LIZA PEEPLES
Saint Louis,MO
Summary
Numbers and analysis-driven professional with 11+ years of cross-functional retail experience. Skilled in clearly summarizing top-level data and presenting strategy to executive level at internal as well as vendor community/retail store partners. Collaborative and self-motivated to learn, applying creativity, fun and thoughtfulness to every initiative. Passionate about product and learning what customers want and how.
Program Proficiency - Microsoft Office & Teams, SAP, ERAM/Microstrategies, OTB programs/excel based, SAS. Excel - Miss Excel certified, pivots/lookups/macros.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Brand Partner
Belk (Remote)
Saint Louis, MO
07.2023 - Current
- Develops and manages Skechers Footwear at Belk from prelines thru delivery. This include communication and coordination with vendors, price negotiation to achieve maximum margin, PO maintenance, VA/Co-op fund negotiations.
- Creates assortments for Skechers Men, Women, and Kids Footwear departments. Prepare and maintain assortment plans for all categories of responsibility.
- Plans 12-14 months out and maintains in-season forecasts and future OO for best inventory mix. Plans pricing, promotions, and markdowns.
- Researches the market regularly to understand the competitive landscape and brand opportunities by category.
Merchandise Planner
Bare Necessities
Secaucus, NJ
03.2023 - 07.2023
- Prepared pre-season original plans, financial sales, gross margin and inventory with company's top-down goals. Prepared 5 year horizon plans.
- Analyzed promotional effectiveness to make plan future marketing calendar.
- Developed product purchasing and sales strategies according to company budgets - private brand mix vs. national brand mix.
- Monitored product margins and managed product resales.
- Collaborated with team regarding product pricing, promotions and markdowns.
- Analyzed buying trends to identify appropriate mix of inventory items for top-tier sales.
Demand & Inventory Planner
Bed Bath & Beyond
Union, NJ
10.2022 - 03.2023
- Forecasted and bought for $100M houseware departments
- Preps and leads vendor meetings for Kitchen Housewares
- Identifies sales opportunities using RELEX demand planning tool; presents business health weekly internally & to vendor community
- Replenished 600+ stores and 6 + warehouses/RDCs partnered with import managers and vendors. Managed store and DC closures.
ECommerce Merchant, Associate
Sunny Sports
New York, NY
12.2021 - 10.2022
- Managed OTB for $2M+ budget focusing on GMROI and inventory targets
- Achieved +5% YoY sales; increased key item sales + 200% over LY
- Implemented inventory & receipt management, built and maintained OTB
- Reported directly into DMM; Presented strategy and recaps monthly to VP
- Forecasted and planned ecomm business 12 months out, responsible for all allocation
- Attended trade shows, onboarded new vendors, developed vendor partnerships
- Negotiated costs and terms, specifically on volume driver SKUs; Implemented drop ship in key areas
- Collaborated with Site Merchant and Marketing team to increase conversion and AOV on site
- Reduced aged inventory by 12%; Grew marketplace sales 10%, incrementally.
Real Estate Salesperson
Keller Williams
Ridgewood, NJ
12.2019 - 12.2021
- Closed $3M+ in real estate transactions with Keller Williams.
- Consulted with escrow companies and lenders to validate completion of terms and conditions of purchase agreement by closing date.
- Created marketing materials such as flyers, brochures, postcards and emails to promote properties.
- Monitored changes in zoning laws or other regulations that could affect property values or the saleability of properties.
- Recipient of Top 10 New Agent sales award.
Assistant Buyer, Footwear
Designer Brands
Columbus, OH
02.2012 - 03.2013
- Managed $100M business, exceeded aggressive 2012 GM% plan by 3.1% and sales plan by $2M
- Attended trade shows and regional vendor meetings
- Collaborated with planners, predicted future market trends to collectively forecast 12+ months out
- Worked to secure closeouts to keep product flowing into stores via drop ins
- Negotiated prices, managed OTB/inventory, laddered key items to drive sales
Account Manager
State Farm
Knoxville, TN
02.2011 - 02.2012
Social Media Associate
Caleres
Saint Louis, MO
03.2010 - 09.2010
- Conducted market research to identify target audiences and their preferences.
- Managed relationships with influencers by creating mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Provided guidance on best practices related to SEO optimization within all posts.
- Engaged with and responded to online audience through relevant comments.
- Assisted with the development of new product launches through targeted promos.
Associate Account Executive
Caleres
Saint Louis, MO
09.2008 - 03.2010
- Launched and grew Fergalicious junior brand to over $8M; Grew Hot Kiss junior brand from $5M to $12M
- Forecasted plans ($34M) to grow business with key wholesale accounts - Famous Footwear, JCPenney & Sears
- Worked with off-price retailers on private label footwear (Ross, Spring) to drive incremental sales, increase profit
- Demonstrated cross-functional expertise when working w/ product development, sales, and service teams
- Negotiated and managed prices with China offices and third party agents (Dolphin footwear).
Store Manager
Caleres
Houston, TX
07.2007 - 09.2008
- Coordinated team leader motivational initiatives to incentivize professional growth and program improvements.
- Interviewed and hired team members which demonstrated dedication and added value to team.
- Evaluated store performance and incorporated feedback to implement improvement plans.
- Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
Regional Merchandising Representative
Caleres
Saint Louis, MO
07.2006 - 07.2007
- Increased Heritage Brand sales in Macy's Midwest door 5%
- Presented case study on Naturalizer pop up shops.
Education
MBA - Business Administration And Management
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL05-2011
Bachelor of Science - Marketing, Retail
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL05-2006
Skills
- Pricing Negotiations
- Sales Experience
- Inventory Monitoring
- Vendor Relations
- Strategic Planning
- Forecasting
- Presentation
- Account Management
- Data Analysis
- Business Development
Websites
Timeline
Brand Partner
Belk (Remote)
07.2023 - Current
Merchandise Planner
Bare Necessities
03.2023 - 07.2023
Demand & Inventory Planner
Bed Bath & Beyond
10.2022 - 03.2023
ECommerce Merchant, Associate
Sunny Sports
12.2021 - 10.2022
Real Estate Salesperson
Keller Williams
12.2019 - 12.2021
Assistant Buyer, Footwear
Designer Brands
02.2012 - 03.2013
Account Manager
State Farm
02.2011 - 02.2012
Social Media Associate
Caleres
03.2010 - 09.2010
Associate Account Executive
Caleres
09.2008 - 03.2010
Store Manager
Caleres
07.2007 - 09.2008
Regional Merchandising Representative
Caleres
07.2006 - 07.2007
MBA - Business Administration And Management
University of Florida
Bachelor of Science - Marketing, Retail
University of Florida