Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Linda F. Cole

Summary

Accomplished buyer with over 13 years of off-price, mass merchant, department and specialty store experience in Men's, Young, Men's, Ready to Wear, Intimate Apparel, Accessories, and Kids. Proven record of driving sales and margin to achieve financial objectives. Customer-focused, with the ability to identify trends and translate them to appeal to the target guest, with strong communication, analytical, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Buyer

Variety Wholesalers Inc
Henderson, NC
02.2024 - Current
  • Define and execute merchandise strategies to deliver financial objectives. Began as Boys and Young Men's buyer and moved to Men's/Big Men's Tops and Young Men's.
  • Increased sales in Boys 4.9% over LY through identification of strategic opportunities.
  • Negotiated with vendors and developed assortments to open over 200 Big Lots stores within 4 months.
  • React to business trends, store and customer feedback for continuous improvement.

Buyer, Girls’ Apparel & Accessories

Beall's Stores Inc
Bradenton, FL
02.2020 - 03.2022
  • Executed merchandise strategies to meet sales and margin objectives for Girl’s division.
  • Curated assortment of playwear, dresses, swim, active, basics, and accessories to align with new corporate strategy.
  • Analyzed business performance to identify opportunities, pricing strategies, and promotions to drive sales.
  • Recognized as Buyer of the Month for August 2021 for surpassing sales and margin targets.

Buyer, Indirect Procurement

Service Corporation International
Houston, TX
03.2017 - 02.2020
  • Managed $10M in spend and vendor relationships for office and general supplies for 2,000 locations.
  • Monitored contracts to ensure compliance with vendor agreements.
  • Created and analyzed spend reports to identify cost-savings opportunities.
  • Negotiated pricing and terms for contracts and renewals.

Buyer, Petite Sportswear

Stage Stores
Houston, TX
06.2008 - 01.2017
  • Analyzed sales performance and identified business opportunities for $30M petite sportswear department.
  • Negotiated with over 20 vendors for optimal pricing, vendor allowances, advertising coop and opportunity buys to maximize sales and profits.
  • Developed and trained assistant buyers, facilitating transitions to higher volume areas.
  • Achieved Trifecta award for surpassing sales and margin targets in Q4 2014.
  • Progressed from Sr. Assistant Buyer to Buyer based on exceptional sales and margin results.

Buyer, Girls Sportswear

Dillard's
Fort Worth, TX
07.2006 - 06.2008
  • Selected, purchased and allocated merchandise for $15M area across 67 stores in Texas and southern Louisiana.
  • Achieved top corporate buyer ranking in sales, margin, turn, and ROI for 2007.
  • Generated 30% of profit from 25% of purchases while increasing penetration across all five departments.
  • Promoted from Assistant Buyer in bridge sportswear to Buyer based on performance.

Education

MBA - Marketing

University of Illinois
Urbana-Champaign, IL

BS - Business Administration

Florida A&M University
Tallahassee, FL

Skills

  • Merchandising and Assortment Planning
  • Inventory Management
  • Financial Analysis and Negotiations
  • Relationship Building
  • Product Development
  • Training and Development

Timeline

Buyer

Variety Wholesalers Inc
02.2024 - Current

Buyer, Girls’ Apparel & Accessories

Beall's Stores Inc
02.2020 - 03.2022

Buyer, Indirect Procurement

Service Corporation International
03.2017 - 02.2020

Buyer, Petite Sportswear

Stage Stores
06.2008 - 01.2017

Buyer, Girls Sportswear

Dillard's
07.2006 - 06.2008

MBA - Marketing

University of Illinois

BS - Business Administration

Florida A&M University

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