand assortments that enhanced product selection.
Merchandiser Executive Training Program
Belk
Charlotte, USA
06.2017 - 09.2017
- Participated in training program for a Selected Class of Future Merchandise Executives
- Studied & Shadowed Top Level Executives, learning high performance problem solving skills
Sales Intern - Fashion Collaboration Office
Adidas Group
New York, USA
06.2016 - 09.2016
- Supported sales team in market preparation for Adidas Fashion Collaboration Lines: Stella McCartney, Raf Simons, Rick Owens, Y3, Yeezy, contributing to effective product positioning.
Education
Bachelors - Fashion and Textile Management
North Carolina University
05-2017
Skills
- Elevated Assortment Building
- Market trend forecasting
- Strategic Planning
- Team leadership
- Inventory Management
- Sales performance tracking
- Vendor negotiations
- Problem Solving
Timeline
Senior Merchandiser
Anthropologie
02.2023 - Current
Buyer - Bridge & Fine Jewelry
Belk
03.2021 - 02.2023
Buyer Activewear
Belk
02.2020 - 03.2021
Associate Buyer Women's RTW - National Brand
Belk
08.2019 - 02.2020
Merchandiser Executive Training Program
Belk
06.2017 - 09.2017
Sales Intern - Fashion Collaboration Office
Adidas Group
06.2016 - 09.2016
Bachelors - Fashion and Textile Management
North Carolina University