Laura Meyer
Chicago,IL
Summary
Experienced Wholesale Brand Specialist and Account Coordinator with a demonstrated history of working in national department stores, specialty stores, and working independently as well as part of a team. Skilled in visual merchandising, building strong client relationships, and account management. Proven track record of driving sales and revenue growth through effective planning and cross-functional collaboration.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Brand Representative
Third Channel - Kate Spade Handbags and SLGs
06.2023 - 12.2023
- Executed monthly floor sets to bring newest bags and accessories to front of shop while rotating older existing merchandise to the back of shop and sale tables at Macy's and Nordstrom accounts.
- Organized backstock for ease of access during peak selling times.
- Educated store associates on brand history, new monthly receipts and the stories behind them.
- Communicated product value, quality, and style to educate and entice potential customers.
- Granted extra main aisle outpost during holiday season through strong partnerships at top Flagship store.
Wholesale Brand Specialist
PVH - Calvin Klein and TUG Retail Development Team
09.2017 - 10.2023
- Ongoing collaborations with Account Executives to fine-tune assortment geared towards specific stores and markets which allowed to keep aggressive sales plan flat but increased sales 8% to LY post-Covid at top Flagship door
- Routinely recruited, fostered, and motivated PVH provided instore Macy's Merchandise Handlers and Sales Support Associates to maximize brand standards, goals and productivity
- Consistently built department store relationships with all business partners by acting as a brand liaison and practicing transparency to execute brand strategies to drive sales
- Streamlined communication between the NY office (Retail Development/Sales/Marketing) and the Field Team by setting clear expectations, processes, procedures, and store updates
- Increased brand awareness at Macy's and Bloomingdales through strong weekly merchandising strategies, executing detailed quarterly floor plans and in-store marketing, and creating grassroots events as needed.
- Launched successful rollout of CKUM and CKUW at national Kohl's locations through shop installations, trainings and in store contests.
Midwest Account Coordinator
TRG - Victorinox Swiss Army
01.2005 - 01.2010
- Managed 2.9 million dollar territory of department, specialty, and outdoor retailers in Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Missouri
- Partnered with Macy's Regional Bridal Manager to grow existing bridal business through training, contests, bridal events, and acquiring outposts
- Sales increased by 135% in 18 months and best practices were utilized by entire Field Coordinator Team using form created to ensure proper sell through
- Engaged with Store Management and District Merchants to acquire prime real estate
- Attended quarterly buying meetings with National Account Manager and assisted with setting proper model stock levels for all tiers
- Initiated and lead monthly, quarterly, and annual seminars to ensure staff product knowledge and brand integrity within specialty and department store accounts
- Executed all visual setup and maintenance of space at annual NLDA and TGA trade shows.
Shop Coordinator
Polo Ralph Lauren - Wholesale Retail Development Team
12.2003 - 01.2005
- Responsible for all visual execution, maintenance, and sales goals for a 2.1 million dollar territory of men's sportswear and dress furnishings for Midwest Bloomingdale's shops
- Increased sales for Bloomingdale's Michigan Ave by exceeding seasonal sales plan by 7% through visual execution and constant product knowledge training
- Assisted with recruitment, training, and management of all PRL provided selling and merchandising specialists
- Organized seasonal seminars and mini fashion shows for store staff to highlight new collections and trends.
Education
BS in Retail Merchandising & Marketing -
Bradley University
Peoria, ILSkills
- Expert Visual Merchandiser
- Deep knowledge of National Department Stores
- Proven Sales Driver
- Hiring and Coaching Store Staff
- Strong Communicator
- Brand Positioning
- Account Management
- Effective Time Management
Timeline
Brand Representative
Third Channel - Kate Spade Handbags and SLGs
06.2023 - 12.2023
Wholesale Brand Specialist
PVH - Calvin Klein and TUG Retail Development Team
09.2017 - 10.2023
Midwest Account Coordinator
TRG - Victorinox Swiss Army
01.2005 - 01.2010
Shop Coordinator
Polo Ralph Lauren - Wholesale Retail Development Team
12.2003 - 01.2005
BS in Retail Merchandising & Marketing -
Bradley University
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