Lauren Valenta
Grafton,WI
Summary
I’m a motivated professional who thrives on building meaningful, long-term client relationships while keeping budgets, strategy, and end goals front and center. In my current role, I manage 200+ client relationships, partnering closely with stakeholders to deliver thoughtful solutions that balance performance and practicality.
My background spans both retail buying and financial planning, giving me a well-rounded perspective on decision-making, forecasting, and value creation. I enjoy working at the intersection of relationship management and strategic execution, and I’m driven by helping clients achieve measurable results while building trust along the way.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Account Executive
Aisle Logic, Inc
Jackson, WI
05.2018 - Current
- Consistently exceed sales targets by identifying new business opportunities and delivering customized client solutions
- Manage portfolio of high-value accounts, driving account growth while maintaining strong customer satisfaction and retention
- Monitor industry trends and competitive landscape, adjusting sales strategies to maintain market positioning
- Lead cross-functional collaboration with marketing and product development teams to deliver comprehensive sales proposals
- Directed successful product launches aligned to customer needs, strengthening long-term client partnerships
Merchandise Planner
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc
Milwaukee, WI
09.2017 - 05.2018
- Developed and executed seasonal financial plans for a $50M business, aligning sales, margin, and inventory strategies to corporate objectives
- Directed monthly Open-to-Buy process, optimizing inventory investment and in-season reforecasting
- Partnered with Buyer and Assistant Planner to develop strategic assortment vision and replenishment models
- Managed allocation strategies to achieve sales, turn, and gross margin goals
- Owned planning and buying responsibilities for Better Handbag vendors within a $40M division
- Developed bottom-up financial plans across 257 stores, driving 38% sales growth through brand expansion
- Built strategic vendor partnerships; attended market to curate assortments aligned to financial targets
- Negotiated high-volume key item cost structure ($5.50/unit) on 125K+ annual units, generating $1M in sales at 50% margin (~$500K gross profit)
Associate Merchant
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc
Milwaukee, WI
01.2016 - 09.2017
- Supported open-to-buy process for a $66M footwear business, managing financial and vendor forecasts
- Analyzed in-season sales and inventory trends; implemented recommendations resulting in a 1% sales increase
- Developed promotional and pricing strategies for key events to support financial objectives and improve future execution
Assistant Merchant
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc
Milwaukee, WI
01.2015 - 12.2015
- Supported open-to-buy process for a $66M footwear business, managing financial and vendor forecasts
- Analyzed in-season sales and inventory trends; implemented recommendations resulting in a 1% sales increase
- Developed promotional and pricing strategies for key events to support financial objectives and improve future execution
Education
Bachelor of Science -
Skills
- Business Development and Planning
- Client Relationship Building
- Category Strategy & Ownership
- Vendor Negotiation & Cost Optimization
- Financial Planning & Forecasting
- Open-to-Buy (P&L) Management
- Brand Expansion & Assortment Curation
- Trend & Competitive Analysis
Timeline
Account Executive
Aisle Logic, Inc
05.2018 - Current
Merchandise Planner
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc
09.2017 - 05.2018
Associate Merchant
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc
01.2016 - 09.2017
Assistant Merchant
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc
01.2015 - 12.2015