KARLA GRAHAM
Cambridge,MN
Summary
Self-motivated and energetic retail professional with over 25 years of experience in buying, planning, and category management. Bringing solid history of success in increasing financial productivity. Cultivates professional relationships with key internal and external partners. Hard working, results-oriented professional with exceptional analytical and multi-tasking abilities.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Category Manager
Camping World
Lakeville, MN
11.2020 - Current
- Executed and achieved category sales, gross margin goals through strong merchandising strategies and building compelling customer centric assortments.
- Performed vendor rationalization reports, built and strengthened strategic vendor partners.
- Negotiated with key vendors for best cost, terms, timely delivery, and exclusive product opportunities to achieve category sales goals
- Successfully launched new exclusive private brands, increasing category sales by 20% .
- Incorporated suggested changes to layouts and promotions to drive sales
Senior Account Manager
Three Sixty Sales
Minneapolis, MN
06.2018 - 04.2020
- Primary responsibilities included manufacturer/retailer coordination, data analysis, problem solving and sales support for multi-department businesses at Target and Bed Bath & Beyond
- Facilitated entire private label development process between retailer and manufacturer building assortments that maximized retailers’ financial goals
- Generated insightful analysis and recommendations to retailers that ensured positive financial results, relating to inventory levels, store allocation and planogram placement.
- Successfully onboarded new vendors in both Target’s drop ship programs as well as new Owned Brand program.
- Produced vendor workshops, providing insight on competitive landscape, determined white space opportunities and provided trend direction
- Working knowledge of Target’s systems including Merch IQ, IMN, PCN, Launchpad, AVP, CNA and Conceptboard.
Buyer
Christopher & Banks
Plymouth, MN
08.2016 - 05.2018
- Responsible for strategic direction and financial performance of $30M bottoms business
- Strategized with cross-functional teams to create assortments that were trend-right and achieved department financial goals
- Optimized core denim program that accounted for 30% of department sales through key vendor partnership, increasing fit options and expanded sizes/lengths in key markets.
- Communicated with vendors regarding inventory needs and negotiated prices to maintain profit margins.
Buyer
AM Retail Group, Wilsons Leather Division
Brooklyn Park, MN
11.2010 - 06.2016
- Responsible for strategic direction and financial performance of $65 Million Men’s Outerwear business
- Exceeded financial goals; achieved +55% sales growth over 3-year period and improved gross margin by 4.4% points
- Created seasonal assortments including private label, branded and licensed merchandise
- Determined localized and regional assortments
- Grew strategic relationships with our NY based corporate team including: Designers, Account Managers, and Sourcing team
- Improved product productivity and determined necessary reallocation of space to maximize sales results.
District Planner
Macy’s
Minneapolis, MN
01.2008 - 11.2010
- Maximized sales, margin and turn by store location through analysis of localization opportunities
- Grew sales in 2009 by 8% and 2010 by 5%.
- Conducted monthly store visits and collaborated with Store leadership team, providing business opportunities
- Identified and communicated assortment recommendations to merchant team in NY, through localized analysis and competitive market research
- Built sales plans by each category of business and determined appropriate space allocation to increase sales and gross margin year over year.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships with store personnel.
Planner
Macy's
Minneapolis , MN
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Created sales projections and adjusted purchase plans to maximize inventory.
- Identified risks and established opportunities to drive growth and increase profit through effective inventory management.
- Introduced new Go to Market process; considering fixture capacity by location, sell-thru history and sales volume
- Established strong vendor relationships to maintain and support profitable business.
Buyer
Saks Incorporated
St. Cloud, MN
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Developed and executed department merchandising strategies, achieving sales, gross margin and turnover goals.
- Optimized seasonal assortments based on analysis of trends and industry opportunities maximizing sales and profitability.
- Negotiated with key vendors for markdown assistance and receipt reductions in season as needed.
- Successfully rolled out new private label programs.
Merchandise Planning Manager
Marshall Fields
Minneapolis , MN
01.2002 - 01.2005
- Responsible for inventory and financial execution of over $30 Million business of Home Décor and Christmas Trim
- Achieved 200% sales increase by managing launch of new home décor business concept
- Consistently improved results by right sizing sku count, and evaluating business requirements by category.
- Lead team of 5 analysts; coached and mentored 3 to promotions
- Executed in-season pricing strategies, promotions and markdowns to reach financial targets.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud, MNSkills
- Assortment Planning
- Critical Thinking
- Strategic Business Planning
- Analytical
- Inventory Management
- Budget Forecasting
- Excellent verbal and written communication
Timeline
Senior Category Manager
Camping World
11.2020 - Current
Senior Account Manager
Three Sixty Sales
06.2018 - 04.2020
Buyer
Christopher & Banks
08.2016 - 05.2018
Buyer
AM Retail Group, Wilsons Leather Division
11.2010 - 06.2016
District Planner
Macy’s
01.2008 - 11.2010
Planner
Macy's
01.2007 - 01.2008
Buyer
Saks Incorporated
01.2005 - 01.2007
Merchandise Planning Manager
Marshall Fields
01.2002 - 01.2005
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
St. Cloud State University
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